Legendary, majestic, and eternally ablaze, Moltres has been a fiery fan favorite since its inception. Among the original legendary bird trio, Moltres has always captured the imaginations of fans with its brilliant flame-wreathed design. But for Pokemon card collectors, this fiery fowl is not just an iconic creature, but a valuable addition to their collections. In this article, we will explore the most valuable Moltres cards that have ignited the interests of collectors around the globe.

The Best Moltres Cards

Here is the criteria we used to come up with this list of the best Moltres cards: 

• Values: We’ve factored in for some of the most valuable Moltres cards on the market 
• Rarity: Rarity will always have a role to play in terms of interest and pricing 
• Popularity and branding: How popular is the brand, or the set itself?
• Potential ROI: Arguably most important, can you expect a decent potential ROI if it’s a long-term hold? 

1. 1999 Pokemon Fossil 1st Edition Moltres Holo #12

A favorite among collectors, the 1999 Pokemon Fossil 1st Edition Moltres Holo card is undoubtedly a valuable option. This card features the iconic bird in all its blazing glory, portrayed against a holographic background. As part of the 1999 Fossil release, this card is a relic of Pokemon history, making it one of the most expensive Moltres cards around. A 1st Edition PSA 10 copy sold for $998 in June 2023.

Check prices of 1999 Pokemon Fossil 1st Edition Moltres Holo on eBay

2. 1999 Japanese Grand Party Trainer

Though not strictly a Moltres card, the 1999 Japanese Grand Party Trainer card is notable for featuring all three of the original legendary birds. The stunning artwork and its exclusivity – it was only given to competitors in the Japanese “Grand Party” tournament – make it a valuable and highly sought-after card. With Moltres sharing the stage with Articuno and Zapdos, this card is a worthy addition to any Moltres or legendary bird collection. A PSA 10 copy recently sold for just under $2,000. 

Check prices of 1999 Japanese Grand Party Trainer on eBay

3. 2000 Pokemon Gym Heroes 1st Edition Rocket’s Moltres Holo #12

This unique Moltres card, released as part of the 2000 Pokemon Gym Heroes set, features Team Rocket’s version of the legendary bird. The card’s artwork shows Moltres set against a dark, tumultuous backdrop that highlights its fierce and fiery nature. Being a first edition holographic card, Rocket’s Moltres Holo is considered one of the best Moltres cards and has a significant value attached to it. For example, a PSA 10 copy was snagged for a flat $700 in May 2023. 

Check prices of 2000 Pokemon Gym Heroes 1st Edition Rocket’s Moltres Holo on eBay

4. 2009 Pokemon Platinum Moltres lv.33 Holo #149

The 2009 Pokemon Platinum Moltres lv.33 Holo card is another sought-after collectible. This card showcases Moltres in a dynamic, fiery pose that epitomizes the Pokemon’s powerful and majestic nature. The holographic design only adds to the appeal of the card, making it a prized possession among collectors. A PSA 10 version of the Supreme Victors card sold for $599 in April 2023. 

Check prices of 2000 Pokemon Platinum Moltres lv.33 Holo on eBay

5. 2002 Pokemon Japanese 1st Edition Moltres Holo #19

The 2002 Pokemon Japanese 1st Edition Moltres Holo card is a standout in any collection. The captivating artwork combined with the card’s first edition status and holographic design adds to its value. This card’s worth is further increased by its rarity outside of Japan, making it a must-have for dedicated Moltres fans and collectors. A PSA 10 copy sold for $455 in July 2023.

Check prices of 2002 Pokemon Japanese 1st Edition Moltres Holo on eBay 

Summary 

Whether you are an experienced hobbyist looking to expand your collection or a novice fan delving into the world of Pokemon card collecting, these Moltres cards are some of the most valuable and exciting options available. However, you might have to pay four figures for some of the rarest Moltres cards in pristine condition. 

The legendary Pokemon is now one of many chase cards from the early collection. It might not be found much in current decks, but the majority have been graded by the likes of PSA.