13 Anime Trading Card Sets That Became Collector Gold

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Dragon Ball Z Score Trading Cards (1999)

The Dragon Ball Z Score Trading Cards from 1999 are among the most iconic anime card sets to ever reach collectors. These cards featured character art directly from the anime, allowing fans to relive famous battles through their collections. Popular cards included Goku, Vegeta, and the powerful villains like Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. The nostalgia around Dragon Ball Z continues to fuel the demand for these cards.

Collectors today value sealed booster boxes of this series at around $8,000, depending on condition and rarity. Individual rare cards such as Goku Super Saiyan promos can fetch anywhere between $300 to $1,200. The ongoing popularity of Dragon Ball as a franchise has only pushed values higher. Many fans who grew up watching the anime still seek to own these cards as a piece of their childhood.

Yu Yu Hakusho Trading Card Game (2003)

Released in 2003 by Score Entertainment, the Yu Yu Hakusho Trading Card Game became a favorite for anime fans at the time. The set included iconic characters such as Yusuke Urameshi, Hiei, and Kurama, all illustrated in colorful designs true to the series. Although the game itself never reached the competitive height of Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh, the artwork and connection to a beloved anime made the cards memorable.

Today, collectors pay a premium for sealed starter decks and booster packs, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. Single high-grade foil cards can sell for $200 to $600, depending on rarity. Nostalgia plays a strong role in driving these prices, especially as Yu Yu Hakusho remains a classic series with a loyal fan base.

Sailor Moon Carddass Set (1992)

Sailor Moon’s Carddass sets, released in Japan in the early 1990s, quickly became prized collectibles for fans of the magical girl series. The glossy cards featured scenes from the anime, character portraits, and transformation artwork. Many fans collected them as keepsakes rather than trading cards, which makes mint condition sets even rarer today.

The current market shows complete sets valued at $2,500 to $4,000, depending on condition and whether they are graded. Individual prism cards featuring Sailor Moon and Sailor Venus can fetch prices between $100 and $500 each. These cards remain a treasured reminder of one of the most influential anime franchises of the 1990s.

Pokémon Base Set (1999)

The Pokémon Base Set from 1999 is arguably the most famous anime-related trading card set worldwide. Released by Wizards of the Coast in the United States, it introduced fans to the first 151 Pokémon through highly collectible cards. The Charizard holographic card became a cultural icon and remains one of the most desired cards in trading history.

A sealed Base Set booster box now sells for more than $250,000 at auction. Even lightly played holographic cards such as Blastoise and Venusaur can reach $2,000 to $10,000 depending on grading. Pokémon’s continuing global popularity makes this set one of the most valuable anime card collections ever produced.

Digimon Digi-Battle Cards (2000)

In the year 2000, Digimon released its Digi-Battle Card Game, capitalizing on the franchise’s worldwide success. The set featured digital monsters like Agumon, Gabumon, and the powerful Digivolutions that fans adored from the show. Though it was overshadowed by Pokémon, Digimon still carved out a strong community of collectors.

Today, sealed boxes of the first edition Digimon Digi-Battle cards can reach $7,000. Single holographic cards like Omnimon or WarGreymon can be valued from $200 to $1,000. The rarity of unopened packs has made this set a real treasure for anime fans who grew up during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Carddass (1995)

Bandai’s Carddass release for Neon Genesis Evangelion in 1995 brought the dark, futuristic anime to collectible form. The cards highlighted characters such as Shinji, Rei, Asuka, and the towering Evas in action. The artistic quality and the psychological depth of the series made these cards stand apart from other anime collections of the time.

Currently, full sets of Evangelion Carddass can sell between $1,000 and $2,500. Rare prism cards featuring Asuka and Rei are especially desirable and can bring in $300 to $700 individually. As Evangelion continues to influence anime culture, these trading cards remain a powerful collectible.

One Piece Carddass (2001)

One Piece Carddass sets debuted in 2001 and quickly became popular in Japan. The cards illustrated the adventures of Luffy and his crew, with scenes taken from the East Blue and Alabasta arcs. These sets served as an early collectible before the recent One Piece Card Game was introduced.

Complete sets in mint condition now sell between $1,500 and $3,000. Special prism cards of Luffy and Zoro are among the highest valued, with individual sales reaching $300 to $800. With the One Piece franchise still running strong, the demand for early card sets remains consistent.

Naruto Card Game (2006)

The Naruto Card Game launched in 2006, produced by Bandai. It featured characters, jutsu techniques, and famous battles from the anime. Fans enjoyed both the artwork and the gameplay, which captured the spirit of the ninja world.

Today, sealed booster boxes can sell for $2,000 to $5,000. Rare foil cards like Sage Naruto or Akatsuki members can reach prices from $250 to $1,000. The long-lasting popularity of Naruto ensures this trading card game holds its value among collectors.

Inuyasha Trading Card Game (2004)

Score Entertainment released the Inuyasha Trading Card Game in 2004, bringing the feudal fantasy world to fans in card form. Featuring characters like Inuyasha, Kagome, Sesshomaru, and Naraku, the cards blended character art with gameplay mechanics. While the card game eventually ended, the sets became beloved for their nostalgia.

Sealed booster boxes of Inuyasha cards are now valued at $1,200 to $2,500. Rare holographic cards such as Sesshomaru or Kikyo can fetch $150 to $500 each. Collectors see these as both a reminder of the anime and as a rare find due to limited print runs.

Bleach Trading Card Game (2007)

The Bleach Trading Card Game was launched in 2007 by Score Entertainment. It captured the Soul Reapers, hollows, and intense battles from the anime in collectible form. While the game struggled to maintain a competitive following, the cards have become highly desired among anime enthusiasts.

Current values show sealed booster boxes selling for $1,500 to $3,500. Chase cards featuring Ichigo’s Bankai or Espada villains can be priced between $200 and $700. The limited production run combined with Bleach’s ongoing cultural relevance has turned this card game into a prized collectible.

Fullmetal Alchemist Trading Cards (2004)

The Fullmetal Alchemist Trading Cards were introduced in 2004 during the anime’s international popularity. These cards highlighted Edward, Alphonse, and other key characters, while also showcasing famous battle scenes. Fans appreciated the detailed artwork that captured the themes of alchemy and brotherhood.

Today, complete sets in good condition sell for $1,000 to $2,500. Rare chase cards featuring Edward or Alphonse in armor can bring in $200 to $600 each. Because of the lasting appeal of Fullmetal Alchemist, these cards remain attractive to both casual fans and serious collectors.

Rurouni Kenshin Carddass (1996)

Rurouni Kenshin Carddass was first produced in the mid-1990s in Japan, reflecting the growing interest in anime collectibles during that time. The cards featured the wandering swordsman Kenshin Himura, along with Kaoru, Sanosuke, and Shishio. Many cards included glossy and prism finishes that made them stand out.

Collectors now pay between $1,200 and $2,800 for complete sets, depending on rarity. Prism cards of Kenshin with his sakabato sword are especially sought after, valued at $300 to $700. These cards remain nostalgic pieces tied to one of the most beloved historical action anime series.

Hunter x Hunter Carddass (2000)

Bandai produced several Hunter x Hunter Carddass series beginning in 2000, showcasing Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Hisoka. The cards depicted early arcs such as the Hunter Exam and Yorknew City saga. Fans enjoyed the vibrant art style that closely mirrored the anime’s look.

Today, a complete set can sell for $1,500 to $3,000. Special prism cards of Hisoka and Killua are particularly valuable, reaching $250 to $800. With Hunter x Hunter remaining influential among fans, these sets have steadily climbed in market demand.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.