Hello there, Pokemon fans! Professor Oak here, ready to drop some serious knowledge about the world of Pokemon cards. I've dedicated my life to studying these pocket monsters, and let me tell you, the realm of rare and valuable Pokemon cards is a fascinating one! You're asking about the *holy grail* of Pokemon cards – the rarest of them all.

Now, pinning down the absolute rarest Pokemon card is trickier than catching a Mewtwo on a bicycle. Why? Because rarity is determined by several factors:

1. Printing Rarity: This is the big one! Cards are printed in varying quantities, with some designated as "Secret Rares" – printed in far fewer numbers than regular cards.

2. Distribution & Availability: Some cards were only available through limited-time promotions, events, or specific regions, making them incredibly scarce.

3. Condition: A card's condition, graded by professional companies like PSA, significantly impacts its value. A pristine, gem-mint condition card is exponentially rarer (and pricier!) than a well-loved, battle-worn one.

4. Historical Significance: Certain cards hold special places in Pokemon history. First edition cards, cards with unique misprints, or cards associated with significant events often become highly sought after.

Now, with that in mind, let's talk about some contenders for the title of "Rarest Pokemon Card":

* Pikachu Illustrator: This card, awarded to winners of a CoroCoro Comic illustration contest in 1998, is legendary. Only 39 copies were ever released, and fewer are known to exist in top condition. This card has fetched millions at auction, making it a strong contender for the top spot.

* No Rarity Venusaur & Blastoise: These Japanese cards, part of the first edition Base Set, were mistakenly printed without the rarity symbol. These "No Rarity" versions are exceptionally rare and highly coveted by collectors.

* Gold Star Espeon & Umbreon: These shining Pokemon were exclusive to the Japanese POP Series 5 set. Awarded to winners of tournaments and events, these cards are exceptionally rare and feature a unique gold star pattern.

* Pre-Release Raichu: This card, featuring a unique pre-release stamp, is shrouded in mystery. It's believed to be a test print and is incredibly rare, with very few known copies.

* Trophy Pikachu Trainer Card: These cards were awarded to winners of the earliest Pokemon Trading Card Game tournaments. The Trainer Number on the card often designates the tournament placement, making certain versions incredibly rare and historically significant.

Remember, these are just a few of the rarest Pokemon cards out there. New discoveries are made all the time, and values can fluctuate based on market trends and collector demand.

So, to definitively crown one card as the "rarest" is nearly impossible. It's like choosing a favorite Pokemon – it's all subjective! But one thing is certain: the thrill of the hunt, the excitement of discovery, and the passion of collecting are what make the world of Pokemon cards so captivating!

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This eventually led to trading card collectibles and the top 10 rarest Pokemon cards.#8 Pokemon Shining Cards.#7 Southern Islands Card Set.#6 Charizard First Edition.# 5 Snap Cards.#4 Tropical Mega Battle 2001.#3 Pre-Release Raichu Cards.#2 Numbers 1, 2, 3 Trainer Cards.#1 Pikachu Illustrator Cards.More items...read more >>