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.
25 Alakazam ex 188/165
Ultra Rare Holofoil
The Ultra Rare Alazakam ex 188/165 card is strikingly stylized. Like a few other cards in the set, this Pokémon TCG: 151 card has a very distinct style. The card is almost entirely covered by the Pokémon levitating its iconic spoons. The background features a pastel pink and purple swirl that's very eye-catching.
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The Alakazam ex isn't worth as much as the other card that this Psychic-type Pokémon shows up on in this set. Still, it draws a respectable $11.95 USD price tag on TCGPlayer.
24 Zapdos ex 192/165
Ultra Rare Holofoil
Zapdos ex can be a strong card when brought to the table, but this full-card artwork style Ultra Rare might be better kept safe somewhere or on display. The bright colors of the illustration by takuyoa are eye-catching, with the bright yellow of Zapdos offset by the light blue swirls of sky above it. Perhaps it is about to call down its Multishot Lightning ability in this scene, which can damage multiple opposing Pokémon.
At the time of writing, this Ultra Rare Zapdos ex card 192/165 has a market price of $12.94 USD on TCGPlayer. Interestingly, it is not the only Zapdos ex on this list, with a Special Illustration Rare version at the number four position.
23 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. 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 er 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 $13.29 USD.
22 Mew ex 205/165
Hyper Rare Gold Holofoil
This Mew ex card shows up twice in this list, this time being the Hyper Rare version with the golden treatment applied to it, while #15 on this list 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 $14.30 USD. This isn't far behind its Ultra Rare version, and both of these beautiful cards make for excellent collectibles.
21 Ninetales ex 186/165
Ultra Rare Holofoil
Shown in the same style as the Alakazam ex, Nintetales ex is featured here as card 186/165 from the set. The full-card artwork is a creamy yellow color that makes the Pokémon's tails look almost like giant bananas.
The ocean of yellow is broken up by a thick, bright-green outline all around the Pokémon. It's a very different look for the usually soft-looking Pokémon, but it looks just as regal in this style thanks to its serious expression. Ninetales ex is valued at $14.31 USD on TCGPlayer.
20 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 $16.83 USD.
19 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.
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The other form of Blastoise in this set is one of the most expensive cards in the whole collection. The Blastoise ex here is shown in a vividly colorful full-art stance and is valued on TCGPlayer currently at a market price of $19.69 USD.
18 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. 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 $19.70.
17 Erika's Invitation 203/165
Special Illustration Rare Holofoil
The only card 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 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 $19.80 USD.
16 Psyduck 175/165
Illustration Rare Holofoil
Poor Psyduck is always struggling with headaches and overthinking. In this illustration by artist Whisker, Psyduck seems to be halfway down a large flight of stairs when it appears to have some kind of anxiety or other bad thought making its head hurt.
The beautiful artwork evokes a contrasting peace of nature surrounding it, while anxiety is shown in the face of Psyduck and through the image of the large staircase. On TCGPlayer, Psyduck card 175/165 holds a current market value at the time of writing at $21.24 USD.
