Black and White Pokémon Cards Value: Top 10 Cards and Insights

Estimated reading time: 12 min

Key Takeaways

• Black and White Pokémon cards value varies widely based on rarity, condition, and grading.
• Notable valuable cards include Pikachu #115, Zekrom #114, and Reshiram #113.
• Raw card prices often differ significantly from PSA 10 graded values, with gem mint condition typically commanding a premium.
• Booster boxes and sealed products remain sought-after and can command high prices depending on condition and market trends.
• Using tools like Midpoint can help collectors pre-grade cards and track portfolio value efficiently.

The Black and White Pokémon card era (2010-2013) marked an exciting chapter for collectors, bridging the nostalgia of classic Pokémon with evolving print styles and rarities. Understanding the black and white Pokémon cards value landscape — including notable cards, grading impact, and sealed product worth — can help collectors and investors make informed decisions. This listicle dives into key cards, sets, and grading insights from this era, including overlapping highlights from the HeartGold SoulSilver timeline.

Card values — live data from Midpoint's card database, as of 2026-08-23. Prices move; Midpoint refreshes these daily.

	Card	Raw	PSA 10	Gem premium
	Rayquaza-EX #XY69 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$193.12	$50,000	258.9×
	Kyogre #SL6 Call of Legends (2011)	$269.99	$36,000	133.3×
	Colress #135/135 Plasma Storm (2013)	$90.00	$35,000	388.9×
	Snorlax #101/135 Plasma Storm (2013)	$70.63	$33,330	471.9×
	Raikou #SL9 Call of Legends (2011)	$170.00	$31,948	187.9×
	Mew-EX #120/124 Dragons Exalted (2012)	$423.51	$29,808	70.4×
	Groudon #SL4 Call of Legends (2011)	$456.25	$28,850	63.2×
	Umbreon #86/90 HS—Undaunted (2010)	$537.41	$26,277	48.9×
	Suicune #SL11 Call of Legends (2011)	$325.00	$20,424	62.8×
	Umbreon #22/95 Call of Legends (2011)	$172.83	$20,406	118.1×
	Gardevoir #109/108 Dark Explorers (2012)	$693.66	$20,000	28.8×
	Absol #91/102 HS—Triumphant (2010)	$125.17	$18,665	149.1×

Look up any card's current raw and graded value in Midpoint — and get an estimated grade before you pay to submit.

1. Black and White Pokémon Cards Set Overview

The Black and White base set, released in 2011, introduced 114 cards plus secret rares, blending new Pokémon from the Unova region with fresh artwork and mechanics. This set is foundational for the 2010-2013 era and includes multiple subsets and promos that collectors chase. The set totals around 115 cards when counting secret rares and promos, offering a manageable but diverse collection.

Some key features of the set include:

• Release Year: 2011
• Total Card Count: Approximately 115 including holo rares and secret rares
• Includes Promos and Alternate Art Cards
• Print Runs: Moderate, contributing to both accessibility and value retention

This set forms the core of the black and white Pokémon cards value discussion and is frequently tracked on platforms like Midpoint for live price updates and condition grading.

2. Most Valuable Black and White Cards

Several cards stand out for their higher value in both raw and graded conditions. As of mid-2024, notable valuable black and white Pokémon cards include:

• Pikachu #115: Known for its popularity and unique artwork, raw prices generally range around $50-$70, with PSA 10 graded copies often valued higher.
• Zekrom #114: A fan-favorite legendary Pokémon, raw cards can be valued around $100, while PSA 10 versions may command significantly higher prices.
• Reshiram #113: Similar to Zekrom in rarity and demand, raw prices are approximately $90, with gem mint values typically higher.

These chase cards drive much of the set’s market interest and are often the focus for grading given their premium value gap between raw and PSA 10 conditions.

3. Raw vs PSA 10 Graded Prices

Understanding the difference between raw and graded card values is essential. Raw cards are ungraded and can vary widely in condition, while PSA 10 graded cards have been certified as gem mint by Professional Sports Authenticator, commanding a premium.

For example, Pikachu #115’s raw market price may fluctuate between $50 and $70 depending on condition, but a PSA 10 graded card can sell for multiple times that amount, often exceeding $200. This gem premium exists because collectors and investors trust the grading company’s assessment of condition and authenticity.

Many cards in the Black and White set show a 2-4x increase in value when graded at PSA 10, though the exact multiplier depends on rarity and demand.

4. Booster Boxes, Packs, and Sealed Product Values

Sealed products from the Black and White era retain significant value, especially unopened booster boxes and tins. Their scarcity and potential for unopened high-value cards attract collectors and speculators alike.

• Booster Boxes: Complete unopened Black and White booster boxes can fetch prices generally ranging from around $1,200 to $1,500 based on condition and market trends as of mid-2024.
• Booster Packs: Individual booster packs generally sell around $15-$30 each depending on release and condition.
• Tins and Blisters: These sealed products, especially with exclusive promo cards, often command premiums, sometimes exceeding $100 per tin.

