Pokémon TCG: Top 10 Iconic Cards of 2023 that Every Serious Collector Should Own
Nick Matthaiou - 29 March 2023
2023 was an interesting year for the Pokemon TCG. The game has once again managed to captivate players and collectors alike, offering a lively and dynamic gaming experience full of strategy, excitement and nostalgia.
As we reflect on the year 2023, it's clear that the Pokémon TCG landscape has seen significant evolution, characterized by game-changing releases, iconic cards, meta-strategies, and memorable community events.
In this article, we will not only present the most iconic cards released in the previous year. Join us as we dive deep into the world of Pokémon TCG and remember the achievements, innovations and memorable moments of the past year.
Game-Changing Releases: Highlighting Key Expansion Sets of 2023
In January 2023, we were still in the era of Sword & Shield. More specifically, it was the end of this series of core sets that not only changed the mechanics and meta, but also the art of the cards. On January 20, 2023, a final bonus set of this era, Crown Zenith, was released with iconic cards like Giratina and Arceus VSTAR Secret Rares.
In the following months and until the end of March 2023, there were not many changes in the meta in terms of playstyles, mechanics and decks.
But from April onwards, everything was about to change. The reason was simple: the game was about to introduce a whole new era: Scarlet & Violet. Over the course of 2023, 4 Scarlet & Violet core sets were released: Scarlet & Violet, Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames and Paradox Rift. In addition, there was a special set that triggered nostalgic feelings among all Pokemon fans, 151.
Most of the iconic Pokemon cards that we will focus on in this article can be found in the aforementioned sets. After all, these sets not only changed the way the game is played, but also created a unique mix of new (Future, Ancient, EX, Tera) Pokemon and the ones we loved as kids.
Exploring the Top 10 Iconic Pokémon Cards of 2023
In this section, we’ll present the top 10 most iconic Pokémon cards of 2023. Note that our selection is based on the unique art, price and popularity of these cards among players. So this selection does not take into account a card’s overall impact on the meta. If you want to know more about the 2023 meta though, you will have to stay tuned: a Pokemon 2023: Meta Discussion guide is in the works!
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the cards every Pokémon collector should own: the 10 most iconic Pokémon cards of 2023:
1. Pikachu With Grey Felt Hat - Promo
Whether you understand the hype surrounding this card or not, you simply cannot underestimate its impact during 2023.
It was September 2023 when this card was released as part of a collaboration between the Pokemon Company and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam to celebrate the museum’s 50th anniversary.
The collaboration was an immediate success and the museum attracted people of all ages. But a few days after the initial release, a huge crowd of people trying to get their hands on this special card caused a riot at the museum. Shortly after this incident, the museum decided to stop offering the card.
While it's obvious that this Pikachu card has caused a lot of controversy, it’s still a unique piece of history that any serious collector wants to own. After all, this Pikachu card is inspired by Van Gogh's Self-Portrait with Grey Felt Hat (1887).
The card also reminded us of another art-inspired card series, the Edvard Munch “The Scream” Pikachu and Eevee, released in 2018 as part of a collaboration between Pokemon and the Tokyo Art Museum.
For all these reasons, Pikachu With Grey Felt Hat easily made it to the top of our selection. But the year 2023 brought much more than just a unique promo card for Pokemon TCG fans.
2. Charizard Ex 151 - Special Illustration Rare
As mentioned earlier, 151 was one of the hottest set releases in 2023. The main reason for this is simple: aside from its value as part of the meta, the special set contained beautiful cards of the first generation Pokemon we all loved as kids.
That's why the crown jewel of the set, the unique Charizard EX Special Illustration Rare, just couldn’t miss the second spot on our list. The art is simply too cute to be true, and the fact that this card can be combined with the Special Illustration Rares of Charmander and Charmeleon to tell a story is a great idea.
It becomes clear that the fact that this is a Charizard card is not the only reason why it made it into our selection. When you add in the fact that this Charizard EX card is the key card of the very powerful Charizard EX deck, it becomes an iconic card that every player and collector should own.
3. Iono Paldea Evolved - Special Illustration Rare
Next on our list is (arguably) the most iconic and popular Trainer card of 2023. When the core set Paldea Evolved was released on June 9, 2023, everyone went crazy for this card. Pulling it quickly became the goal of all Pokemon TCG fans.
This particular card has a unique design, yes, but that’s not the only reason why it became so popular. To be precise, Iono quickly became one of the most important Trainer cards in the game, as it is a staple for numerous meta decks to this day. For this reason, the first and rarest Iono card (to this day) had no problem being included in our selection.
4. Giratina VSTAR Crown Zenith - Trainer Gallery Secret Rare
In our opinion, this Giratina VSTAR Trainer Gallery Secret Rare is one of the most beautiful cards released in 2023. As we said above, Crown Zenith was released on August 20, 2023 and from that day on, Giratina VSTAR GG69 was the card everyone was looking for.
Giratina's incredible artwork easily made this card the top hit of this booster set. In addition, Crown Zenith also included secret VSTAR secret rare cards for other Legendary Pokemon such as Arceus, Dialga, Palkia, and Mewtwo.
5. Iron Valiant Ex Paradox Rift - Special Illustration Rare
Again, no introductions needed for our next pick. Iron Valiant was one of the best Future cards launched in the Paradox Rift set.
Its special illustration rare version made it on our list quite easily. Whether admired for its strategic significance or its aesthetic appeal, Iron Valiant Ex Paradox Rift is undeniably a standout card in the 2023 landscape.
