Whether you just started collecting or you’ve been at it since the Pokemon TCG‘s birth, you’ll find an incredible wealth of valuable Pokemon to buy and collect. Even if you’re not a fan of Charizard, some of the most valuable sets in the Pokemon TCG feature numerous Pokemon to collect, some of which reach unexpected heights.
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Whether you’re infatuated with collecting valuable cards from popular Pokemon like Pikachu, or you prefer to collect underdogs, like Unown, there’s something for everyone. One of Generation One’s best Pokemon, Dragonite, also features a gorgeous collection of valuable cards to collect.
Cards are valued according to their TCGPlayer Market Price, which is what you might pay for a near-mint copy of the (first edition where applicable) cards below.
Given their age and rarity, sale prices are vastly different depending on condition, so this is just a rough idea of the card’s value.
Updated March 12, 2025, by Andrew Scariati: There’s a new most expensive Dragonite card on the scene, thanks to sales data that finally set a market price for a rare promo. The best Dragonite cards have shifted in value, but many hold the same positions, save for a downward shift due to a new claim to the top Dragonite chase card.
9
Dragonite: Delta Species (Holo Rare) – $101.36
A Sky-High Start
Delta Species is one of the best sets from the EX era, so it’s no surprise to see this gorgeous Dragonite art soar into the top spots among the most expensive Dragonite cards. The Dragonite featured seems ready to fly through the cardboard with a 3D-like effect.
Luckily, despite their high costs in near-mint (NM) condition, you can find much better deals if you look at lightly played (LP), moderately played (MP) or heavily played (HP) copies of these Dragonite cards.
This card sells for $60 – $80 in decent condition, but prepare to spend somewhere in the $100 range for an NM copy, giving this card a solid range to pick it up at relatively cheap numbers.
8
Dragonite EX: Dragon (Ultra Rare) – $188.69
Looking To The Skies
EX Dragon is one of the most notable EX-era sets, featuring a collection of top-tier Dragon-type Pokemon like Dragonite among its most expensive cards.
While its age makes it hard to find this card in good condition, you won’t find much of a deal if you opt for a worse condition, as this card’s NM copies approach the $200 plateau.
7
Dragonite Ex: Dragon Frontiers (Ultra Rare) – $202.00
A Strong Swirling Wind Up
Dragon Frontiers might be the most recognizable set for Dragon-type Pokemon, boasting an incredible roster of legendaries and pseudo-legendary Pokemon, including Dragonite and Rayquaza.
Luckily, you don’t have to worry about paying sky-high prices if you’re not at all bothered by the condition. Near-mint copies can command up to $200, but there aren’t many sales.
6
Dragonite V: Evolving Skies (Alternate Art) – $228.41
Don’t Sleep On Modern
The Dragonite V is one of the most expensive cards in Evolving Skies and makes its mark among some of the best Dragonite cards ever despite its relatively recent release.
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While most of these cards are vintage versions that have gained value over time, the Dragonite V has seen an incredible jump in price following the huge amount of hype around Alternate Arts from the Sword & Shield era.
Even though Dragonite seems on the verge of falling asleep in this art, this card’s price continues to soar, commanding incredible excitement in the modern era.
5
Dark Dragonite: Team Rocket (Holo Rare) – $289.92
Soaring Through The Darkness
Team Rocket has a habit of seeking out the strongest Pokemon to steal them for themselves, and Team Rocket’s most valuable cards feature dark versions of some of the most beloved Pokemon ever.
The same artwork from the Legendary Collection also commands over $100.
As the second most valuable card from Team Rocket, this Dragonite stands tall alongside Charizard with an incredibly desirable artwork highlighting this card’s gorgeous design. First-edition copies command a significant price tag, ranging between $100 (MP) and $300 (NM), which is a decent price, as copies that are graded as NM often exceed $300.
4
Dragonite: Expedition (Holo Rare) – $299.48
A Cute Standout
While this Dragonite artwork leans heavily into a cartoonish, lighthearted style, this card’s value is no joke, as some of the best copies sell for almost $300 if you’re lucky enough to find one.
As is the case with many vintage cards, many of the cleanest copies are already graded, so locating raw copies in pristine condition presents its challenges.
However, if you just like this card’s artwork and want to enjoy it in any condition, you’re in luck, as HP can be had for about $55, MP for about $100, and you can even pick up an LP copy for about $175, depending on the particular card.
3
Light Dragonite: Neo Destiny (Holo Rare) – $327.34
An Awe-Inspiring Airstream Action Shot
Neo Destiny’s Light Dragonite bursts through the air with incredibly unusual artwork, depicting this Flying and Dragon-type favorite in a swirl of blue and white.
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The price for first-edition copies of this card is incredibly strong, as the range remains relatively tight between $280 and $330.
2
Dragonite: Fossil (Holo Rare) – $415.13
An Iconic Giggle
As the most valuable card from Fossil, one of the best Pokemon vintage sets, it’s no surprise to see this iconic Dragonite art make its home in the top spot.
The simple rainbow background on this card shifts all attention to Dragonite, sitting and smiling with a mischievous look.
Condition is a huge factor for this card, as most MP or worse copies will max out at $250, while near-mint copies can command anywhere between $350 to $500, depending on how good the condition is, as a highly-graded copy sells for more than $500.
And The Winner Is…
The Dragonite National Championships Staff Promo takes the crown as the most valuable Dragonite chase card in the Pokemon TCG. This valuable promo card was given out to the winner during the 2008-2009 Pokemon National Championships and represents one of the most limited promo cards available.
Initially, this card’s rarity and lack of sales kept it out of contention, but an updated TCGplayer market price opened the door for this card. Now, this rare Dragonite card is the pace-setter, standing out as the most valuable Dragonite card currently available in the Pokemon TCG.
