ThePokemon TCGhas introduced dozens of different card variations in its over 25 years of existence, and the early years were full of experimental ideas. Neo Destiny featured threedifferent prefixes for Pokemon, which included valuable Light Pokemonand Shining Pokemon, along with a third, sinister option: Dark Pokemon.
While Light and Shining variants only appeared in Neo Destiny, Dark Pokemon also appeared in Team Rocket, and even featured a special promo appearance. Even though this gimmick didn’tappear in EX Team Rocketor other sets that featured the evil organization, its impact persists in the form of these valuable Dark Pokemon.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGplayermarket price. Cards without a market price are not included. Cards reflect first edition pricing and images, where applicable.
8Dark Tyranitar: First Edition Neo Destiny (Holo Rare) – $259.89
Climbing Up The Mountain
Dark Tyranitar is one of the most recognizable Dark Pokemon designs ever made, as this Generation Two pseudo-legendary boasts a ferocious pose on this card. Even with dozens of valuable cards to choose from in Tyranitar’s large roster, this artwork stands out as one of the clearest depictions of the Pokemon.
As vintage cards gain more value and hype over time, this card follows the leaders and rises to meet the new standards. Neo Destiny is packed with plenty of Dark Pokemon to choose from, so this won’t be the only entry from that iconic set.
7Dark Blastoise: First Edition Team Rocket (Holo Rare) – $268.62
Blasting Off Again
Dark Blastoise boasts a similar perspective and size to Dark Tyranitar, as this bulky Water-type Pokemon appears in its entirety here. Team Rocket is one of the most valuable vintage sets ever made, and cards like this Blastoise are easily among the very best in the set.
With newer sets like Destined Rivalsharkening back to the good old days of Team Rocket, Dark Pokemon from the set have seen their values increase. As one of the original Kanto starters, expect Blastoise to continue rising in price.
6Dark Dragonite: First Edition Team Rocket (Holo Rare) – $345.70
Mega Movement
Following the announcement of Mega Dragonite’s introduction into the Pokemon universe, you can expect to see several Dragonite cards begin generating hype and higher prices. While there are no guarantees in life, you can expect a certain level of predictability when it comes to catalyst events like this.
Whether you’re a fan of the original design or the Mega, Dark Dragonite stands out as one of the most iconic depictions of Dragonite we’ve ever seen, as we enjoy another all-encompassing look of a Pokemon that doesn’t always fit in a small frame.
5Dark Charizard: First Edition Team Rocket (Holo Rare) – $386.25
The GOAT Dethroned
Dragonite might be a major player in the Pokemon TCG market, butCharizard still stands well above the competition as the undisputed most valuable Pokemonin the TCG. Surprisingly, Charizard doesn’t have as high a price tag as some of the other most valuable Dark Pokemon in the TCG.
Despite frequently sitting at the top of most categories it qualifies for, Charizard isn’t immune to the tough competition from other beloved Pokemon. Few Pokemon generate the same nostalgia and emotional connection that Charizard does, but its fellow Kantonian Pokemon are some of the strongest contenders.
4Dark Espeon: First Edition Neo Destiny (Holo Rare) – $437.50
Adorable In The Dark
From Kanto to Johto, Espeon jumps ahead of some old favorites, as this Eeveelution earns its place on the back of being one of the most beloved options. Whether you’re a fan of Espeon or preferUmbreon and its army of Moonbreon cards,this card will appeal to you thanks to its unique design.
Despite the sinister prefix, Espeon opts for a more relaxed pose, contrasting with the high-energy, battle-ready poses of Pokemon like Blastoise and Tyranitar. With such a strong combination of popularity and visual appeal, Espeon rightfully claims a spot among the most valuable Dark Pokemon.
3Dark Charmeleon (W Stamped): WoTC Promos (Promo) – $450.00
Stamp It
Dark Charmeleon pulls off a shocking upset, even eclipsing its older sibling, Charizard, thanks to a rare stamp that sets this card apart from its Team Rocket version.This rare WoTC promostands out as one of the most valuable Dark Pokemon in the TCG, thanks to its exclusivity.
You’ll struggle to find many copies of this card on the open market, and there are even fewer available in decent shape, hence the massive price tag that comes along with this Dark Charmeleon.
2Dark Scizor: First Edition Neo Destiny (Holo Rare) – $499.69
Buzzing For More
The seesaw battle between Johto and Kanto rages on, as Dark Scizor snatches second place away from Dark Charmeleon by a roughly $50 margin. Neo Destiny is home to a massive collection of valuable Dark Pokemon, so it’s no surprise that it continues to make a huge mark on this list.
While it may not be the most popular Pokemon on this list, Scizor is no slouch, and this Pokemon doesn’t have a wide array of top-tier cards, compared to some of the other most valuable Dark Pokemon. As such, this card deserves distinction as one of the most impressive illustrations of this Pokemon.
1Dark Gengar: First Edition Neo Destiny (Holo Rare) – $796.82
The Lord Of Darkness
From a Pokemon lacking in valuable options to one that has dozens of them, Dark Gengar earns the crown as the most valuable Dark Pokemon with arguably one of the most unnerving depictions we’ve ever seen of this ghostly Pokemon.
Gengar’s smile and angry eyes embody the evil side of Dark Pokemon, and represent exactly the type of vibe you’d expect from Pokemon with this naming convention. At just shy of $800, this card has already surged in price, though it may not be done just yet if the vintage hype train keeps rolling.
