The Most Expensive Bulbasaur Pokemon TCG Cards

As the first Pokemon you'll find in your Pokedex, Bulbasaur has seen some of the best and worst days in the Pokemon TCG. However, the Pokemon TCG is currently experiencing a massive renaissance that is sparking renewed interest in some of the best Pokemon from Kanto, and continuing with the newest releases from the Scarlet & Violet era.

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As one of the most beloved Pokemon from the Kanto region, Bulbasaur boasts a broad collection of valuable cards starting from the Base Set and including some of the best sets in the Pokemon TCG. While Bulbasaur often shrinks in the shadow of its evolved form, Venusaur, it still features a solid core of valuable cards to enjoy.

Cards are ordered according to their TCGPlayer Market Price, which you might pay on average for a copy of the (first edition, where applicable) cards below.

Given the age and rarity of these cards, only those with an established market price on TCGplayer are included.

However, sale prices differ depending on the card's condition, so this market price is just a rough idea of the card's value.

6 Erika’s Bulbasaur: Gym Challenge First Edition (Uncommon) – $14.73

A Great Grass Duo

Erika's Bulbasaur gets major points for being one of the cutest depictions of Bulbasaur while also featuring a Leech Seed action shot with a stunning background. This Bulbasaur might be one of the best cards in Gym Challenge and even features Erika in the bottom right corner.

The first edition stamp is the icing on the cake for this unexpectedly decorated Bulbasaur card.

Luckily, if you've fallen in love with this card, you'll be excited to know it's not difficult to find in near-mint (NM) condition, as it frequently sells on TCGplayer, sometimes reaching into the $16 or $18 range, though others have sold for less than $12. Lightly played (LP) copies offer a small discount at $10.88, while moderately played (MP) cards only drop by a dollar or two from LP.

5 Bulbasaur: Illustration Contest 2022 (Promo) – $16.13

And The Winner Is...

From a first-edition vintage set to a modern promo card, Bulbasaur's first two most valuable cards represent what you can expect to see from the remainder of this Grass-type starter's best cards.

The Illustration Contest 2022 referenced in the card name was open to residents of the US and Japan in September 2021 and focused on the theme "The Daily Life of Pokemon" and included eight Pokemon to choose from, including Bulbasaur.

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This card saw a massive spike in value, roaring from about six dollars at the end of 2023 to over $20 by April 2024. After setting a new high in the $20 range, Bulbasaur saw a slight decline to its current market price, where it sat stable until the latter months of 2024.

4 Ditto (Bulbasaur): Delta Species (Uncommon) – $20.50

Technically, It's A Bulbasaur

Ditto isn't one of the most valuable cards in Delta Species, but it's certainly one of the most bizarre, as this Ditto is technically a Bulbasaur card – at least visually.

While the card name is Ditto, it's technically imitating a Bulbasaur, so since the visual depiction and full card name reference Bulbasaur, this card counts among Bulbasaur's best.

Unfortunately, the reverse holo version of this card doesn't boast a separate market price to distinguish itself as the more valuable version, but NM copies reach as high as $68, with LP offering a massive discount, with sales around $33. If you opt for the normal version, you can snag an NM copy for about $25, while the LP sells for $16 and under.

3 Bulbasaur: Scarlet & Violet 151 (Illustration Rare) – $27.86

Old School Meets New School

Gorgeous Illustration Rares like Bulbasaur's are the reason why 151's most valuable cards are likely to command consistently high long-term interest. What's not to love about a Bulbasaur cozying up under the shade of a tree in the forest on a sunny day?

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This card's life has been tumultuous thus far, as 151 saw sharp spikes and declines in response to increasing demand, then increased supply following a series of reprints in 2024. However, despite dropping as low as $19, it looks destined to make a home at $25 and above as it continues to rise.

2 Bulbasaur: Stellar Crown (Illustration Rare) – $32.68

No Crowns For Second

While the most expensive cards in Stellar Crown can't compete with the incredible roster you'll find in 151, Stellar Crown's bright scene featuring Bulbasaur with its Pidgey friends is one of the best modern Bulbasaur cards. Any card that includes multiple Pokemon is likely to appeal to someone, and this card is perfect for fans of the original Kantonian classics.

Unfortunately, this card debuted at around $50 but sank immediately upon release, as many cards tend to do immediately following the initial hype. However, Bulbasaur is a timeless Pokemon, and this card's value is sure to rebound as time distances us from Stellar Crown's release date.

1 Bulbasaur: Base Set First Edition (Common) – $107.21

The Original Still Shines

The original Bulbasaur reigns supreme over the impressive collection of modern Bulbasaur cards that threaten to usurp the old champion. However, nothing comes close to the Base Set First Edition Bulbasaur, as this card remains in high demand over 20 years after release.

You'll need to shell out about $40 for a damaged copy, while MP cards jump into the $85 to $100 range. If you want a copy to grade, you'll need to pay even more, as an LP sale yielded $139.99 in August 2024. NM cards are difficult to find, and their price matches, soaring to $179.99 for the best Bulbasaur card ever.

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