Rarity:
* Charizard: One of the most iconic Pokemon, and highly sought-after.
* Pikachu: Another iconic Pokemon with many rare and sought-after versions.
* Secret Rare, Full Art, and Shiny: These card types are often rarer and more valuable.
Condition:
* Mint condition: Cards in pristine condition without any flaws are the most valuable.
* Grading: Professional grading services like PSA and Beckett authenticate and grade cards, which impacts value.
Competitive Play:
* Powerful Abilities: Cards with powerful abilities and effects can be very valuable in competitive play.
* Specific Deck Support: Cards that support specific competitive decks can be valuable for those decks.
Historical Significance:
* First Edition: First edition cards from the early sets are highly collectible.
* Promo Cards: Cards given out at events or with specific products can be valuable.
Personal Preference:
* Favorite Pokemon: Ultimately, the "best" card is the one that you personally enjoy the most.
Examples of highly valuable Pokemon cards:
* Charizard (1st Edition, Shadowless): Highly sought-after and valuable.
* Pikachu Illustrator: Extremely rare and valuable promotional card.
* Charizard (Gold Star): Very rare and valuable from the EX series.
* Mewtwo (Gold Star): Another rare and valuable card from the EX series.
It's important to research and compare prices before making any purchases. Websites like TCGPlayer, eBay, and PokeBeach can help you determine the value of specific cards.