151 Kanto Sub Set: Top 10 Most Valuable Cards from the Set

With the upcoming release of the ”151” (Pokémon Card 151 or 151 Kanto Sub Set) special set, we'll discuss the set's top 10 most expensive cards and give you a few notes and honorable mentions too.

It's worth noting that, in this analysis, the market value is considered using the American dollar as a parameter for the cards and their rankings, and I'll also be considering the Japanese version of the set, and not the western version.

10 - Mewtwo (Reverse Foil - Master Ball - 150/165)

We already start with a peculiar case in which "baby" versions of cards steal the spotlight to the point of matching ultra rare cards, reaching the same value as a “Secret Art Rare” card from the set - probably because we're talking about the iconic Mewtwo, the first artificially created Pokémon.

The difference here is its "reverse foil" effect, which makes this card more expensive, considering we have two versions of this card in this set: one will have the common Poké-Ball logo, and the other will have the Master Ball logo. This last one increases the card's value, and, on top of it, we're talking about the incredible Akira Egawa, so it is fair to see her artwork here. The way this card shines is surreal.

Its current value is averaging US$73.29.

9 - Blastoise ex (Secret Art Rare - 202/165)

This is one of the most beautiful illustrations in the set, made by the honorable Mitsuhiro Arita.

Blastoise's artwork with the surrounding corals and cliffs below the sea shows this artist's potent technique. With this painting technique, this artwork brings realism to the Pokémon world.

Its current value is averaging US$83.25.

8 - Mew ex (Gold Full Art - 208/165)

This is practically the only Pokémon in this set with this rarity and the "Gold" version, and, considering this is the Pokémon responsible for the genetic code and spread of Pokémon DNA, nothing could be fairer than paying it this honor.

Its current value is averaging US$95.15.

7 - Zapdos ex (Secret Art Rare - 204/165)

In the article I discussed the most beautiful artworks in the set, the illustration containing Kanto's legendary bird trio made by the incredible Shiburingaru (which also created this wonderful Charizard VMAX PR-SW SWSH261 in Charizard's American UPC), unfortunately gets seventh place, but it is still a great work of art. It might possibly even deserve to be further up in this ranking.

Its current value is averaging US$99.40.

6 - Gengar (Reverse Foil - Master Ball - 094/165)

Do you remember what I said about Akira Egawa's Mewtwo? About the "Reverse Foil with Master Ball" thing? Here, the same thing happens.

Tomokazu Komiya's work is known for its chalk-like style, with distorted Pokémon.

Its current value is averaging US$199.00.

5 - Erika's Invitation (Special Illustration Rare - 206/165)

We have here one of the Kanto gym leaders present in the set, very admired in Japan (mostly) due to her traditional clothing, something cultural there - and which probably might explain her high cost.

Its current value is averaging US$213.81.

4 - Charizard ex (Secret Art Rare - 201/165)

To no one's surprise, Charizard gets really close to the top 3, but it is incredibly not above it, as there are more expensive cards which really caught everyone off guard considering how the market is developing with people's preferences for certain characters and their demand.

But it's worth remembering that every good Charizard long-term, is worth a good return of investment.

Its current value is averaging US$215.64.

3 - Erika's Invitation (Reverse Foil - Master Ball - 161/165)

We have a surprise here! This is a regular card, but the difference in it is its "reverse foil" shine, which made it overcome Charizard ex!

Once again, Erika is one of the players' favorite characters.

Its current value is averaging US$222.32.

2 - Mew ex (Secret Art Rare - 205/165)

Many are looking for this card rather insanely due to its foil effect, which makes it seem like the sun is setting in the background.

Its current value is averaging US$265.78.

1 - Pikachu (Reverse Foil - Master Ball - 025/165)

We have another surprise here! This is a regular card with a "reverse foil" effect, overcoming Charizard ex SAR and even Mew ex SAR.

Apparently, currently, this card is considered the most coveted card by collectors, and, of course, it is the company's mascot, which always goes up in value long-term.

Its current value is averaging US$291.48.

Gyarados (Reverse Foil - Master Ball - /165)

This is another Pokémon which is tightly tied to the strong "dragon fish" eastern culture, based on mythology, besides carrying the nostalgia factor.

Its current value is averaging US$67.91.

Venusaur ex (Secret Art Rare - 130/165)

As incredible as it sounds, even though it should be in the top 3 most expensive cards, just like its companions, Blastoise and Charizard, it is unfortunately below all of them.

Even then, it is not wise to ignore it, because it also has a good set profitability base and potential resale value, alongside other Kanto starters.

Its current value is averaging US$64.99.

Eevee (Reverse Foil - Master Ball - 133/165)

This card doesn't need an introduction. Besides Pikachu and Charizard, Eevee is also one of the company's main moneymakers, and its demand is always high up in the charts.

Its current value is averaging US$74.99.

Snorlax (Reverse Foil - Master Ball - 143/165)

Closing our honorable mentions, we have this "regular" version of a card with a "reverse foil" effect, which managed to fetch a higher price than its secret art card, Snorlax sv2a 181.

Its current value is averaging US$74.99.

What did you think of the list? How would you build your top 10 most expensive "151" cards, based on your own research? Comment down below!

See you next time!