Collecting

Pokémon promo cards: what they are, how to recognise them and what they're worth

Updated on 16/10/2026

Where promos come from

Source	Examples
Special products	Collections and boxes with an exclusive bonus card
Events and tournaments	Cards given to participants or winners
Magazines (in Japan)	Cards included with magazines such as CoroCoro
Pokémon Center	Cards given with purchases in the official Japanese stores
Collaborations	Special editions with museums, films or brands

How to recognise them

The bottom-left area of a card, where the number and symbols are — At the bottom left, where this card has its set code and number, promos have their own code: SV-P on Japanese cards, the PROMO star on international ones.

International promos carry the black star symbol reading PROMO and a number with the series code (for example SVP for Scarlet & Violet). Japanese promos have the series code followed by -P instead of the set code, like SV-P.

When a promo is worth a lot

Most promos are printed in large quantities and are worth a few euros. The valuable ones are tied to one-off events or very few copies. The extreme example is the Pikachu Illustrator, a 1998 Japanese promo given to the winners of a drawing contest: it's the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold. Also very sought after is the Pikachu with Grey Felt Hat from the 2023 Van Gogh Museum collaboration.

Hammer prices as reported by auction houses and the press (US dollars, including fees where stated). The first two bars are not to scale. Japanese cards in dark orange.

Japanese promos

Japan has a huge number of promos: magazines, Pokémon Center, films, in-store campaigns. Some are released only there and never reach the rest of the world, which is why Japanese card collectors love them.

Japanese cards from our catalogue

Pikachu ex

126/103

74,99 €3 pcs

Salamence ex

133/103

19,99 €2 pcs

Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR

234/172

36,49 €2 pcs

Deoxys VSTAR

223/172

32,99 €1 pcs

For the symbols you'll find on cards read the guide to rarity symbols; to understand value, how much a card is worth.

Frequently asked questions

What are Pokémon promo cards?+

Cards you won't find in regular packs: they're given out at events and tournaments, with magazines, in special products or as prizes.

How do I recognise a promo card?+

International promos have the black star symbol reading PROMO and a number with the series code (for example SVP). Japanese ones have a number with the series code followed by -P, like SV-P.

Are promo cards worth more?+

Usually not: many promos are printed in large quantities. The valuable ones are tied to one-off events, contests or special collaborations.

What's the most famous promo card?+

The 1998 Pikachu Illustrator, a Japanese promo given to the winners of a contest: it's the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold.