DALLAS, TX.- A pristine copy of arguably the most sought-after Pokémon card in the world could bring $100,000 or more in Heritage Auctions’ Comics & Comic Art Auction July 9-12 in Dallas, Texas.

Pokémon Super Secret Battle “No. 1 Trainer” Trainer Promo Hologram Trading Card (1999) PSA Gem MT 10 is one of just seven copies known to exist, and of those, six carry a PSA Gem Mint 10 grade.

“This unique card can easily be the centerpiece of any serious Pokémon card collection,” said Jesus Garcia, Assistant Comics & Comic Art Operations Supervisor at Heritage Auctions. “These cards were given to the winners of regional Pokémon tournaments, of which there were only seven, making this an exceedingly rare prize among collectors. The perfect grade is important, of course, but the sheer rarity of the card is the main reason why it is an inarguable must-have for serious Pokémon collectors.”




The card reads “The Pokémon Card Game Official Tournament's champion is recognized here, and this honor is praised. By presenting this card, you may gain preferential entry into the Secret Super Battle.”

So secretive was the tournament that the competitors only found out the location of the final round after winning a regional tournament. The finals took place Aug. 22, 1999, in Tokyo.

The Pikachu Illustrator is widely regarded as the most expensive Pokémon card; according to psacard.com, there are 19 Pikachu Illustrator cards certified. But the Super Secret Battle No. 1 Trainer card is even more rare, with just seven copies known to exist.

The artwork was done by Hideki Kazama.