There are so many hidden or forgotten gems in thePokemon TCG,that you’d be excused for forgetting about some of them, like Light Pokemon. These Pokemon debuted in February 2002 inNeo Destiny – an incredibly valuable setwith three headlining concepts: Light, Dark, and Shining Pokemon.
There’s no doubt that Shining Pokemon are head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to value, but each of those three subsets highlights a collection of incredibly popular Pokemon from Kanto and Johto. Despite their bright artwork, Light Pokemon typically miss out on the fanfare, but there are still several incredibly valuable Light Pokemon to collect.
Cards are ordered according to theirTCGplayermarket price, which is subject to change. Any cards without a market price are not included. All cards and prices reflect first edition copies.
8Light Vaporeon: First Edition Neo Destiny (Uncommon) – $44.28
A Rising Tide
If you haven’t been collecting Pokemon cards for long, then you’ve probably never seen this card or heard of it’s existence – not because it’s undesirable, but it’s far fromVaporeon’s most iconic card.Chances are, this artwork is brand new to you (unless you’re a Vaporeon collector), and despite its age, the gorgeous rainbow background is timeless.
This Pokemon’s serene scene in the sun is unusual considering its affinity for water, but the rainbow provides the perfect connection, as Vaporeon’s Water Gun might have caused the rainbow to appear. There’s so much to appreciate in such a simple moment.
7Light Flareon: First Edition Neo Destiny (Uncommon) – $47.31
Earning Its Place
Few Pokemon and adjectives fit quite so snugly together as Light Flareon, as this Pokemon could send the Pokemon TCG market into a heated frenzy with this epic artwork. If this card were released in a modern context as a full art or illustration rare, it would probably be a hot topic of conversation based on the artwork alone.
Although this card is technically a humble Uncommon, its age, first edition stamp, and status as an Eeveelution ensure that it commands an impressive value, even if it can’t compete with some of its kin to come.
6Light Dragonair: First Edition Neo Destiny (Rare) – $63.65
The Precursor
Light Dragonair leans into its name, as this card highlights Dragonair’s white belly and accents with a beautiful scene of the Pokemon appearing to use Safeguard. Too few cards show us Pokemon in the middle of using their favorite moves, but this artwork hits the mark perfectly.
While this Pokemon is impressive in this artwork, its evolved form offers an even more exciting visual buffet to come, with a strong value to accompany it.
5Light Jolteon: First Edition Neo Destiny (Uncommon) – $88.37
Protecting A Friend
Jolteon jumps ahead of its fellow Eeveelutions, Vaporeon and Flareon, as one of the most expensive Light Pokemon from Neo Destiny, thanks in part to the inclusion of Togepi. While the Normal-type baby Pokemon doesn’t overpower the scene, its presence is undeniably adorable and a huge help to the overall value.
While such a high price for an Uncommon card sounds steep, the first-edition distinction, along with the challenge of finding this card in top-quality condition, contributes to the price tag. It’s notJolteon’s best cardby a long shot, but it’s still very impressive.
4Light Azumarill: First Edition Neo Destiny (Holo Rare) – $119.00
Create With Clay
While the clay art style is divisive, Light Azumarill’s depiction in Neo Destiny manages to pull it off perfectly, without the scene drawing too much attention. The stealthy use of darker shading at the top also helps to draw attention away from the smaller details that make the reality obvious.
There’s no need to hide the truth per se, but there’s something impressive about crafting a real figurine of a Pokemon and making it appear drawn. There’s plenty that can be said about the positives and negatives that come along with artwork like this, but it’s all a moot point if you just like this Pokemon.
3Light Togetic: First Edition Neo Destiny (Holo Rare) – $149.99
Looking For More
Speaking of likable Pokemon, Light Togetic stands out as possibly the most adorable version of a Light Pokemon we’ve seen thus far, as the Togetic in Light Jolteon’s scene appears to have evolved.
The continuity between scenes and evolutionary lines is one of the best aspects of the Light Pokemon subset.
This card’s artwork is also ripe with plenty of space for swirl patterns, which are whirlpool-like glimmering patterns that can appear on holographic cards from this era.
2Light Arcanine: First Edition Neo Destiny (Holo Rare) – $317.79
A Legendary Ascent
Light Arcanine leads the way with a massive price jump that leaves Light Togetic in the dust. Light Arcanine sticks out as the most iconic Light Pokemon, given how few other distinct artworks this Pokemon is featured in. While Arcanine isn’t lacking in valuable cards, this card easily sticks out as deserving of consideration as the best.
You don’t have as much room here for swirls as Togetic does, so having one on your copy makes it even more desirable, considering how difficult it is to get one perfectly placed in the corners.
1Light Dragonite: First Edition Neo Destiny (Holo Rare) – $327.34
Bright In Flight
Light Dragonite leads the pack as the most valuable Light Pokemon from Neo Destiny. While its lead over Light Arcanine is small, both Pokemon sit well clear of the competition, ensuring that the top two spots belong to these Pokemon; however, who claims the top spot is up for debate.
Dragonite has plenty of valuable cards to appreciate, so Arcanine fans might drive demand (and thus, the price) higher with comparatively fewer grail options to hunt. Expect the battle for the best Light Pokemon to rage on for years to come.
