Pokémon 151 Set Guide — The 10 Most Valuable Cards (Updated 2026)
Three years after release, the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet — 151 set remains one of the most chased modern Pokémon TCG releases of all time. The nostalgia hit of seeing the original 151 Pokémon redrawn with modern art treatments — Special Illustration Rares (SIR), Special Art Rares (SAR), and Art Rares (AR) — created a perfect storm of demand from veteran collectors and new buyers alike.
This guide ranks the 10 most valuable cards in the Pokémon 151 set as of 2026, based on graded market data and recent sales.
Why the 151 set keeps performing
- Hard-stop nostalgia. Generation 1 Pokémon (Bulbasaur through Mew) carry the strongest brand recognition of any generation.
- Constrained print runs. Demand vastly exceeded supply at launch.
- The Special Illustration Rare format. The SIR cards are some of the most popular illustrations Pokémon TCG has ever produced.
- Dual-language demand. Both English and Japanese 151 sets have loyal followings.
1. Charizard ex 199/165 — Special Illustration Rare
The single most chased card in the entire 151 set. Mid-flight against a sunset.
- PSA 10 average price: $1,800–$2,400
- CGC 10 Pristine: $1,500–$2,000
- Raw NM: $400–$600
2. Charizard ex 183/165 — Full Art Ultra Rare
The "easier" Charizard chase — still extremely valuable.
- PSA 10 average price: $400–$650
- CGC 9.5 average price: $250–$350
- Where to buy: SEIM COLLECTS has a CGC 9.5 in stock
3. Mew ex 193/165 — Special Illustration Rare
The "secret" of the 151 set. Mew is the 151st Pokémon, and the SIR pays homage to that mythos.
- PSA 10 average price: $500–$750
- CGC 10: $400–$550
4. Mewtwo ex 196/165 — Special Illustration Rare
Mewtwo collectors specifically chase this card.
- PSA 10 average price: $400–$600
- CGC 10: $325–$475
5. Venusaur ex 198/165 — Special Illustration Rare
The third member of the starter SIR trio.
- PSA 10 average price: $200–$320
- CGC 10: $160–$250
6. Blastoise ex 200/165 — Special Illustration Rare
- PSA 10 average price: $250–$380
- CGC 10: $200–$300
7. Alakazam ex 184/165 — Full Art Ultra Rare
Underrated. Less attention than the starters means relative value.
- PSA 10 average price: $80–$140
8. Zapdos ex 192/165 — Special Illustration Rare
- PSA 10 average price: $180–$260
- CGC 10: $140–$210
9. Pikachu 173/165 — Illustration Rare
Charming farm/garden scene. Popular as a "starter" graded card for new collectors.
- PSA 10 average price: $50–$90
- CGC 10: $40–$70
10. Poliwhirl 176/165 — Art Rare (Japanese version chases higher)
The Japanese version commands a notable premium thanks to its painterly style.
- Japanese CGC 10 Gem Mint: $80–$140
- Where to buy: SEIM COLLECTS has a CGC 10 Japanese Poliwhirl Art Rare in stock
What to buy if you're building a 151 collection
- Start with one Special Illustration Rare — Mewtwo, Mew, or Zapdos give you the SIR experience without the Charizard premium.
- Add the Charizard ex Full Art (183/165) — more attainable than the SIR Charizard.
- Round out with the Pikachu IR — affordable, eternal appeal.
- Include at least one Japanese Art Rare — meaningful niche.
- Save up for the SIR Charizard — long-term store of value.
Where to buy 151 cards graded and authenticated
SEIM COLLECTS stocks select 151 chase cards in CGC and PSA. Browse the full catalog or check current 151 stock by searching "151" on the site.
Authenticated, encapsulated, shipped fast — see what 113+ verified buyers say.
The bottom line
The Pokémon 151 set has crossed from "hot release" into "modern classic" territory. Prices on top SIRs have stabilized at high levels but show no signs of crashing.
Prices reflect 2026 market averages and will fluctuate. Last updated: 2026.