The next Pokémon TCG just released and collectors across the world can now finally get their hands on the Paldea Evolved expansion. This is the second Scarlet and Violet TCG set and the second set of Generation 9, bringing with it more new Pokémon, Tera Pokémon and some incredibly looking cards based on the latest game. With almost 280 cards to collect, Paldea Evolved is one of the largest sets in recent memory, with plenty of Illustration Rares, Secret Rares, Full Arts and Alternative Arts to look forward to.
Of course, not all cards are made equally. Whether it is due to competitive potential, beautiful artwork or just general hype, certain cards are going to be more valuable than others. With so many cards to collect, it can be hard to figure out which ones are worth more than others. Fortunately, we’re here to lend a hand.
Here are the 10 best and most expensive Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Paldea Evolved cards.
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Top 10 Most Expensive and Valuable Cards in Paldea Evolved
Chien-Pao EX, Secret Rare
Bringing up the back of the pack at number 10 is the only Secret Rare on our list: Secret Rare Chien-Pao EX. This card belongs to the gold series of cards and is considered a hyper rare. Chien-Pao EX, Secret Rare, is card number 274 in the Pokemon TCG Scarlet and Violet Paldea Evolved expansion.
Chien-Pao is actually the only Treasure of Ruin to make this list and, while this won’t be the last appearance of this sword-toothed critter, it is also the only gold card on this list. Hyper rare cards in the Pokémon TCG all have golden borders and a golden shine, separating them from regular EXs, Full Arts and even Alternative Art. The artwork on the card itself is pulled directly from the Full Art version of the card (Chien-Pao EX, Full Art, in this case).
Currently, a few days after the set has been released, Secret Rare Chien-Pao EX is going for about £27-£30 (or around $35).
Chien-Pao EX, Secret Rare
Meowscarada EX, Alternative Art
The ninth card on our list is the first appearance of a Pokémon Scarlet and Violet starter Pokémon. Meowscarada EX’s Alternative Art card is number 256 in Paldea Evolved and it is considered part of the Special Illustration Rare classification.
Illustrated wonderfully by the artist Kouki Saito, the Alternative Art Meowscarada EX portrays the tricky Grass-type starter watching over the shores of Paldea from high in the trees. In Paldea Evolved, the special versions of all three starter lines are story cards, similar to the beloved Gardevoir line from the Scarlet and Violet base set. In this case, the Sprigatito and Floragato illustration rares (also illustrated by Kouki Saito) join with the Meowscarada Alt Art to create a beautiful three-piece showing the cat Pokémon as it grows up and explores the vast array of plants Paldea has to offer.
Meowscarda EX Alternative Art is currently going for around £28-£35 (or about $40).
Meowscarada EX, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Squakabilly EX, Alternative Art
Next up on our list is a surprising one as, in eighth place, we have Squakabilly EX, Alternative Art. This card is another Special Illustration Rare and is number 264 in the set.
Illustrated by Amelicart, Squakabilly’s Alt Art card is incredibly charming, with bright cheerful colours and an amusing collection of adorable-looking Squakabillys to admire. Admittedly, Squakabilly does feel a little out of place, seeing as the other special illustration rares belong to more well-known or important Pokémon like the Paldea starters or the Treasures of Ruin. As such, seeing the regional bird appear on such a great-looking card can be a bit strange at first: nevertheless, Squakabilly is here to stay and so is its amazing Alternative Art.
As of the release of Pokemon Paldea Evovled, Squakabilly EX Alternative Art is going for around the same price as Mewoscarada, so £28-£35 (or about $40).
Squakabilly EX, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Boss’ Orders, Alternative Art
The seventh card on our most expensive Paldea Evolved list needs no introduction. This is the first Generation 9 reprint of the infamous Boss’ Orders card, specifically the Alternative Art Boss’ Orders, which is number 265 in the Pokémon TCG Paldea Evolved setlist.
Fans of collecting or battling will surely be aware of Boss’ Orders (also known as Boss’s Orders) as this card has been in print and has seen many different variations over the years. For Paldea Evolved, Boss’ Orders depicts the leader of Team Plasma from the Pokémon Black and White games, Ghetsis. Alternative Art Boss’ Orders is illustrated by hncl and presents quite a sombre, serious tone as Ghetsis goes about making his plans for domination of the Unova region and beyond in a piece of striking artwork.
If you want this version of Boss’ Orders in your deck, it’s going to run you around £32-£35 (or around $45).
Boss’ Orders, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Skeledirge EX, Alternative Art
Just missing out on the top 5 is our next starter Pokémon, Alternative Art Skeledirge EX. This card is the special illustration variant of Skeledirge EX and is number 258 in the set.
