ThePokemon TCG’s long and storied history began with the original 151 Pokemon from Kanto, which includes some of the most popular Pokemon ever. These classic Pokemon are highlights of some ofthe most expensive sets in the Pokemon TCG,as Charizard, Gengar, Blastoise, and Venusaur are still four of the most popular Pokemon in modern sets.
In addition to including some of the best Pokemon ever to grace a TCG set, FireRed & LeafGreen also boasts an excellent art style that uses cosmos holo patterns. These gorgeous patterns include circles and swirls that can appear on the backgrounds of the best FireRed & LeafGreen cards, distinguishing each copy as unique.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGPlayerMarket Price,which you might pay on average for a copy of the cards below.
Given the age and rarity of these cards, only those with anestablished market price on TCGplayerare included.
However,sale prices differ depending on the card’s condition,so this market price is just a rough idea of the card’s value.
10Clefable Ex (Ultra Rare) – $44.95
A Mesmerizing Metronome
Clefable kicks things off with Metronome-themed artwork to capture our attention, as the hypnotic pattern behind it seems designed to keep us focused on this Fairy-type’s finger.
Most cards in FireRed & LeafGreen (FR & LG) boast a similarly vibrant 3D style, making their subjectsstand out with gorgeous action shots.
Damaged copies of Clefable are extremely affordable at under ten dollars, though heavily played(HP)doubles in price to the $20 range. Moderately played(MP)cards can jump into the mid-20s, while lightly played(LP)moves the needle even further to $35.
9Charmander (Secret Rare) – $52.27
Return Of A Classic
This Charizard pose may seem familiar because it’s the same design you may have seen on the Charmander fromthe original Base Set.However, this version has the gorgeous cosmos patterns commonly seen during the Neo era.
The base set version didn’t have Cosmos holos, but it did boast Unlimited, Shadowless, and First Edition versions to collect.
Charmander sells foras much as $52.40 in NM condition,while LP copies drop into the $36 to $38 range if you don’t need the best version. For a further discount, MP clocks in at around $22.
8Electrode Ex (Ultra Rare) – $54.82
Just Happy To Be Here
Electrode takes an unexpected lead from Charmander, though this ex-card features a fantastic depiction of Electrode with electricity crackling around it. Electrode’s signature smirk persists as it glances behind at the crackling energy, epically portraying this Pokemon.
If you can find one in NM condition, expect to pay around the market price, as there are sales as high as $56, with LP cards only dropping to $50. MP and HP cost closer to $30, though it depends heavily on the condition of the specific card.
7Moltres Ex (Secret Rare) – $156.00
Putting The Fire In FireRed
This sizzling Secret Rare heats things up with a huge jump in price, claiming a $100 lead over Electrode in the fight to be the most valuable card in FireRed & LeafGreen.
Unsurprisingly, this Secret Rare is solidly amongthe most expensive Moltres cards everdue to its rarity and gorgeous art.
A single NM sale at $156 sets the market price, but HP cards typically trade in the $40 range if you’d prefer to own this card cheaply, rather than hunt for the perfect copy. However, if you want to find a middle ground,LP copiescan be foundfor a few dollars below the $100 mark,offering a substantial discount on the market price.
6Gyarados Ex (Ultra Rare) – $159.99
Climbing Waterfalls
Gyarados appears with terrifying artwork to introduce it, offering one of the most unsettling Pokemon depictions in the entire set. Most other cards in FR & LG offer bright, whimsical scenes, but Gyarados takes the opposite approach with this dark scene.
Gyarados' popularity and roster of expensive cardsis difficult for any Water-type Pokemon to match, but another Kantonian favorite exceeds that.
An NM copy sold for $199 shortly after another NM sold at $150, leaving a little range for this card, even at the highest condition tier. Luckily, MP cards offer a great opportunity for a discount, fetching closer to $70, while damaged copies can be scooped up for below $30.
5Blastoise Ex (Ultra Rare) – $165.75
Falling Below Its Peers
Blastoise beats out its fellow Water-type Gyarados as one of the most valuable FireRed & LeafGreen cards, though it will settle for third place among its fellow starters with sky-high prices to come.
Blastoise commands a respectable value inLP and NM conditions, with sales ranging from $161 to $210,an NM card determining the minimum, selling below other LP copies. Timing is important, and this card’s range gives ample opportunities to get a deal if you’re careful.
4Articuno Ex (Secret Rare) – $176.95
The Top Bird
Articuno soars above its fellow legendary Pokemon, Moltres, eclipsing its value by about $20, though not enough to shut the door on Moltres ever seeing a resurgence.
Card values ebb and flow over time,so Articuno’s current lead may grow or evaporate at different points.
NM copies have ramped up in price, moving from $179 to $203 in consecutive sales, with LP following suit at about $95. It’s difficult to find this card in good raw condition, as clean copies are often sent in to be graded.
3Venusaur Ex (Ultra Rare) – $296.48
A Vibrant, Verdant Point Of View
Venusaur blossoms to a breathtaking level above Articuno, as this bright card captures our attention and wallets with an almost $300 price tag.
Fortunately, you won’t be forced to pay anywhere near the market price unless you’re looking for a copy in NM condition.
Venusaur is very affordable inLP condition, dropping to $109and offering almost $200 off the price of a Venusaur ex in NM condition. The MP copies drop to about $80, while serious bargain-hunters can find HP copies for as little as $64.99.
2Gengar Ex (Ultra Rare) – $301.25
The Perfect Gengar
Gengar’s reign as the most popular Pokemon in North America is unchallenged, as this Kantonian classic stands the test of time witha roster of valuable vintage cards.
There are a few other Gengar with a similar value, leaving you with a difficult choice if you may only buy one. Considering this card’s age and rarity, it’s easily one of the best Gengar cards to own in NM condition.
A damaged sale set the floor at $99 for this card, while anNM copy commanded over $301,setting the pace for the rest to follow. HP copies sell for around $110, with MP shooting up to the $200 mark, illustrating the demand for this card. Lastly, anLP copy clocked in at just above $260,making the NM market price seem extremely fair.
1Charizard Ex (Ultra Rare) – $694.99
The GOAT For A Reason
Charizard ex makes a massive leap ahead of its next closest competition, leaving Gengar in the dust despite the high value of the Ghost-type favorite.The mid-fire-breathing artwork captures Charizard during an epic moment,as the flames are accented perfectly with holographic sparkles that make this scene stand out.
This card earns its position as one ofthe most valuable Charizard cards of all time,as it continues to climb in value as time goes on.
An NM sale in September 2024 reached as high as $950, with another sale around $834. MP copies drop to $399.99, which is still significant for this iconic Fire-type Pokemon, makingCharizard the undisputed best card in FireRed & LeafGreen.
