Legendary Pokemon are often highly collected in thePokemon TCG, with some ofthe most valuable cards featuring popular Pokemon like Entei,selling for sky-high sums. The most expensive Ho-Oh card confirms that Entei isn’t the only Fire-type legendary Pokemon that commands a high dollar value for its best cards.
The most expensive Ho-Oh cards feature a solid lineup of cards from a variety of sets, though, unsurprisingly, most of them are from a few ofthe best vintage sets in the Pokemon TCG. From its earliest introductions in Johto to its continued popularity, the most valuable Ho-Oh cards are alive and well in the marketplace.
Cards are valued according to theirTCGPlayerMarket Price,which you mightpay for a near-mintcopy of the (first edition, where applicable) cards below.
Given their age and rarity,sale prices are vastly different depending on condition,so this is just a rough idea of the card’s value.
6Ho-Oh Ex: Unseen Forces (Ultra Rare) – $63.99
A Force To Be Reckoned With
Unseen Forces isone of the best sets from the EX eraand this Ho-Oh ex artwork offers a memorable start to the most expensive Ho-Oh cards of all time. Ho-Oh roars into the frame as it soars directly at us, giving a perfect view of this legendary Pokemon in all its glory.
While its price is relatively cheap compared to some of the other best Ho-Oh cards, the Ho-Oh ex can command over $100 in near-mint (NM) condition, witha lightly played (LP) copy selling for $99.99.
Although TCGplayer isn’t the only place to buy Pokemon cards, you won’t find many clean copies of this card available, as most vintage cards in top-tier condition are graded.
5Ho-Oh Ex: Pop Series 3 (Non-Holo Rare) – $70.00
An Unusual Role Reversal
This rare find from Pop Series 3 is an unusual inclusion among the most expensive Ho-Oh cards ever, beating out the Holo version in an unusual twist.
The Pop Series line of packs is an incredible part of Pokemon history, with the famous Pop Series 5 Umbreon Star representingthe most expensive Eeveelution card of all time.
You can find heavily played (HP) copies available for as little as $15, while an NM copy of this Ho-Oh will run you closer to $70. While the cleanest condition doesn’t exceed the possible value of the Unseen Forces Ho-Oh, this card claims a higher market value until more sales are recorded.
4Ho-Oh Ex: Dragons Exalted (Full Art) – $94.14
A Mid-Modern Moneymaker
The Ho-Oh from Dragon’s Exalted is an excellent example of what you can expect to find in some ofthe most valuable Black & White Era booster boxes. Ho-Oh fills the frame with its fantastic rainbow wings, giving a perfect complementary mix of colors to go with the ethereal background pattern.
The condition makes a massive difference in this card’s value, as LP or lower ranges between $15 to $35 in price, while you’ll see a massive spike for cleaner cards.NM copies command in the region of $100,exceeding this price in cases when the card looks like it would receive a high grade.
3Ho-Oh: Call Of Legends (Shiny Holo Rare) – $126.99
Shining Through The Shadows
This rare appearance of Shiny Ho-Oh is a treat, as we see another example of Ho-Oh’s vibrant wings juxtaposing a darker, mysterious background, much like the Dragons Exalted full art. Ho-Oh’s golden wings with red accents present a perfect pairing ofcolors to complete this card’s polychromatic palette.
This Ho-Oh card is a great choice if you enjoy the Pokemon, especially if you don’t mind settling for one in less-than-ideal condition. You can buy HP copies for around $35, while upgrading to an LP card will cost about $90, whileminty fresh copies can command north of $125.
2Ho-Oh: Neo Revelation (Holo Rare) – $249.88
Spreading Rainbow Wings
The Ho-Oh from Neo Revelation might be the most beautiful representation of Ho-Oh, as we can appreciate its fully extended wingspan and collection of vibrant colors that complete the rainbow.
Afirst-editioncopy commands a significant premium, selling forover double the price of the Unlimited versionin some cases.
Although you’ll rarely find this card raw in near-mint condition, expect to pay much more than $250, as that was the price that an LP copy sold for.Until an NM copy sells on TCGplayer,the displayed market price will remain capped at the cost of an LP.
1Ho-Oh: Skyridge (Secret Rare) – $360.00
A Sparkling Crystal Pokemon
The Crystal Ho-Oh from Skyridge is an exceptional example of why this is one of the most desirable sets in the history of Pokemon, boasting beautiful cards like this incredible Ho-Oh.
The large amount of space on the right side of the card is the perfect place forswirls– whirpool-like cosmos patterns on the holo foil. Swirls typicallyincrease a card’s desirability and, in turn, the price.
While its market price sits at a modest middle ground between recent sales,an LP copy commanded just shy of $600,indicating that an NM copy will soar high above that amount. Unfortunately, a lack of sales data gives a slightly modest estimated market price, but this card remainsthe most expensive Ho-Ohnonetheless.