Skeledirge EX’s Alternative Art is a pretty, picturesque card where Skeledirge walks peacefully down a Paldean road with its trainer. This calm atmosphere has been perfectly encapsulated by artist kantaro. Like the Meowscarada line, the illustration rare versions of Skeledirge and its pre-evolutions (Fuecoco and Crocalor) tell a cute story between this Pokémon and its trainer. This time, we get to see Fuecoco accompany its companion to the supermarket before being able to help carry home the shopping as a fully evolved Skeledirge. These story cards are some of the best in the entire series and the fact that we keep getting more in each set is a promising sign for the future of the Pokémon TCG.
Skeledirge EX Alternative Art is running for around £37-£40 (or around $50) as of the release of the Pokemon TCG Paldea Evolved expansion.
Skeledirge EX, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Dendra, Alternative Art
Breaking through to the top 5 most expensive SV Paldea Evolved cards is the Special Illustration Rare variant of Dendra. This is certainly not the last Alternative Art trainer to crack the top 5, with Dendra’s Alt Art sitting at number 266.
Dendra’s Alt Art is incredibly striking and expertly stylised, illustrated amazingly by GIDORA. The card manages to catch the Fight-type trainer in a moment of relative calm, catching her breath and hydrating after what must have been an intense workout. As an illustration, this card manages to stand out against all others thanks to its sharp colours, clean lines and great composition.
Dendra Alternative Art is going for about £40 (about $50) as of release.
Dendra, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Chien-Pao EX, Alternative Art
At number four we have the final card with an actual Pokémon on it as Chien-Pao EX makes its return. This version of the card is the Special Illustration Rare variant and is number 261 in the Paldea Evolved TCG.
Compared to the Secret Rare from earlier, the Alternative Art captures the raw primal fury of a Treasure of Ruin. Surrounded by a thick, unrelenting snowstorm, Chien-Pao roars in this gorgeous card illustrated by kodoma. The incredible art isn’t the only reason this card is so valued, though. In the competitive scene, Chien-Pao is really strong and is making a lot of headway in some new emerging decks and formats. No matter if you’re a collector or a player, Alt Art Chien-Pao EX is definitely a card to keep an eye on.
Chien-Pao EX, Alternative Art, is currently selling for around £50 (or $60-$65).
Chien-Pao EX, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Grusha, Alternative Art
Heading up the top 3 most expensive cards in Pokémon Paldea Evolved is the Alternative Art version of Grusha. This hyper-rare card is number 268 in the set and was illustrated by the incredibly talented DOM.
Grusha’s Alt Art card captures a moment of warm comfort amidst the cold snow, as Grusha stares at the frozen outdoors from the toasty confines of his home. From the cool tones to the meticulously illustrated art and the adorable inclusion of Starly, this card is truly excellent and is a great pick for any collector. This is simply just a great card with some nice, calming artwork.
Special Illustration Rare Grusha is going for £55 (or about $70) as of Paldea Evolved’s release.
Grusha., Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Iono, Full Art
Finally, we have the 2 most expensive cards in the Pokemon TCG Paldea Evolved set. Surprisingly (or perhaps unsurprisingly for any long-time Pokémon fans) they’re both of the same trainer. In second place we have the Full Art version of Iono, the popular Pokémon influencer from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This Iono is card 254.
Illustrated by Sanosuke Sakuma, Full Art Iono captures her at her most mischievous. With a playful grin, lively pose and bright colour palette, Iono’s mischief just radiates through the entire card. Full Art trainer cards are always a treat to collect and Iono was destined to place high in price. Of course, the Full Art isn’t the most expensive card in Paldea Evolved, even if it has beaten most others.
Full Art Iono is currently going for £60 (or £75).
Iono, Full Art
Iono, Alternative Art
Last, but certainly not least, Alternative Art Iono. This hyper rare card is the most expensive card in the Pokémon TCG Scarlet and Violet Paldea Evolved expansion.
Compared to the Full Art card, the Special Illustration Rare showcases Iono at her best: being entertaining as an influencer. This incredibly pleasing-looking card has been illustrated by the amazing kirisAki. In it, Iono films herself as she tries some of Paldea’s best sweet snacks and desserts. The card perfectly captures Iono’s personality with a beautiful mix of colours where everything pops just right. Even the food looks pretty great. Alt Art Iono is a great card and well deserving of the top spot in Paldea Evolved.
The price jump from Full Art Iono to Alternative Art Iono may be a bit eye-watering for some, as the Special Illustration Rare is currently selling for upwards of £150 (or almost $190). This card is extremely expensive, especially compared to the other cards in this set. Hope you get lucky or save up some serious cash in hopes of getting it.
Iono, Alternative Art (Special Illustration Rare)
Those were the top 10 most expensive cards in the new Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Paldea Evolved expansion. As always with trading card prices, prices will likely fluctuate over time even if the overall order remains relatively similar. Happy hunting for your Chase cards!
