Collecting Trainer cards in the Pokemon TCG is another fun option to explore if you’re struggling to pinpoint a Pokemon worth collecting. While some of the best full-art trainers like Misty, Rosa, and Erika can cost hundreds of dollars, options like Lt. Surge are affordable alternatives, especially if you prefer the originals.
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While Lt. Surge hails from an era before the full-art Trainer craze gripped the Pokemon TCG, he still boasts several pairings with his most iconic Pokemon in sets like Gym Heroes and Gym Challenge. Lt. Surge’s valuable cards are packed with Pokemon to enjoy alongside this Gym Leader, and he even has a solo art that perfectly portrays his powerful personality.
Cards are ordered according to their TCGPlayer Market Price, which is the average price you might pay for a copy of the (first edition, where applicable) cards below.
Given the age and rarity of these cards, only those with an established market price on TCGplayer are included.
However, sale prices differ depending on the card’s condition, so this market price is just a rough idea of the card’s value.
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Lt. Surge’s Raichu: Gym Heroes First Edition (Rare) – $25.56
Not Quite Surging Sparks
As with each of Lt. Surge’s most valuable cards, this Raichu comes in both first edition and unlimited versions, with the former commanding the higher price on each occasion. This non-holo rare Raichu might not come with a sparkling pattern, but its fierce battle pose makes it stand out nonetheless.
Modern sets like Surging Sparks illustrate unwavering support for Pikachu, but Raichu has never been able to replicate its pre-evolution’s success as the series mascot.
This card can sell for as little as $9.98 in moderately played (MP) condition, with lightly played (LP) showing more demand with pricing closer to $20 or more in most cases. However, if you’re willing to spend more than $20, grab a near-mint (NM) copy for $30 or less, with some sales sinking below $25.
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Lt. Surge: Gym Heroes First Edition (Holo Rare) – $41.37
The Man Himself
Although all of Lt. Surge’s other best cards feature his face as a small cameo on the card, this Holo Rare puts the Electric-type Gym Leader in the spotlight, with this gorgeous illustration that captures Surge’s strength, determination, and love for camo military jumpsuits – it’s his schtick, after all.
While this card doesn’t portray Surge in a flashy scene like some of the modern Trainer cards, its simplicity allows the gorgeous cosmos holo pattern to accentuate the artwork. MP copies might surprise you, selling for $23.99 and up, while LP starts at $32 but can reach highs of $50. NM copies have sold for below $50, but one sale with a picture reached as high as $117.
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Lt. Surge’s Fearow: Gym Heroes First Edition (Holo Rare) – $71.87
Soaring Prices
When you think about Lt. Surge, you might forget that he’s capable of using Pokemon aside from his standard Electric-type crowd. While Fearow isn’t on his team in the main series games, Lt. Surge canonically owns one in the Pokemon TCG thanks to this Gym Heroes gem.
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Condition plays a role in determining any card’s price, but this Fearow is heavily impacted by the card’s condition, with MP cards failing to crack the double digits in some cases. At the other end of the condition spectrum, you’ll routinely find NM sales pushing $70 and upward.
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Lt. Surge’s Electabuzz: Gym Heroes First Edition (Holo Rare) – $74.27
A Surging Storm
Lt. Surge’s Electabuzz is one of the most valuable cards in Gym Heroes and stakes a strong claim as one of the best Lt. Surge cards in the Pokemon TCG. The simplistic scene focuses on a low angle of Electabuzz that gives this Pokemon an intimidating appearance, aided by the crackling electric energy behind it.
Electabuzz also offers a wide range of prices, with damaged copies starting as low as $16, while NM copies typically sell in the $60 to $100 range – leaving plenty of wiggle room based on the specific card’s condition.
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Lt. Surge’s Magneton: Gym Heroes First Edition (Holo Rare) – $79.20
A Terrific Trio
One of Magneton’s most valuable cards makes its presence known among the best Lt. Surge cards in the TCG, bringing stunning art to the table along with the legendary cosmos holo pattern – a trademark of the Wizards of the Coast (WoTC) era of cards.
WoTC stopped producing Pokemon cards after 2003.
This fantastic first-edition card is always in demand, regardless of condition, as even damaged copies can fetch about $25. However, MP and LP copies don’t fetch the premiums you might expect, as they cap out at around $40. NM copies are where the money is, and you can expect to shell out at least $70 for a clean card.
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Lt. Surge’s Raichu: Gym Challenge First Edition (Holo Rare) – $99.77
Reaching For The Stars
Racihu is without a doubt Lt. Surge’s most iconic partner Pokemon, and this depiction portrays the electric mouse perfectly, with plenty of crackling lightning supporting Raichu’s innocent smile.
As Lt. Surge’s best card, Raichu exceeds the prior entries by a noticeable margin, with even MP copies of this card capable of exceeding the $70 plateau. If you’re looking for the cleanest NM card possible, expect to pay roughly $90 to $100 for a first-edition copy.
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