Pokémon 30th Anniversary Auction: Rare Gold Star & Crystal Pokémon Cards to Watch

26 February 2026

Our upcoming auction on 28 February presents a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts, featuring an exceptional selection of graded Gold Star cards, Crystal-type Pokémon, and complete sets from the early 2000s era.

This sale brings together some of the most iconic cards in the hobby. Whether you're seeking individual gems or pursuing complete Master Sets, these highlights from our Pokémon 30th Anniversary sale represent some of the epic items that are coming up for auction.

Gold Star Pokémon Cards

Among the most prestigious chase cards in Pokémon TCG history, Gold Star Pokemon had a brief but memorable appearance in sets from 2004 to 2007. Low pull rates in less heavily printed sets, combined with the distinctive art style of Masakazu Fukuda, has helped these Gold Star cards to become icons in the collecting community.

Our Pokémon 30th anniversary auction features a number of these incredible cards. The Groudon Gold Star Holo #111 from EX Delta Species (2005), graded PSA 9, carries an estimate of £2,500-£3,000. In near-mint condition, this is a unique opportunity for collectors to acquire one of the Gold Star Pokémon in such excellent condition, which is extremely hard to find. Equally compelling is the Latias Gold Star Holo #105 from EX Deoxys (2005), graded PSA 7 and estimated at £2,500-£3,000.

Crystal Pokémon Collection

Our TCG Specialist Tobias gives their opinion on why Crystal Pokémon are valued so highly among collectors:

"The Crystal Pokémon blend a mix of general print scarcity and attention-grabbing visuals, making them a fan favourite and a particularly strong collector interest in recent years. Both Aquapolis and Skyridge have become immensely popular, and these Crystal Pokémon are essential for those looking to complete their Master Sets today."

The e-Reader era of Pokémon (2002-2003) featured cards designed to scan with a Game Boy Advance to activate certain in-game events. During this period, Pokémon cards were marked with a distinct layout and introduced Crystal-type Pokémon to the roster.

The Crystal-type cards from this era represent some of the most visually striking and challenging cards to find in a high grade. Due to the age and fragile nature, a PSA 9 or 10 is extremely rare and valuable, but a PSA 7 or 8 can be highly prized as well. Our Pokémon 30th anniversary auction features an extraordinary range of high-grade examples:

PSA 9 Lugia Holo Crystal #149 (Aquapolis 2003): £4,500-£5,500 - Collectors highly value this Crystal Lugia. It is a near-mint example of one of the most iconic cards from the era that rarely appears at auction in this condition.

PSA 7 Charizard Holo Crystal #146 (Skyridge 2003): £3,500-£4,500 - Despite the PSA 7 grade, Charizard's appeal and the difficulty of finding Crystal Charizards in any graded condition make this a standout lot.

PSA 10 Kabutops Holo Crystal #150 (Skyridge 2003): £2,500-£3,000 - A pristine gem mint example, this card achieved the highest PSA grade possible and is one of the most underappreciated Crystal cards.

PSA 8 Celebi Holo Crystal #145 (Skyridge 2003): £1,500-£1,800 - This near-mint example is a great addition to any collection.

Additional Crystal Pokémon in the sale:

PSA 9 Nidoking Holo Crystal #150 (Aquapolis): £1,200-£1,500

PSA 9 Crobat Holo Crystal #147 (Skyridge): £1,200-£1,500

PSA 9 Golem Holo Crystal #148 (Skyridge): £1,000-£1,200

PSA 7 Ho-oh Holo Crystal #149 (Skyridge): £800-£1,200

PSA 9 Kingdra Holo Crystal #148 (Aquapolis): £500-£600

Graded Vintage Ex Cards

Pokémon Fire Red & Leaf Green were the first remakes in the Pokémon franchise, introducing fresh mechanics and improved graphics. They hold a special place in collectors' hearts. The delicate holofoil used during this period was very prone to damage, making premium graded Pokémon cards more valuable than their lower-graded counterparts. The combination of nostalgia, fragility, and scarcity is the reason why demand for these cards is so high.

Our Pokémon 30th anniversary sale features a PSA 9 Gengar ex Holo #108 from Fire Red & Leaf Green (2004), estimated at £2,200-£2,800. Given Gengar's popularity and the grading challenges in this era of Pokémon, this near-mint example is an excellent addition for collectors who are looking for a standout piece.

Complete and Near-Complete Pokémon Sets

While vintage Pokémon cards continue to attract collectors, the Neo and e-Card series have seen a particular surge in value. The mix of classic artwork and fan-favourite Pokémon has sparked huge demand, and completing a Master Set is one of the most challenging and most satisfying goals in the hobby- it takes a ton of time, money, and patience.

This auction presents several completed sets:

Skyridge Partially Complete Set: estimated £10,000-£12,000- This partially complete Skyridge set, released in May 2003, remains one of the most sought-after expansions of the e-Reader era and a firm fan favourite. The collection includes 27 of the 32 main holo cards, a Crystal Crobat #147 reverse holo (VLP), the Gengar #10 holo (VLP), and all cards #1-#144, along with their reverse holo versions. The entire collection gives collectors the chance to get their hands on a notoriously hard-to-complete set.

Legendary Collection Master Set (ALL Revs/Holos): estimated £7,000-£10,000- A complete Legendary Collection set, featuring every Reverse Foil and Regular Holo alongside all commons, uncommons, and rares. Presented in a 12-pocket Vault X binder and preserved in near-mint condition, this master set reflects the time, effort, and dedication that went into completing it. With its iconic Firework Reverse Foil pattern and full holo lineup, this lot offers collectors the opportunity to secure one of the most visually distinctive and challenging sets of the era.

Complete Aquapolis Set #150/147 + 'Crystals': estimated £5,500-£6,000- A complete 150-card Aquapolis set, featuring one copy of every card from the main 147-card release along with all three secret rare Crystal Pokémon. The set comes housed in a binder, with each card individually sleeved and carefully stored for preservation. Featuring the whole roster, including the highly sought-after Crystal Pokémon, this lot represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable e-Reader era sets.

Skyridge Partially Complete Master Set: estimated £4,000-£5,000- Widely regarded as one of the most iconic expansions in Pokémon history. As the final set printed by Wizards of the Coast, production was deliberately limited, particularly as the e-Reader era progressed, before the Pokémon license ultimately returned to The Pokémon Company. This scarcity, combined with the set’s historical significance, makes it a standout piece for serious collectors.

Expedition Set #164/165 (Missing ONE Card): estimated £4,000-£4,500- A near-mint, near-complete Expedition Base Set, missing just one card: Ninetales #H21 holo. Every other card from the set is present and accounted for, carefully organised in set order. Offering collectors the opportunity to secure an almost complete e-Reader era set, with just a single holo remaining.

Pokémon TCG Investment Opportunities

These auction highlights showcase a wide range of what is available throughout the entire sale, providing various Pokémon cards at different price levels. Whether you're looking for single Crystal cards starting at around £500 or complete sets priced over £10,000, collectors and enthusiasts will find options that suit different budgets.

Our Pokémon 30th Anniversary Auction presents an impressive selection of high-value Pokémon cards, with many pieces highly desired by collectors. Highlights include e-Reader era cards, which continue to show strong growth thanks to their limited print runs and strict grading standards, as well as Gold Star cards, which remain among the most valuable and coveted collectibles in the hobby.