Collectors aiming to build full graded sets or hunt for rare secret rares often seek these sealed products as a starting point.

5. Average Set Value and Full Set Worth

The average value of a Black and White base set depends hugely on card condition and completeness. Raw complete sets might range between $600 and $800, while fully graded PSA 10 sets can command significantly higher prices given the premium on rare holo and secret rare cards.

Individual card prices vary, but secret rares and holo rares drive the bulk of the set’s total worth. Collectors can track these fluctuations with apps like Midpoint, which provides real-time pricing and grading estimates based on current market data.

6. Secret Rares and Holo Rares That Drive Value

Secret rares are cards numbered above the set’s official count, often foil stamped and featuring unique artwork. They are scarce and highly prized. For example, cards like White Kyurem (B&W #113) and Black Kyurem command prices generally higher than standard holo rares.

Holo rares from the set, such as the holographic versions of Zekrom and Reshiram, are also sought after, especially in mint condition.

• Secret Rares: Typically numbered 115+ with foil effects
• Holo Rares: Official set rares with holographic shine but more common than secret rares
• Value Impact: Secret rares often sell at a premium compared to holo rares

7. Condition and Grading Factors Affecting Value

Condition is king in card collecting. Cards graded near mint (NM) show slight imperfections, while those rated played often have visible wear, creases, or edge damage, drastically lowering value.

Grading services like PSA, BGS, CGC, and TAG use centering, corners, edges, and surface quality as primary factors. The Midpoint app uniquely offers AI-powered digital grading that estimates these grades before collectors pay for expensive submissions.

For Black and White cards, centering is particularly important; a card off-center by just a millimeter can reduce value significantly. Using precise tools, collectors can measure centering and surface condition to decide whether grading is worthwhile.

8. HeartGold SoulSilver Cards Worth Money

The HeartGold SoulSilver era (2009-2010) overlaps slightly with Black and White and shares similar collector interest. Cards like the HGSS Lugia and Ho-Oh are valuable, often selling raw for $40-$100 depending on condition, with PSA 10 versions sometimes reaching higher prices.

Collectors interested in the broader 2011-2012 Pokémon cards value scene often track both Black and White and HeartGold SoulSilver cards to diversify their portfolio and capitalize on nostalgia and rarity.

9. Live Price Tracking and Market Updates

Market values fluctuate with demand, condition trends, and new collector interest. Staying current on prices is crucial. Platforms like Midpoint aggregate raw and graded prices from auction data, retail sales, and grading populations to provide live updates.

This dynamic pricing allows collectors to make informed buying or selling decisions and understand when market peaks or dips occur.

10. What’s Worth Grading Today?

Not every Black and White card is worth grading. Focus on holo rares, secret rares, and popular chase cards like Pikachu #115, Zekrom #114, and Reshiram #113. Grading is most profitable when cards are in near mint or better condition.

Using AI-driven pre-grading tools like Midpoint’s digital grading can help collectors identify gem mint candidates before expensive submissions. Cards with poor centering or surface damage often don’t justify grading fees.

For collectors planning to insure or sell high-value cards, professionally graded PSA 10 or equivalent cards generally command the highest prices and trust.

Conclusion

The black and white Pokémon cards value landscape offers opportunities for collectors and investors alike. From iconic chase cards like Pikachu #115 to sealed booster boxes, understanding rarity, condition, and grading premiums is important. Leveraging resources such as Midpoint can help you measure centering precisely, get instant grading estimates, and track your collection’s worth over time. Whether you’re building a full set or hunting for rare secret rares, knowledge of this era’s market can support informed collecting decisions.

FAQ

Q: What are the most valuable Black & White Pokémon cards?

A: Notable valuable cards include Pikachu #115, Zekrom #114, and Reshiram #113, with PSA 10 graded versions often worth multiple times raw prices.

Q: How much is a Black & White booster box worth?

A: Unopened Black & White booster boxes typically range from around $1,200 to $1,500 depending on condition and market demand as of mid-2024.

Q: What is Pikachu #115 worth in Black & White?

A: Raw Pikachu #115 cards generally sell for around $50-$70, while PSA 10 graded copies can command higher prices, reflecting a grading premium.

Q: What is the difference between raw and PSA 10 Black & White card values?

A: PSA 10 graded cards generally sell for 2-4 times the price of raw cards due to verified condition and rarity, especially for secret rares and chase cards.

Q: How many cards are in the Black & White set and which are secret rares?

A: The Black and White base set has approximately 115 cards, including several secret rares numbered above the standard set count, typically foil stamped and highly sought after.

Q: Are Black & White Pokémon cards worth grading?

A: Yes, particularly holo rares, secret rares, and popular chase cards in near mint or better condition. Pre-grading with tools like Midpoint can help identify cards worth the grading investment.