March 2026 marked another remarkable month for the Pokémon TCG community, showcasing an array of 30th anniversary products and record-breaking sales for chase cards. Just a few weeks after the remarkable Logan Paul auction, another monumental record was established—this time featuring a fan-favorite character from the franchise.
The Most Expensive Charizard in History
On March 3, 2026, the Japanese version of the iconic Base Set Charizard shattered records, selling for an exceptional $1,700,000. This specific card, notable for lacking a rarity symbol and receiving a perfect PSA 10 grade, became the highest-selling non-sports card of that month.
This sale established the card as the most expensive Charizard ever and the first to exceed the $1M threshold, even surpassing the English version from the Logan Paul Break set. A similar card, autographed by the artist Mitsuhiro Arita, sold days later for $1,232,200.
Two More Pikachu Illustrators
In March, two more Pikachu Illustrator cards surfaced; one graded PSA 9 and another achieving both a PSA 8.5 and MBA Gold Diamond Certification. The PSA 9 copy, auctioned through Heritage Auctions, fetched $1,406,250, while the lower-graded one sold for approximately $727,120 via Goldin.
One of the Greatest Master Sets Ever
Skyridge is revered for its rarity and value in modern collecting, distinguished by its unique design and challenging grading. This flawless PSA 10 Master Set from the 2003 release is particularly remarkable.
Every card, including the four unique pack arts, received Gem MT 10 grades. The complete lot sold for $1,218,750 at Heritage Auctions, but it’s credible to believe the Master Set could have fetched even higher.
Champions’ Prize From First-Ever Pokémon TCG Tournament
Distinct from the Pikachu Illustrator, these cards were distributed in a different event—the 1st Tournament #1 Pikachu, awarded to a champion during the inaugural official Pokémon tournament in 1997.
With only eight graded by PSA, this card ranks among the rarest Pokémon cards ever. A PSA 8 copy recently sold for $982,100 via Goldin, marking the highest price paid for this specific card.
