Steelix is one of the more impressive Pokémon to be introduced in Generation II. Onyx was tough enough already, but the evolution takes it a step further. We’ve come up with a list containing five top Steelix cards to collect.

One of the more memorable Gen II Pokémon, Steelix has featured on 27 different cards, and made its debut in 2000 Neo Genesis sets. We’ve narrowed it down to five of the best options, based on value, rarity, and popularity.

The Best Steelix Cards

As you might have guessed, the list is full of cards released during the early 2000’s. 

5. 2004 Pokemon Ex Team Rocket Returns Dark Steelix #10 (eBay)

2004 Pokémon EX is where you’ll find one of the most eye-catching cards on this list, even if it’s not the most valuable overall. 

Dark Steelix is a special version of the Pokémon, which is almost untameable. The artwork is given the Holo treatment, and it’s found in the ‘Team Rocket Returns’ expansion. It’s not especially expensive, but pristine copies still sell for three figures. 

4. 2000 Pokemon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Steelix Holo #15 (eBay)

Released only a year after the original 1999 set, the unique colouring of the Pokémon Neo Genesis collection led to numerous condition-related issues. (It’s not so pronounced for Steelix compared to cards with white backgrounds like Lugia, but grey isn’t ideal.)

This was the first appearance in the TCG for Steelix, with a total of 120 HP that was impressive in comparison to other Pokémon at the time. 

3. 2001 PM Japanese Shining Steelix #208 (eBay)

Next up is the 2001 Pokemon Japanese Neo 4 collection. The first ever appearance for Shining Steelix, this Japanese card also has a more popular English version discussed in detail below. It uses a design seen with Shining cards from this era, so it’s a Holo Pokémon set against a normal background. Steelix is posed in an attacking stance, with a menacing smile on its face.

2. 2003 Pokemon Skyridge Steelix Holo #H29 (eBay)

Released in 2003, four years after the initial 1999 Pokémon boom, Skyridge was the final Pokémon set produced by Wizards of the Coast.

It consisted of two Japanese e-Card sets, e-Card 4 and e-Card 5. Their official names are Split Earth and Mysterious Mountains. Once again, expect to pay a significant three-figure fee to prise a PSA 10 copy away from collectors.

1. 2002 Pokemon Neo Destiny 1st Edition Shining Steelix #112 (eBay)

The English version of the card that takes the third spot on this list, the 2002 Neo Destiny set features the Shiny version of Steelix. For the first time, the Shining Pokémon cards had a non-Holofoil background, and the Pokémon were given a glossy metallic look.

Since it was released as part of 2002 Neo Destiny sets, there aren’t as many as you might have expected. (There were fewer boxes printed by then, as the card collecting craze started dying down.)

1st Edition versions sell for a premium, and can be identified thanks to a small stamp beneath the artwork on the left hand side. You’ll see an example in the image above. 

The Best Steelix Cards: Buyers Guide 

What do we think of the current market for the cards listed above? 

If you’re looking at lower PSA grades, you’ll be able to pick up the majority of the Steelix Pokémon cards listed above for a reasonable price. The same goes for ungraded copies, so there’s lots of options to choose from. The original 2000 Steelix card is a great place to start. 

In terms of the best investment, we’d opt for either of the Shining Steelix cards. They’re prestigious, and almost everyone prefers the rare shiny version of a Pokémon if they have a choice. You’ll have to pay a premium for pristine graded copies. 

Final Thoughts 

Steelix might not be the most popular Pokémon from Gen II, but it’s undeniably impressive. It’s an improvement on Onyx, and it helped to introduce a new wave of Pokémon to fans around the world. 

In the game, it evolves from Onix when traded while holding a Metal Coat. It can also Mega Evolve into Mega Steelix using Steelixite.

It has a unique art style, and you’re never going to get it mixed up with anything else. There are lots of options to choose from, but you’ll struggle to find Steelix cards that are better than the ones listed above.