At this point in time, there are a number of legendary bird Pokémon. When Pokémon was first released though, there were only three, and one of the common favorites was the lightning master, Zapdos.
What better way to honor this legendary bird than by going through the 20 most expensive raw Zapdos Pokémon cards? The list will be filtered by their raw price, but PSA 10 prices will be included.
*Please also note that this article was updated on 5/3/2026 and may have changed. That said, you should be able to find the current values of these cards by clicking on the link below them!*
Let’s get started!
#20 – Team Rocket’s Zapdos [EB Games] #70
Raw: ~$45 | PSA 10: ~$120
Our first Zapdos on the list is a EB Games promo, which is an Australian/New Zealand version of Gamestop. While the non-stamped version of this card is only about $2, the stamped promo will cost you a bit more.
Keep in mind as well that this card came sealed, so those versions can be a bit pricier.
#19 – Galarian Zapdos V #174
Raw: ~$45 | PSA 10: ~$150
Our next Zapdos is a Galarian version from the Chilling Reign set. While it is not the most expensive legendary bird in the Chilling Reign set, it is still one worth having in the binder!
#18 – Zapdos EX #033
Raw: ~$50 | PSA 10: ~$1,160
Our next most expensive Zapdos is a black star promo that could be found in an EX Collector’s Window Tins. And while not particularly well known, the art and holo on these are pretty sweet.
I know you are here for Zapdos, but the Articuno and Moltres from this group are also worth checking out.
#17 – Zapdos [Reverse Holo] #44
Raw: ~$60 | PSA 10: ~$740
Our next Zapdos is from the incredibly popular e-reader set, Aquapolis. This particular version is the reverse holo, where the holographic portion falls outside of the picture itself.
That is an important distinction as it is not the last time we will see this card on the list…
#16 – Zapdos [Shadowless] #16
Raw: ~$60 | PSA 10: ~$3,360
Coming in next is the second ever English released Zapdos Pokémon card. The Shadowless Zapdos from the original Base Set Pokémon set.
Despite being incredibly old, the Zapdos was one of the more common cards from the set, so it doesn’t have as high of a price as might be expected. All the more reason to pick one up for the binder!
#15 – Team Rocket’s Zapdos [Stamped] #70
Raw: ~$65 | PSA 10: ~$100
Thought we were done with Stamped Promo Zapdos cards? Think again. Where the EB Games promo started off the list, the Destined Rivals stamped promo comes in at around $65.
And in case you prefer, you can find this card still sealed as well for a touch more than raw opened versions go for.
#14 – Zapdos [1999-2000] #30
Raw: ~$70 | PSA 10: ~$775
While there is a standard Zapdos from the fossil set that we all know and love, there are actually a few different variants of it, the 1999-2000 copyright being one of them.
This particular version has a Cosmos holo and can mainly be identified due to the copyright dates. Because of its rarity, it has a much higher value than a lot of the other versions of this card.
#13 – Rocket’s Zapdos #15
Raw: ~$55 | PSA 10: ~$1,000
Coming in at #13 is one of the original Zapdos cards and is absolutely a fan favorite. While the Rocket Pokémon cards have been re-done with a lot of more modern Pokémon sets, it’s important to remember where they started. And this Rocket’s Zapdos is a fantastic reminder of that.
#12 – Zapdos [1st Edition] #15
Raw: ~$75 | PSA 10: ~$3,610
Speaking of Zapdos from the Fossil set, let’s discuss one that is a bit more well known, the 1st Edition Zapdos from the Fossil set.
This was the second English Zapdos ever released (excluding the base set variations of course) and is still a must-have for any Zapdos collector.
Because of its age PSA 10s are a bit tougher to come by and will cost you $3,500+!
#11 – Zapdos #38
Raw: ~$85 | PSA 10: ~$770
Remember the e-reader Zapdos we discussed above? Well it turns out the Japanese version is a bit pricier than the reverse holo English version.
And if you like this card but want more? Keep scrolling dear reader as I have a surprise for you.
#10 – Zapdos ex #202
Raw: ~$100 | PSA 10: ~$475
The next Zapdos is a much more modern than most we’ve seen, and this time is from the incredibly popular 151 set. While this card has increased in price, it is still a somewhat reasonably priced card, especially considering it is pictured with the other legendary birds.
