Paradise doesn’t come cheap. Three rare, 25-year-old Pokémon promotional cards have collectively sold for nearly $1.2 million at auction, highlighting the enduring appeal and significant market value of vintage Pokémon TCG collectibles.
The cards are part of the Southern Islands set, an unusual release that first appeared in Japan in 1999 alongside the second Pokémon movie. The collection featured 18 cards divided between two themed portfolios, Tropical Island and Rainbow Island. Each card depicted a piece of a larger, interconnected panoramic artwork, with illustrations by Naoyo Kimura for Tropical Island and Keiko Fukuyama for Rainbow Island.
When Wizards of the Coast released the set in English in 2001, all 18 cards were packaged in a folder with postcards and booster packs. The English release maintained the original art style and featured striking holographic patterns that covered almost the entire card, enhancing the visual impact of the distinct illustrations.
Record-Breaking Sales
PSA 10 Southern Islands Holo Mew #1 – $840,000
The highest price achieved was $840,000 for a PSA 10 graded Southern Islands Holo Mew. This particular card showcases the distinctive art style of Keiko Fukuyama, featuring Mew prominently with Charizard in the corner. With only 20 PSA 10 copies of this card existing worldwide, its high value is attributed to its rarity, popularity, and the overall demand for pristine vintage Pokémon cards.
PSA 10 Southern Islands Holo Togepi #4 – $168,000
Another significant sale was a PSA 10 Southern Islands Holo Togepi, which sold for $168,000. This card also features the art of Keiko Fukuyama, who illustrated a limited number of cards for the Pokémon TCG. Despite Togepi being a less prominent character compared to Mew, the card's rarity and condition contributed to its impressive auction price.
PSA 10 Southern Islands Holo Marill #11 – $168,000
Rounding out the notable sales, a PSA 10 Southern Islands Holo Marill also fetched $168,000. Illustrated by Naoyo Kimura, this card was known during its release unofficially as “Pikablu” due to its resemblance to Pikachu. The card features the unique "Reverse Cosmos Holo" foiling characteristic of the Southern Islands set.
An Enduring Collectible
The Southern Islands set occupies a unique space in the Pokémon TCG's history. Unlike expansion sets with booster pack nostalgia, its identity is built on a small, curated collection, interconnected artwork, and a distinctive presentation. These qualities have contributed to its lasting appeal over two decades later. The combination of beautiful art, an intriguing backstory, and significant collector interest has propelled these cards to extraordinary market values.