While Lugia is not one of the original Pokémon to debut with the game, this Psychic/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon is one of the most popular among the hundreds of monsters that have shown up in the long history of the game. Lugia debuted in the Pokémon series in Generation II games (Pokémon Silver and Pokémon Gold) as the key mascot for Pokémon Silver. For some players who already loved the dragon-like Charizard, Lugia represented another Pokémon that looked a bit like one of those mythic lizards and it’s been popular ever since then. Appearing in numerous sets since its 2000 debut, Lugia cards have often escalated in price for their power in the game and the appeal of the character. Who wouldn’t enjoy having Lugia flying overhead to challenge their opponent’s Pokémon? In this article, we’ll talk about the best and most valuable 10 Lugia cards in the TCG, although we’ll include a few promotional cards that also showcase this fan-favorite.
NOTE: Our focus here is on individual sales of Lugia cards, with each card only appearing once so we can cover a larger cross-section of cards. That said, we’ve got a pair of cards and also one where Lugia is locked in combat with another Pokémon everyone loves. No more spoilers now - let’s get to the list!
The Most Valuable and Rarest Lugia Cards Available
10. 2002 Pokémon EX Unseen Forces Lugia #105 - $5,799
This 2002 Lugia card is part of the EX Unseen Forces expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). As an expansion from the EX series, which introduced a lot of powerful Pokémon-EX cards with enhanced abilities and higher Hit Points (HP), you’d expect that Lugia would be a massive monster. Instead, this Lugia version is pretty standard from the size point of view. The real power is in its truly impressive Elemental Blast ability, which delivers more damage than just about any other attack in the game. That alone would keep the game collectible and probably is why it’s on our list of the most valuable Lugia cards.
In November 2023, the record price for this Lugia card was set when a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy sold for $5,799. If you want to add this fine card to your collection, be sure to keep an eye on Cardbase for pricing trends because this one could go even higher.
9. 2010 Pokémon Legends Top and Bottom Lugia Cards #113 and #114 - $6,500
Two rarities for the price of one, anyone? This unique Lugia version is actually a set of two cards from the 2010 Pokémon Legends set that was also part of the larger 2010 HeartGold & SoulSilver series that ties in with the video games of the same names. When placed together, these cards create a full image of Lugia, showcasing the legendary Pokémon in a dynamic and detailed illustration. This two-card design is a creative approach in the TCG, offering a distinctive way for players and collectors to appreciate Lugia's majestic and powerful form.
This set of Lugia cards sold in December 2023 for a massive $6,500. Of course, both cards were graded as PSA 10 Gem Mint, something that not every collector will find. If you can put a set together in this top-shelf grade, you can expect to fetch a similar price for your own set. This set will surely rise in value over time due to their unusual nature and the fact that the cards are older and this format was rarely repeated.
8. 2000 Topps Pokémon The Movie First Appearance Lugia #1 - $6,500
While not part of the Pokémon TCG, this 2000 Topps card from Pokémon The Movie is iconic and important for a collection because it’s the first appearance of Lugia. While the film was called "The Power of One," it was also known as "Pokémon The Movie 2000." This Lugia card is distinctive for its foil design, which gives it a reflective quality like a Holo card.
Learn more about Pokémon Card Rarity in our guide
This was also the beginning of Lugia being a major character in much of the subsequent Pokémon media products. The card's value for collectors and investors is augmented by its connection to the Pokémon movie, making it a cherished item among fans of the franchise and collectors of movie memorabilia. As a part of the 2000 Topps series, it represents a unique crossover between Pokémon TCG and movie collectibles, adding a layer of rarity and nostalgia.
In July 2023, the record price of $6,500 was set by a Pokémon card auctioned online that was graded as a BGS 8.5 Mint item. The price of this Lugia card could definitely increase with a Gem Mint/Pristine copy, but others are available for a lower price in lesser condition. It’s definitely going to stay valuable due to its significance in the franchise and for Lugia in particular.
7. 2007 Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Secret Wonders Lugia #14 - $8,500
This version of Lugia is from the Diamond & Pearl series and was published in 2007. While it is part of the Secret Wonders series, Lugia is not a Secret Rare this time, sporting a perfectly normal #14 in the set. That seems appropriate for this version of the card, which sports a so-so image of Lugia in flight. While it’s one of the least compelling versions of Lugia and its power is on the low end for this legendary Psychic/Flying-type Pokémon, it’s still a holo Lugia card with a shimmering, eye-catching effect on this run-of-the-mill depiction of Lugia.
In February 2023, a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of 2007 Pokémon Diamond & Pearl Secret Wonders Lugia #14 sold for $8,500, a staggering sum for a card that is usually sold for much less. While recent sales have been going up in possible reaction to this princely sum being paid for a copy, investors and collectors should really track pricing on Cardbase so check out trends before committing to paying this much for a card that is older, but still available pretty widely.
6. 2022 Pokémon Japanese Sword & Shield Paradigm Trigger Lugia #110 - $10,000
One of the most recent cards on the list, the 2022 Pokémon Japanese Sword & Shield Paradigm Trigger Lugia is from the Japanese-exclusive Paradigm Trigger expansion. This expansion is a part of the Sword & Shield series, which has been introducing cards aligned with the latest generation of Pokémon games. If you are surprised that a card so recent would be worth so much, you just have to look at the card itself. One of the most dynamic images the company has released in years, the perspective of Lugia’s flight and the spray of color is utterly spectacular.
Add to that the fact that this is a colossal, supremely strong iteration of Lugia, with HP of 220 and an attack that packs a 130 point punch, and you can see why this became such a valuable Lugia card so fast. Being a part of a Japan-exclusive set, this card will be all the more appealing for international collectors, which is likely how the price got so high so fast. The artwork alone with its almost Impressionist feel sets this out as one of the most beautiful Pokémon cards ever.
