Top 10 chase cards: Scarlet & Violet 151

Scarlet & Violet: 151 is pure nostalgia bottled into a set. For the first time ever, all original Kanto Pokémon are together in one expansion. That alone made it a must-have, but when you combine it with gorgeous Illustration Rares and jaw-dropping Special Illustration Rares, 151 quickly became one of the defining releases of the Scarlet & Violet era.

Why Scarlet & Violet 151 is so popular

What makes 151 special?

• First Pokémon TCG set to feature every Kanto Pokémon in one release.
• Includes iconic Special Illustration Rares for Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur.
• Packed with story-driven Illustration Rares that feel like snapshots from a Pokémon journey.

Shop Scarlet & Violet 151 at Beam!

Honorable Mentions

A few cards didn’t crack the top 10 but are still highly desirable:

• Erika’s Invitation SIR: stunning Trainer artwork that’s become a collector darling.
• Mew EX Hyper Rare: a golden Mew that adds prestige to any binder.
• Dragonair Illustration Rare: calming artwork that captures Dragonair’s beauty.
• Snorlax Illustration Rare: a cozy and characterful card that always gets smiles.
• Pikachu Illustration Rare: one of the cutest Pikachu artworks in years, and always in demand.

1. Charizard EX SIR - #199

Charizard continues to reign as the ultimate chase. This Special Illustration Rare depicts it soaring through a canyon, tying in beautifully with the story told by Charmander and Charmeleon’s Illustration Rares. As the final piece in the Char-line narrative and the most beloved Pokémon of the original 151, this card is the crown jewel of the set.
Market value: Around $275–$315 raw.

2. Blastoise EX SIR - #200

Blastoise’s underwater battle scene is breathtaking, with bubble effects and a true sense of motion that few other cards capture. Drawn by Mitsuhiro Arita, the original Base Set artist, this card is both a competitive option with Solid Shell and Twin Cannons, and a nostalgic callback for long-time fans.
Market value: Around $75–$90 raw.

3. Venusaur EX SIR - #198

Venusaur’s Special Illustration Rare shows it in lush greenery, radiating power and connection to nature. With Bulbasaur and Ivysaur’s Illustration Rares to complete the line, this card anchors one of the most visually stunning starter spreads in the set.
Market value: Around $70–$85 raw.

4. Zapdos EX SIR - #202

Zapdos cuts across stormy skies in a dramatic display of speed and lightning. This legendary bird card captures the energy and power that make Zapdos so iconic, and it’s a must-have for fans of the Legendary Bird trio.
Market value: Around $60–$80 raw.

5. Charmander Illustration Rare - #168

Charmander begins the set’s most famous evolution story, gazing upward with hope and determination. The gentle yet powerful scene makes this one of the most sentimental Illustration Rares in the Scarlet & Violet block.
Market value: Around $38–$48 raw.

Fun fact

Scarlet & Violet: 151 is the first set ever to feature every Kanto Pokémon, from Bulbasaur to Mew. The evolution-line storytelling in cards like Charmander to Charizard made collectors fall in love with binders all over again.

6. Charmeleon Illustration Rare - #169

Charmeleon continues the Char-line with fiery intensity, bridging Charmander’s innocence and Charizard’s dominance. Collectors often chase all three cards together to complete one of the most iconic narrative spreads in the game.
Market value: Around $33–$37 raw.

7. Squirtle Illustration Rare - #170

Mitsuhiro Arita reimagines his own Base Set Squirtle in this Illustration Rare, giving it a playful, aquatic setting that’s instantly nostalgic. As the first stage in the water starter line, this card is the foundation of one of the most popular page displays in 151.
Market value: Around $44–$50 raw.

8. Alakazam EX SIR - #201

Alakazam’s Special Illustration Rare depicts it in a cozy study, a slice-of-life moment that contrasts beautifully with its usual battle-ready depictions. This fresh take on a classic Psychic Pokémon has quickly become one of the most memorable cards in the set.
Market value: Around $45–$55 raw.

9. Bulbasaur Illustration Rare - #166

Bulbasaur blends into its natural surroundings in a forest scene that feels calm and storybook-like. As the start of the Bulbasaur line, this card is highly valued by collectors building complete evolution pages.
Market value: Around $40–$45 raw.

10. Mewtwo EX SIR - #233

Mewtwo’s Special Illustration Rare brings a darker, more cinematic look to the set, highlighting its immense psychic power and mysterious aura. As one of the most iconic Pokémon in the franchise, this card holds strong collector value and closes out the chase list in style.
Market value: Around $200–$220 raw.

Discover more chase cards of your favourite sets!

From Prismatic Evolutions to Black Bolt, each Pokémon TCG set brings new grail cards for collectors. Explore our other guides to see which cards you should chase next.

Buy Scarlet & Violet 151

Looking to chase Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur? Shop Beam Card Shop’s and build your dream Kanto binder.