For pure collectibility and value:
* Pikachu Illustrator: A rare promotional card given to winners of a Japanese illustration contest in 1997. It's extremely rare and has sold for millions of dollars.
* No Rarity Pokemon Cards: These are extremely rare first edition cards that don't have any rarity symbol (common, uncommon, rare).
* PSA 10 graded cards: A perfect condition card graded by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is highly valuable.
For competitive play:
* The "best" cards are constantly changing. The meta (the current popular strategies) changes with each new set, making it difficult to say definitively which card is best.
* Powerful cards like Pikachu VMAX, Arceus VMAX, and Giratina VSTAR are currently strong contenders, but their strength can shift depending on the deck being used.
For nostalgia:
* The card that holds the most sentimental value for you is the best card. Maybe it was your first card, or a card you pulled from a pack as a kid.
Ultimately, the "best" Pokemon card is the one that holds the most meaning for you. It could be a card that you've treasured since you were young, a card that represents a pivotal moment in your Pokemon journey, or a card that you've been lucky enough to acquire.