6. Charizard Ex Obsidian Flames - Special Illustration Rare
The Obsidian Flames Charizard EX is another iconic card of 2023. This special illustration rare is actually the rarest Charizard EX of the Obsidian Flames set. We love the art of this card and so does the community.
After all, it's no coincidence that it's also one of the most expensive cards of 2023. As with the 151 Edition of Charizard EX, this is also a card you can use in a high rarity Charizard EX deck.
7. Arceus VSTAR Crown Zenith - Secret Rare
The Giratina VSTAR was not the only beautiful and rare card released in the Crown Zenith bonus set. As mentioned above, the set introduced secret rare cards for other legendary Pokemon as well.
Arceus is definitely the most popular among them. This card isn’t only exclusive and hard to get, but also 100% playable in all Arceus decks. As of March 2024, Arceus VSTAR is still one of the most popular meta decks (3.53% share according to Limitless). Well, this is definitely the most iconic Arceus card released in 2023. So, if the Pokemon God’s deck fits your playstyle, this is a card you simply must own!
8. Magikarp Paldea Evolved - Illustration Rare
When the Paldea Evolved set was released back in June, this Magikarp illustration was not very popular. Nevertheless, it only took a few weeks for the community to appreciate the art of this card and make it one of the most collected cards of 2023.
Today, it is the second most expensive card in the set, surpassed only by the crown jewel of the set, Iono, a card we already analyzed above! Graphically, this Magicarp card is somewhat reminiscent of Giratina V (LOR 186). After all, Shinji Kando is the artist responsible for both illustrations!
9. Miriam Scarlet & Violet - Special Illustration Rare
Next on our list is the most expensive card from the Scarlet & Violet base set. Miriam has been the most popular and sought-after card since Day 1. This didn't change over the next few months. Even today, when we open a Scarlet & Violet pack, we all think of this special illustrated rare.
Even though it’s not the most expensive card on the list, it’s still the best card of the first set of a whole new era. That's why it should be in every serious Pokemon collector's collection!
10. Alakazam EX 151 - Special Illustration Rare
Alakazam is one of the most popular Pokemon ever. So when you get a top-notch special illustration rare of it, you automatically know that this is going to be one of the most iconic cards of 2023. As mentioned earlier, 151 launched several highly collectible cards on the market.
Well, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this is definitely one of them. Alakazam EX may not be one of the most valuable cards of 2023 in terms of playability and meta-relevance, but it is definitely one of the community’s favorite cards in terms of collectability.
Honorable Mentions - Cards that Collectors Simply Must Own
With the Alakazam EX, we conclude our top 10 iconic cards of 2023. But the list could pretty much go on forever. That's why we couldn’t leave out a few honorable mentions in this reading. The following cards could easily make it into the top 10. After all, this list is more or less a personal preference of the BFC team. So without further ado, let’s take a look at our honorable mentions:
1. Roaring Moon EX Paradox Rift - Special Illustration Rare
Like the special illustration rare of Iron Valiant mentioned above, Roaring Moon also appeared in the Paradox Rift set. This card is not only highly collectible, but also quite relevant when it comes to the meta.
To be precise, Roaring Moon EX has become one of the most popular decks in the first half of 2024! Its two attacks, Furious Gouging and Calamity Storm, are just too good to be true. And this, along with the beautiful art of the card, are the main reasons why this special illustration rare is one of the most expensive Paradox Rift cards.
2. Koraidon and Miraidon EX - Special Illustration Rares from Scarlet & Violet
This list would not be complete without a Koraidon or Miraidon card. These two Pokemon are more or less the protagonists of the new Scarlet and Violet era. Even though the special illustration rares of the Scarlet & Violet base set with these two Pokemon are not among the most expensive cards of 2023, we still think they deserve a place in our honorable mentions.
3. Giovanni’s Charisma 151 - Special Illustration Rare
Giovanni’s Charisma is a special illustration rare from the 151 set featuring one of the most iconic trainers in the TCG world. As the leader of Team Rocket, Giovanni commands respect and admiration, making this card a must-have for collectors. Its rarity and unique artwork make it a highly desirable collectible that will enhance any collection.
4. Gardevoir EX Scarlet & Violet - Special Illustration Rare
Gardevoir EX from the Scarlet & Violet base set is a special illustration rare that is very popular among Pokémon TCG enthusiasts. Gardevoir decks have always been a popular choice in the meta in recent years, which adds to the allure of this card. With stunning artwork that captures the elegance and power of Gardevoir, it easily earns its place on our list of must-have collectibles.
5. Erika’s invitation 151 - Special Illustration Rare
Last but not least, we have Erika’s invitation from 151. As one of the most popular trainers in the Pokémon universe, Erika holds a special place in the hearts of fans and collectors alike. What the community loves about this card is that it truly captures the essence of her character, making it a valuable addition to any collection.
Wrap Up
After reading our list, it becomes evident that 2023 was a whirlwind year for Pokémon TCG enthusiasts, filled with thrilling releases, iconic cards, and memorable moments. From the introduction of game-changing expansion sets like Crown Zenith to the debut of nostalgic favorites in the 151 set, the Pokémon TCG landscape saw significant evolution.
In our exploration of the top 10 iconic cards of 2023, we've delved into multiple collectibles that every serious collector should own. From Pikachu With Grey Felt Hat, a unique piece of history celebrating the Van Gogh Museum's anniversary, to the formidable Charizard Ex 151 and the beloved Gardevoir EX Scarlet & Violet, each card tells its own story and holds its own value.
But the journey doesn't end here! Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your Pokémon TCG journey, Black Flame Collectibles invites you to visit our store in Thessaloniki and embark on your own Pokémon adventure. Start your collection today and join us in playing our favorite TCG!
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