If you like seeing all three legendary birds together, the stained glass version is worth checking out as well.
#9 – Zapdos #8
Raw: ~$105 | PSA 10: ~$940
The Zapdos #8 from the Rumble set is unlike any other Zapdos on this list. It was released as part of the Rumble Wii game along with a number of other very sought after cards with similar simplistic designs.
If you are a Zapdos collector, this may be one of the more unique ones that you could possibly have in your binder.
#8 – Zapdos EX #116
Raw: ~$140 | PSA 10: ~$3,020
The next Zapdos on our list is the Zapdos EX #116 from the Fire Red & Leaf Green set. While not as well known, the artwork and cracked ice holo is still highly appreciated today.
Due to its age and touchy holo front, a PSA 10 will net you over $3,000!
#7 – Rocket’s Zapdos [1st Edition] #15
Raw: ~$150 | PSA 10: ~$2,680
Rocket’s Zapdos? Sweet card. 1st Edition Rockets Zapdos? Even sweeter.
While 1st edition cards aren’t much of a thing anymore, 1st edition cards are now some of the most highly sought after cards you can find. And if you have the 1st edition Rocket’s Zapdos? Color me jealous.
#6 – Zapdos #150
Raw: ~$170 | PSA 10: ~$1,030
Coming in at #6 is a an incredibly simple but an incredibly cool Zapdos from the Supreme Victors Pokémon card set. The simple yet iconic design is one that can be appreciated by any collector.
In case you have to have the trio, the Moltres and Articuno are both absolutely worth picking up as well.
#5 – Zapdos #H32
Raw: ~$170 | PSA 10: ~$4,930
Number 5 on the list will be our 3rd and final e-reader Zapdos, once again from the incredibly popular Aquapolis Pokémon card set.
This version is the regular holo, still with the amazing artwork shown on the other two. Because these e-reader cards were played with so heavily, a PSA 10 will net you nearly $5k. Zapdos collectors rejoice!
#4 – Zapdos-Holo #145
Raw: ~$175 | PSA 10: ~$3,000
Our #4 most expensive raw Zapdos is one that is likely a little less known. This one is the Holo Zapdos from the Red Green Quick Starter Gift Set. Not only was it hard to get, it is also one of the original Zapdos ever released in 1998.
Need the trio once again? Don’t worry, there was both a Moltres and an Articuno released as part of the set also.
#3 – Zapdos [Reverse Holo] #19
Raw: ~$215 | PSA 10: ~$8,500
Next on the list is the Reverse Holo Zapdos from the legendary (literally) Legendary Collection set. These are some of the coolest holo cards ever released and are immediately identifiable vs any other.
Because of the fully holo front, PSA 10’s were not easy to come by. The last sold for a PSA 10 of one of these as of May 8 2026 was $8,500, which still sounds low for this kind of card.
If you are a serious Zapdos collector, this is an absolute must-have for the binder.
#2 – Rocket’s Zapdos EX #106
Raw: ~$265 | PSA 10: ~$2,810
The #2 Zapdos on our list is from the Team Rocket Returns set, released just 4 years after our Rockets Zapdos from the Gym Challenge set above.
Despite its later release, this Zapdos was harder to come by and therefore beats out a lot of other popular Zapdos cards in its average raw value.
Team Rocket strikes again…
#1 – Zapdos [1st Edition] #16
Raw: ~$275 | PSA 10: ~$8,760
For some of you, this is probably no surprise. For others, allow me to fill you in.
The 1st Edition Shadowless Zapdos is from likely the most sought after set in all of Pokémon. This is the very first English Pokémon set to ever release. With a PSA 10 Charizard from the same set selling for $420,000 in 2022, it’s no wonder that every other card in the set would follow.
And for a sub $10k PSA 10 price tag as of May 2026? A solid buy in my humble opinion.
Summary
There you have it. The most expensive average raw Zapdos Pokémon cards of all time. It almost feels cheated next to the Mewtwo and Dragonite lists. That said, all the better for you Zapdos collectors out there.
If you have other thoughts, feel free to send me an email at info@pokecardguy.com.
Thanks for reading!
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If you want to see some other similar lists, I have one on both cheap Charizard’s and expensive Charizard’s as well as Pikachu’s!
Thanks for reading!