.png){kind=logo}
Carrie is a Senior Writer at ScreenRant who previously managed Geek to Geek Media and wrote for SwitchRPG. She is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to WoW, Diablo, and cozy games. She has a passion for supporting the indies and always enjoys sharing her passions with others through her writing.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game offers a bit of nostalgia with its Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet –151 set, which features all 151 of the beloved Pokémon that started it all. These classic Generation 1 pocket monsters from the Kanto region were the originals, and remain some of the most familiar and beloved characters in the franchise today. Pokémon 151's charm makes it a popular set, mostly due to the love that many fans of the series have for these original 151 characters and the memories that accompany them.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet 151 launched on September 22, 2023, for the English version of the game. Designed for use with the gameplay mechanics in the Scarlet & Violet set, many of the Secret Rare full-art cards include illustrations that connect evolution lines for many of the Pokémon.
For the values in this list, market values have been obtained by TCGPlayer, which can offer a good overall baseline across various online markets. Of course, with Pokémon's original 151 characters being so beloved, personal feelings may always be greater than market value.
Caterpie 172/165
Illustration Rare
This cute Caterpie card features a beautiful full-art illustration by Teeziro with not one but several Caterpie peering at you through a hole in a leaf. Fittingly, the card's attack is "Leaf Munch, which does more damage to other Grass-type Pokémon.
Caterpie evolves into Metapod and Butterfree, and those two tend to get more love than the little green caterpillar. It's pretty rare for a Caterpie to become one of the higher-value cards in a set, even if its price doesn't quite make it into the two-digits realm.The 172/165 Caterpie card is listed at a market value of $9.39 on TCGPlayer.
Venusaur ex 182/165
Ultra Rare Holofoil
The Venusaur on this card, number 182/165 from the set, is looking very seriously off into the distance. The artwork shows the Pokémon from slightly below, so its chin and face appear very large and prominent.
Collectors may find this endearing, or they may enjoy the style of the card, which, like the other ex cards, uses a simple colorful illustration outlined in thick green. All the previous ex cards in this set, including this one, were drawn by the prolific Pokémon TCG artist, PLANETA Yamashita. TCGPlayer estimates the market value of this Venusaur to be $10.55 USD.
Nidoking 174/165
Illustration Rare Holofoil
Nidoking and Nidoqueen are such a great pair that it seems a shame that only Nidoking got an Illustration Rare version for 151. Particularly as this card specifically has an ability where the Nidoqueen needs to be in play. However, even without his queen, Nidoking 174/165 is still a valuable card with a market value on TCGPlayer of $11.10 USD.
This card features beautiful lighting effects as Nidoking stands confidently in a jungle setting. Illustrated by Misaki Hashimoto, this card evokes both power and peace in one.
Giovanni's Charisma 204/165
Special Illustration Rare Holofoil
Team Rocket's imposing leader, Giovanni presents an air of power and authority even while seemingly resting on a sofa with his cuddly Persian . The Trainer card shows a quiet scene with Giovanni relaxing while a chess set is nearby and a display of numerous Poké Balls is lit up behind him.
The Supporter Trainer card may not be as highly valued as Giovanni would think it should be, but it still makes this list as one of the top cards in the Pokémon TCG: 151 set. Currently, TCGPlayer lists this Special Illustration Rare of Giovanni's Charisma at a market price of $11.69 USD.
Machoke 177/165
Illustration Rare Holofoil
Who could not love this adorable card's artwork featuring Machoke helping someone move? This incredibly strong Pokémon would make quick work of a moving job, especially when there are multiple of them, as is depicted here. Several other types of Pokémon also make cameos on this card, including a sneaky Meowth on the roof.
Illustrated by Tetsu Kayama, Machoke's Illustration Rare card is not just fun to look at, but is also a valuable collectible. At the time of writing, this card has a market value on TCGPlayer of $12.8 USD.
Blastoise ex 166/162
Ultra Rare Holofoil
Not only is the entire Secret Rare evolution line of Squirtle from the Pokémon TCG: 151 set worth quite a bit, but Blastoise ex is represented twice among the most valuable of cards. It appears once as the Special Illustration Rare and then again as this full-art Ultra Rare card number 184/165.
The other form of Blastoise in this set is one of the most expensive cards in the whole collection, but this one holds its own well. The Blastoise ex here is shown in a vividly colorful full-art stance and is valued on TCGPlayer currently at a market price of $13.12 USD.
Erika's Invitation 203/165
Special Illustration Rare Holofoil
One of the only Support cards to be included in this list, Erika's Invitation, is a Special Illustration Rare full art card in the Pokémon 151 set. Card number 203/165 is a support card with artwork by Cona Nitando, and it's one of the most beautiful cards in the entire collection.
The card shows off the pretty trainer, Erika, among flowers and perfumes in a perfectly cottagecore, sunny room. On TCGPlayer, this card is currently listed with a market value of $14.70 USD.
Mew ex 205/165
Hyper Rare Gold Holofoil
This Mew ex card shows up twice in this list, back to back, this time being the Hyper Rare version with the golden treatment applied to it, while the next entry features the Ultra Rare version. While the golden varieties are not everyone's favorites, those who do appreciate the shimmering gold Hyper Rares will love this Mew. The background on the card looks almost celestial with the light and stars behind the gold-outlined Mew.
Mew ex card 205/165 is currently listed on TCGPlayer with a market value of $16.03 USD. This isn't far behind its Ultra Rare version, and both of these beautiful cards make for excellent collectibles.
Mew ex 193/165
Ultra Rare Holofoil
Card 193/165 features a bubblegum pink background that could work to camouflage the Psychic-type Mew ex, if not for the brilliant use of etching artwork surrounding it. The combination of pink and teal makes the card truly pop and stand out from others in this set.
Somewhat surprisingly, this Ultra Rare, full-art card of Mew ex is more valuable than its golden-styled Hyper Rare counterpart. Card 193/165 currently has a market price on TCGPlayer of $20.57 USD, and is a cheerful take on the Mythical Mew.
Poliwhirl 176/165
Illustration Rare Holofoil
The effect of the rainy evening with city lights reflecting off the puddles is a serene and beautiful depiction. Water-type Poliwhirl stands looking at its reflection in the water, its swirl of a hypnotic belly perfectly mirrored, and I can't help but wonder if it could be hypnotized by itself.
The card is not an incredibly powerful one in play, although it can be decent if luck is on the players side with the gamble involved in the Frog Hop ability. Its beauty in artistry by illustrator Gemi makes the card truly stand out and adds so much value to it beyond cost. Currently, TCGPlayer lists Poliwhirl card 175/165 at a market price of $22.01.
English (US) ·