This $10,000 price was paid for a BGS 10 Pristine copy in November 2022. That rarest and highly-coveted BGS grading probably helped lift the price higher, but I’d be willing to bet that PSA 10 Gem Mint copies will command a similar price on the open market.
5. 2002 Pokémon Japanese Meiji Promo Charizard vs Lugia #15 - $10,450
The 2002 Pokémon Japanese Meiji Promo #15 Charizard vs Lugia card was a promotional card that was only released in Japan. This card was part of a promotional push from Meiji, a Japanese candy company. The art of the card shows an epic showdown between two of the most iconic Pokémon ever: super-popular Charizard, the fiery and powerful final evolution of the Kanto region Pokémon Charmander, and Lugia, the legendary Psychic/Flying-type from the Johto region. Even if this were not a limited edition promo, featuring these two powerhouse Pokémon together would make this card a treat. While it has no functionality within the Pokémon TCG, the collectibility of this card is off the charts for fans of the franchise.
In February 2022, a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy sold for more than $10,000, setting a record price for a card that has a very low population count on PSA’s database. Add up the two Pokémon on this card, the fact that it was a promo, and that it’s over twenty years old now and you have a card that is sure to continue to escalate in value when additional copies come on the market.
4. 2011 Pokémon Call Of Legends Holo Lugia #SL7 - $11,322
This Lugia card is from the 2011 Call of Legends expansion, a unique set of Pokémon TCG cards known for an emphasis on legendary Pokémon. Lugia is a highlight in the set, particularly because it is part of a subset of "Shiny Legends," indicated by the "SL" in its number. These cards are characterized by their holographic artwork, which showcases Lugia in one of its most action-oriented pieces of art. As usual, Lugia is out in space, but this piece really captures the feel of motion. In terms of power, this version of Lugia isn’t one of the best, but the artwork and ‘shininess’ makes it popular with collectors.
The copy that set the record price of over $11,000 was sold in April 2021 and was a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy. While this was sold during the pandemic pricing surge, there’s evidence that this card retains solid value and collectors seeking a copy can still expect to pay a significant price for copies in the best condition.
3. 2013 Pokémon Black & White Plasma Storm Lugia #134 - $14,999
The 2013 Pokémon Black & White Plasma Storm Lugia #134 was part of the Plasma Storm set released in 2013. These cards are easily recognizable by their distinct blue borders and the Team Plasma emblem. Team Plasma told the same storyline from the Pokémon Black & White video games, which introduced a lot of new abilities and powers. Lugia’s definitely one of the powerhouse Pokémon from the series, boasting huge hit points and massive attack options like the Plasma Gale. The artwork looks amazing, with Lugia soaring through the clouds with blue lightning all around.
The top price for this Lugia card was set in June 2023, which was for a PSA 10 Gem Mint version that sold for a whopping $14,999. Due to the recency of the price, we can expect this card will continue to appreciate over time, especially for copies with top-tier grading.
2. 2003 Pokémon Aquapolis Crystal Lugia #149 - $15,000
Another earlier Lugia card, this version of the Pokémon from the Aquapolis set, released in 2003. Aquapolis is part of the e-Card series, one of only three series with this technology, which incorporated a code that could be scanned and used with the e-Reader accessory for the Game Boy Advance. Nintendo may have envisioned this interface as a way to bring video game and TCG players together in one arena, it never really happened and the e-Card tech was abandoned. The 2003 Pokémon Aquapolis Crystal Lugia #149 card features Lugia in a dynamic pose on a starfield, portraying the powerful monster perfectly. Like Charizard, Lugia has a dragon-like feel that helps it stand out from the other Pokémon and adds to its popularity. Plus, it’s technically a ‘Secret Rare’ with a card number outside the card set total (149 of 147).
The high-water mark in value for this version of Lugia was established in February 2021, when a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of the card sold for $15,000. Similarly graded copies can be expected to go in the same price range, although there are a few online that are listed for quite a bit more. Keep an eye on Cardbase’s listings to track pricing if you’re in the market for this gorgeous card.
1. 2000 Pokémon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia #9 - $129,000
The 2000 Pokémon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia card was the debut of this beloved Pokémon. Like the 1999 Base Set, this card also sports a 1st Edition stamp since the Neo Genesis series was the start of a new generation of Pokémon. Plus, it’s a Holo card with Lugia in a majestic pose out in space, effectively showing off its role as one of the legendary Pokémon of the Johto region. Lugia's significance extends beyond just its power in the game; it's also a fan favorite for its mysterious lore and prominent role in the Pokémon universe, including movies, TV series, and other branded merchandise.
In November 2020, this record price was set for a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy going for $129,000 in an online auction. While prices have continued to fluctuate since then, we can still expect the price of this Lugia card in a similar condition to continue to increase over time.
Lugia Cards Fly Above The Rest
We've come to the end of our quick journey through the world of Lugia Pokémon cards. We've seen some amazing and rare treasures from the Pokémon TCG universe, and learned a lot about the legacy of Lugia. From the early editions where this Psychic dragon captured our hearts, to the exclusive and compelling modern cards where Pokémon continue to explore new ways to depict Lugia, we hope you found a card or two to add to your collection..
Whether you're an old hand at collecting or just dipping your toes into the Pokémon world, we really hope this guide has helped to shed some light on the captivating world of Lugia cards. Keep these special pieces in mind as you fill out your collection because Lugia’s cards are some of the most valuable and beautiful cards ever produced. Happy collecting!
