If you weren't into the Pokemon TCG in the late 2000s or early 2010s, then chances are you missed the HeartGold & SoulSilver era's collection of valuable cards, including the Prime subset. Prime cards stand out thanks to their zoomed-in view of popular Pokemon such as Gengar, Mew, Umbreon, and more.

Prime cards appeared as a subset across various HGSS sets, including Undaunted, Triumphant, and Unleashed, with most of the best Prime Pokemon hailing from Undaunted. While the artwork might not be as vibrant as most modern cards, the most expensive Prime Pokemon are gaining traction and value among collectors.

Cards are ordered according to their TCGplayer market price. Cards without a market price are not included.

Scizor: Undaunted (Ultra Rare) – $40.98

Cutting Straight To The Point

Scizor strides toward the top of the Prime Pokemon charts but is stopped abruptly short of the top by the long line of valuable Pokemon banging on the door to get in. Scizor might be one of the most intimidating Pokemon ever, and its unusual Bug and Steel-type combination is cool, but you'll need more than that to be the best Prime Pokemon

Scizor conforms to the quintessential close-up and slight glare from an unseen source that you'll see shared among all Prime Pokemon cards from the HGSS era, and its metallic coat makes for a great reflective material.

Raichu: Undaunted (Ultra Rare) – $53.25

Remaining Focused

Raichu follows in Scizor's footsteps with a similarly aggressive expression and battle-ready look in its eyes, though its price jumps by over ten dollars, becoming the first card thus far to eclipse the $50 plateau.

Despite Raichu's usual role in the shadow of Pikachu, this card breaks free from its usual limitations, with Raichu's unbridled power finally allowed to shine. This Raichu Prime from Undaunted features some of the brightest lighting and most vibrant interpretations of any card in this subset.

Espeon: Undaunted (Ultra Rare) – $84.55

The Twinkle In Your Eye

Espeon continues the train of Undaunted Pokemon with fantastic Prime cards, this time with a beautifully pink and purple coat. This card's price tag jumps well above Raichu, with an over 50 percent increase in cost over its fellow Prime Pokemon.

The glimmer in Espeon's eye is another massive visual signal that the card in question is a Prime, so if there's ever any doubt, check the eye.

Espeon isn't the only Eeveelution to earn respect among the most expensive Prime Pokemon, and its peers have a huge impact on the Prime Pokemon card market.

Houndoom: Undaunted (Ultra Rare) – $90.11

Rising In Confidence

Houndoom carries the mantle forward as yet another stunning Prime card from the HGSS set Undaunted, this time with an extreme close-up of this Pokemon's head, as we get a good view of its mouth, the red in its eye, and the slightly hidden moon lurking in the shadows behind it.

While we miss out on the silvery accents on Houndoom's body, you can still see its pointed, curled horns from this angle, capturing this Pokemon's signature style.

While it's not visible in every background, look to find more type-based iconography hidden in these cards, like the moon for Dark-types.

Tyranitar: Unleashed (Ultra Rare) – $94.04

Ready To Roar

Tyranitar takes a new turn as this card from Unleashed carries on the same visual indications you can expect from a Prime card, and proves that Undaunted isn't the only great set to get if you want to collect Prime Pokemon.

Tyranitar's usual artwork typically features zoomed-out shots, so this is a rare look at one of the most powerful pseudo-legendary Pokemon ever.

Tyranitar is ready to get into a battle, as this card captures it in the midst of a stride, with its mouth agape. The poor Pokemon Tyranitar is moving towards might not enjoy this Pokemon's impressive design as much as we can with this card.

Mew: Triumphant (Ultra Rare) – $123.39

A Mischievous 'Mon

Mew is one of the most desirable Mythical Pokemon in the TCG, and this Prime from Triumphant is a perfect example of what makes this Pokemon so popular. Mew's curious and mischievous nature makes it impossible to see this Pokemon without cracking a smile, as you never know what to expect.

Similarly, Mew is shrouded by ethereal shades of purple and blue in the sky, as its origins are as unclear as the sky on this stunning card.

Umbreon: Undaunted (Ultra Rare) – $160.04

Gaining Ground

Umbreon has become one of the most famous Pokemon in the entire TCG thanks to its ever-growing roster of Moonbreon cards, which feature this Pokemon depicted along with the moon on a starry night. The crescent moon we saw on the Houndoom Prime returns, as we get a good look at the gold markings on Umbreon's head.

Umbreon's red eye glimmers like a ruby on the black background of its body, and the lighter shades of yellow and white in the background provide the perfect colors to offset the deep darkness of Umbreon.

Gengar: Triumphant (Ultra Rare) – $275.24

The Greatest

From Dark-types to Ghosts, Gengar claims the top spot as the most valuable Prime Pokemon ever, with its Ultra Rare from Triumphant standing out from the rest with an almost $300 price tag. While Umbreon's price is rising and continues to change by the day, it's surprising to see Gengar maintain a price lead exceeding Umbreon's price by over $100.

However, Gengar's artwork is clearly one of the most unusual of any Prime Pokemon, with a bright explosion of light coming from behind it, and a twinkling glimmer in its eye that forms the perfect connection with the background brightness.

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Pokemon TCG

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