Some of the best vintage cards in thePokemon TCGwere released during the Neo era, which featured some incrediblyexpensive cards in sets like Neo Discovery. Neo Destiny is one of the most iconic sets in the Pokemon TCG, as it featured the introduction of the legendary Shining Pokemon subset.
Some of the coolest Pokemon from Kanto and Johto appear among the most expensive Neo Destiny cards, with these Shining variants offering stunning artwork with beautiful Holo patterns.
Cards are valued according to theirTCGPlayerMarket Price, which is what you mightpay on average for a near-mint copyof the 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.
Due to alack of sales data, first edition prices are not used,though that artwork is displayed.
10Dark Espeon (Secret Rare) – $174.47
A Battle Between Light And Dark
It’s no surprise that Espeon finds its way into the most valuable cards in Neo Destiny, despite not boasting the set’s signature Shining distinction.
Certain Light and Dark Pokemon in this set are also incredibly valuable, as they join Shinings as the three main prefix descriptors for some of the best cards in Neo Destiny.
Eeveelution cards are often among the most valuable cardsin any set they appear in, and Espeon joins Umbreon as the two most popular evolutions. This card’s popular subject combines with an unusual dark palette to inject some variety into this Psychic type.
9Shining Noctowl (Secret Rare) – $190.00
An Iconic Owl
Shining Noctowl is a revelation among the best cards in Neo Destiny, as it features the same style and benefits from a more unique composition than some of the other Shining Pokemon.
Theclose-up view of Noctowl’s head is an excellent choice,considering how obscured the Pokemon can be from a distance by the dark Holo pattern.
If you’re looking for one of the best Noctowl cards ever, then look no further than this fantastic Shining version.
8Dark Gengar (Secret Rare) – $210.00
Sneaking In From The Shadows
Gengar is frequently found among the most valuable chase cards in the Pokemon TCG, whether as a modern chase card inSword & Shield’s best setsor as a vintage banger like the Dark Gengar. Unlike the Shining cards, Gengar keeps its original color palette here andthe dark background allows the purple to pop.
The color and lighting choices here give this card a visual distinction from the other expensive Neo Destiny cards, but its unusual appearance isn’t enough to push Gengar into the top tier.
7Shining Kabutops (Secret Rare) – $220.00
Historic Fossil Art
While it’s not the most popular Pokemon of all time, Kabutops boasts some exceptional vintage cards, not least of which is thetriumphant art featured in this Shining Kabutops.
This card is among the most expensive Kabutops cards of all time, as the rare Shining distinction catapults Kabutops ahead of dozens of other Pokemon who never received a Shining variation. This set’s exclusivity and unique style bring underappreciated Pokemon, like Kabutops, to the next level.
6Shining Mewtwo (Secret Rare) – $238.50
A Stunning Shiny Legendary
Mewtwo makes its mark as one of the most valuable Pokemon to collect in the TCG, appearing with this fantastic Shining to follow up on itsiconic base set card. This Shining Mewtwo artwork and its powerful pose are fitting for such a powerful and elegant Pokemon.
While Mewtwo’s color palette remains similar, theShining Holo patterngives it a shadowy, veiled appearance that has becomean undeniable hallmark of this set.
5Shining Celebi (Secret Rare) – $259.98
A Perfect Pink Makeover
Celebi features in some incredible card art from Generation Two but had a long period of relative dormancy until emerging with anothergorgeous depiction in Fusion Strike.
While it doesn’t boast the long list of variations that a popular Pokemon like Charizard does, Celebi’s cards are often highly valued and sought after by collectors.
As one of the best Celebi cards you’ll find, the Shining Celebi from Neo Destiny boasts strong, solid value that earns it a spot among the best Neo Destiny cards.
4Shining Steelix (Secret Rare) – $269.99
A Golden Touch
Steelix returns after also appearing amongthe most valuable cards in Neo Genesis, as the giant Generation Two metal snake slithers into another top spot, this time landingamong the upper echelon in Neo Discovery.
Steelix’s gold color swap is a gorgeous makeover for this usually silver snake, though the dark background makes it very difficult to appreciate without holding the card. Aside from that, Steelix’s depicted lunge toward us is striking and gives this card an intimidating edge.
3Shining Tyranitar (Secret Rare) – $392.99
Seeking The Crown
The Shining Tyranitar is a gorgeous example of muted, darker colors working together to give this Pokemon an incredible Shining card,worthy of being one of the most expensive cards in Neo Destiny.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to appreciate this card unless you see it in person, as the subtle colors benefit from natural light that illuminates Tyranitar more fully.
Tyranitar is used to seeing solid demand, as it remains a popular chase card across generations, even appearing amongthe most valuable cards in Ancient Origins, which is primarily focused on Hoenn’s legendary Pokemon, like Groudon and Kyogre.
2Shining Raichu (Secret Rare) – $399.99
Gliding Into Our Hearts
Shining Raichu features perhaps the most vibrant color palette of any Shining Pokemon in Neo Destiny, as most of these Secret Rares feature darker Holo patterns on the Pokemon. When combined with somewhat similar backgrounds,certain Shining Pokemon get lost in the art, but not Raichu.
This Electric-type Pokemon benefits from the yellow border and background of the card’s main area, while the bright blue backdrop behind Raichu is the perfect contrast to help its darker shading pop, giving this card a huge amount of visual appeal, even as a digital image.
1Shining Charizard (Secret Rare) – $602.33
A Dark Dragon Rises
Shining Charizard features one of the most recognizable Charizard artworks ever, as this incredible card sticks out as the most expensive in Neo Destiny. As one ofthe most valuable Charizard cards ever, this Shining variant brings added hype to the most popular Pokemon in the TCG.
There aren’t many superlatives that this card doesn’t deserve; it’s one of the best examples of ‘less is more’ as this design lacks small details, butcaptures such a rare moment, as we see a Shining (aka Shiny) Charizard flying awayfrom us, like a cryptid fleeing from sight.
