Happy National Pokémon Day! What better way to celebrate the anniversary of our favorite franchise than by diving into the heartbeat of the Pokémon TCG market?
While many collectors have deep personal connections to specific Pokémon for their PCs (Personal Collections), the reality of the market is that some cards simply move faster and more consistently than others. If you are a collector or dealer looking to understand market velocity, you need to look at the SLAM Score.
What is the SLAM Score?
The SLAM Score is the ultimate metric for measuring a card’s liquidity. Rather than just looking at the highest price tag, the SLAM Score calculates how easy it is to buy or sell a specific card by analyzing three main factors:
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Sales Frequency: How often does this card successfully sell?
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Transaction Volume: How many copies are moving across the market on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis?
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Price Stability: Are the sales prices consistent, or is the card incredibly volatile?
Cards with a high SLAM Score are the most liquid assets in the Pokémon hobby. The higher the score, the closer your card is to cold hard cash. If you need to liquidate, you can expect to sell these rapidly at a predictable price. If you’re a dealer, these are the cards that will practically fly out of your display case.
Here are the Top 20 most liquid Pokémon cards on the market right now, ranked by their SLAM Score:
1) 1999 1st Edition Charizard Base Set PSA 9
Sometimes the population of a card and price make it unobtainable for many. The 1st edition Charizard PSA 10 is one such example. However, there are over 700 Charizard PSA 9s that sell quickly, quite frequently, and at a very steady price. Hence why the PSA 9 1st Edition Charizard has a 100 SLAM Score.
2) 2003 Lugia Holo Auapolis PSA 9
Aquapolis is revered among vintage enthusiasts, and this stunning Lugia holo is widely considered the crown jewel of the e-Reader era. Because pristine copies are exceedingly rare and expensive, the PSA 9 has become the highly liquid sweet spot for collectors, ensuring it flies off dealer tables almost instantly.
3) 2002 Shining Charizard 1st Edition PSA 10
As one of the most iconic vintage secret rares, this card commands massive respect across the hobby. Its unmistakable artwork and historical significance ensure that whenever one hits the market, buyers are waiting with cash in hand.
4) 2021 Umbreon Vmax Evolving Skies Secret Rare PSA 10
The infamous “Moonbreon” is the undisputed king of the Sword & Shield era and boasts unprecedented modern liquidity. Despite a relatively high PSA 10 population, demand continually outpaces supply, making it an instant seller.
5) 2015 M Rayquaza EX Roaring Skies PSA 10
This XY-era gem features incredible, explosive artwork that resonates deeply with both players and collectors. Its sustained popularity keeps transaction volumes high and prices incredibly stable.
6) 2006 Gyarados Gold Star Holon Phantom PSA 10
Gold Star cards are vintage royalty, and the Delta Species shiny Gyarados is an undeniable fan favorite. It rarely sits in a display case for long, changing hands quickly among high-end collectors.
7) 2002 Shining Tyranitar 1st Edition Neo Destiny PSA 10
Vintage Neo Destiny shinies are incredibly liquid, and Tyranitar’s fierce, dark artwork makes it a standout. It offers a perfect blend of scarcity and relentless buyer demand that keeps its SLAM Score sky-high.
8) 2019 Latias & Latios Alternate Full Art Team Up PSA 10
Affectionately known as the “Heart” card, this Sun & Moon era masterpiece has a cult following. Its emotional resonance and beautiful art make it one of the fastest-moving tag-team cards available.
9) 2025 Umbreon EX Special Illustration Rare Prismatic Evolutions PSA 10
A modern marvel from the brand-new Prismatic Evolutions set, this Umbreon continues the unstoppable Eeveelution hype train. It is currently experiencing massive daily transaction volumes as collectors scramble to secure pristine copies.
10) 2023 Magikarp Illustration Rare Paldea Evolved PSA 10
Don’t underestimate the splashing fish; this card’s unique, vibrant artwork created an absolute frenzy upon release. It remains one of the most liquid and actively traded illustration rares of the Scarlet & Violet era.
11) 2006 Charizard Gold Star Ex Dragon Frontiers PSA 9
While the PSA 10 is a holy grail, the PSA 9 offers a highly liquid entry point for collectors wanting a shiny Charizard. It moves exceptionally fast and maintains a rock-solid, predictable market price.
12) 2022 Giratina V Full Art Lost Origin PSA 10
With its mind-bending, chaotic artwork, this alternate art from Lost Origin was an instant classic. It boasts an incredibly active market, moving swiftly between modern art collectors.
13) 2016 Mario Pikachu Full Art XY Promo PSA 10
This iconic Nintendo crossover is a global phenomenon with a massive, diverse buyer base. The universal appeal of Mario and Pikachu guarantees this card sells the moment it is listed.
14) 2024 Bubble Mew ex Special Illustration Rare Paldean Fates PSA 10
Featuring everyone’s favorite mythical Pokémon in a vibrant bubble, this card from Paldean Fates captured hearts instantly. Its steady sales frequency makes it a highly liquid modern chase card.
15) 2023 Pikachu Grey Felt Hat Van Gogh Black Star Promo PSA 10
Born from a viral museum collaboration, this card’s pop-culture crossover appeal drives consistent, rapid sales. After the initial hype wave, it has stabilized into a highly predictable and liquid asset.
16) 2019 Gengar & Mimikyu Alternate Full Art Team Up PSA 10
This spooky duo features incredible artwork that perfectly captures the personalities of both Pokémon. It remains one of the most heavily traded and deeply desired Sun & Moon alternate arts.
17) 2025 Rocket’s Mewtwo ex Special Illustration Rare Destined Rivals
Tapping into deep Team Rocket nostalgia, this brand-new Special Illustration Rare is moving at lightning speed. Current market velocity shows buyers are incredibly eager to snap up this beautifully dark artwork.
18) 2021 Gengar VMAX Alternate Full Art Secret Rare Fusion Strike PSA 10
The Gengar VMAX is a staple of Sword & Shield collections with an incredibly active sales history. It flies out of dealer showcases thanks to its unique art and massive fan-favorite status.
19) Mega Charizard X ex Special Illustration Rare Phantasmal Flames PSA 10
As a fresh release from the new Phantasmal Flames set, the hype around Mega Charizard X is driving immense trade volume. It’s a prime example of a high-tier modern chase card that anyone can get excited about.
20) 2023 Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare Scarlet & Violet 151
The 151 set brought vintage collectors back to the hobby in droves, and this Charizard is the undisputed chase of the set. Its high population is completely absorbed by even higher demand, keeping its SLAM Score at the top of the charts.
The Hype is Here to Stay
As we celebrate another National Pokémon Day, one thing is abundantly clear: the hype surrounding the Pokémon TCG isn’t dying down anytime soon. Whether it’s the enduring nostalgia of vintage base sets or the breathtaking artwork of modern chase cards, the hobby continues to attract new collectors and seasoned investors alike. The sheer velocity of these top 20 cards proves that a well-placed Pokémon asset is as liquid as it gets.
Don’t just guess—verify. You can search for any Pokémon’s SLAM Score directly inside the marketplace on the Mantel App to see exactly how liquid your collection really is.
