For serious Pokémon card collectors, there‘s always a thrill in hunting down those elusive, high-value cards to add to your prized collection. And while iconic first generation Pokémon like Charizard and Mewtwo may get much of the attention, there are some true gems to be found among later generations as well. Case in point – Turtwig.
This adorable grass-type Pokémon made its debut in the fourth generation Diamond & Pearl expansion, and while it may not have the same cachet as a Base Set Charizard, some of the rarer Turtwig cards can fetch astoundingly high prices on the secondary market. If you‘re lucky enough to have one of these valuable Turtwig variants in your collection, you could be sitting on a small fortune. Let‘s dig into the details of the most sought-after Turtwig cards and what makes them so covetable.
A Turtle-y Awesome Pokémon: Turtwig‘s Origin and Cards
First appearing in the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl video games released in 2006, Turtwig is a grass-type Pokémon resembling a small turtle or tortoise. Its name is a combination of "turtle" and "twig," referencing the sprout growing out of its head. When the Pokémon Trading Card Game Diamond & Pearl expansion launched in 2007, Turtwig was featured on a total of 12 different cards.
The Diamond & Pearl set notably marked a change in card design, with tweaks to fonts, HP placement, and various other graphic elements. This was the first of many expansions where Turtwig cards could be found, including:
- Diamond & Pearl
- Mysterious Treasures
- Secret Wonders
- Great Encounters
- Majestic Dawn
- Legends Awakened
- Stormfront
- Platinum
- Arceus
- DP Black Star Promos
- McDonald‘s Collection 2021
While many Turtwig cards are quite common and can be easily obtained for just a few dollars, there are some standout rarities that collectors fiercely pursue. But what is it that makes certain Turtwig cards so valuable? Let‘s explore the factors at play.
What Makes a Turtwig Card Valuable?
As with any Pokémon card, a Turtwig card‘s value is determined by a combination of rarity, condition, special features, and overall desirability. Some of the key things that can impact a Turtwig card‘s worth include:
Rarity: Cards from early print runs, special collections, and promotional releases tend to be more scarce, and thus more valuable, than common cards from large print run expansions. Error cards and misprints can also be highly sought after for their uniqueness.
Condition: A card‘s condition is critical to its value. Cards are graded on a scale of 1-10 based on wear, damage, centering, and overall preservation. "Pack fresh" cards that look like they just came out of a booster pack can command astronomical prices.
Special features: Holographic cards, secret rare cards, and full art cards often carry a significant premium over regular cards. Promo stamps and alternate artwork can also drive up a card‘s desirability.
Age: In general, older cards tend to be worth more simply because they‘ve been around longer and surviving copies in top condition are harder to come by. Turtwig has an advantage here over newer Pokémon.
Popularity: Let‘s face it, some Pokémon are just cooler and more popular than others. While Turtwig may not be as beloved as Pikachu or Eevee, it definitely has its dedicated fans willing to shell out for a prime specimen card.
With these factors in mind, let‘s spotlight some of the rarest and most valuable Turtwig cards a collector could hope to own.
The Holy Grail Turtwig Cards
2007 Diamond & Pearl Turtwig #72 (Japanese Cosmos Holo) – $1,500
As one of the very first Turtwig cards from when the Pokémon launched in the Diamond & Pearl expansion, this card is highly desirable for its "OG" status. But what takes it to the next level is the "Cosmos Holo" feature – a special holographic pattern used on booster pack insert cards in the Japanese print run.
Finding one of these in acceptable condition is a tall order, nevermind in pristine shape. In 2020, a copy graded PSA 9 Mint sold for nearly $1,500, setting a high bar for Turtwig card values. Even lower graded copies routinely sell for hundreds of dollars. An elusive Cosmos Holo Turtwig is arguably the crown jewel for serious Turtwig collectors.
2007 DP Black Star Promo Turtwig #DPBP01 – $300+
This promo card was released to members of the Japanese Daisuki Club – the official Pokémon fan club in Japan. Featuring alternate artwork from the other Diamond & Pearl Turtwig cards and a foil promo stamp, it‘s much rarer than a standard Turtwig card.
In 2021, a "Raw" (ungraded) copy sold on eBay for around $300. For a graded copy in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition, you could easily expect to pay double that or more. The scarcity of these Japanese promos combined with a "perfect 10" grade is a recipe for a top-tier Turtwig card.
2007 Diamond & Pearl Turtwig #72 (Misprint/Error) – $100-$200
Card misprints and errors are another subset of the Pokémon card collecting world, and Turtwig has a notable misprint that can considerably boost its value. Some copies of Turtwig from the first Diamond & Pearl print run have a slight misalignment of the holofoil pattern, causing part of the holographic effect to be visible from the front of the card outside the character window.
While it‘s a relatively minor error compared to some of the spectacular misprints out there, it‘s still rare and something that misprint collectors will happily pay a premium for. Depending on severity, you could expect an error Turtwig to sell for $100-$200 raw. If graded by CGC under their "error" designation, it would likely go for even more.
Honorable Mentions
Beyond these top billing cards, there are some other Turtwig cards of note for collectors:
- 2008 DPBP#12 Champion‘s Pack Promo – A rare Japanese promo card
- 2009 Platinum Supreme Victors Turtwig – Alternate holo artwork
- 2021 McDonald‘s 25th Anniversary Holo Turtwig – Recent promo that could appreciate in value over time
How to Assess a Turtwig Card‘s Value
If you‘ve come across a Turtwig card and want to get a sense of its potential value, here are some steps to take:
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Identify the card‘s set, print run, rarity, and any special features (holo, 1st edition stamp, promo stamp, error, etc.). Reference online Pokémon card databases and price guides to compare.
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Assess the card‘s condition honestly and critically. Check for any damage, silvering, scratches, nicks, off-centering, or other imperfections. Cards that look "pack fresh" are more likely to get high grades.
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Consider getting the card professionally graded if it appears to be in very good condition. Grading will help encapsulate the card‘s condition and can often raise its value, especially if it receives a high grade. Companies like PSA, BGS, and CGC are the gold standard for card grading.
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Research recently sold listings for your specific card on marketplaces like eBay, TCGplayer, and PWCC Auctions to get a sense of the market rate for your card in its condition. Prices can fluctuate over time with the collectible market, so look at the most recent sales.
Where to Buy & Sell Turtwig Cards
Interested in buying or selling one of these valuable Turtwig cards? There are a few key marketplaces to check out:
eBay: eBay is one of the biggest platforms for buying and selling Pokémon cards, offering both fixed price listings and auctions. You can often find a wide range of Turtwig cards here, but be sure to thoroughly vet any high-value listings and only buy from reputable sellers.
TCGplayer: TCGplayer is a popular online marketplace specifically for trading card games like Pokémon. It offers a vast database of card info and pricing, as well as a large marketplace of vetted sellers. You can list your own cards for sale here as well.
PWCC Marketplace: PWCC facilitates both eBay and independent auctions for high-end trading cards, including Pokémon. This is a great place to look for top-grade specimens and rare cards, but expect to pay a premium. PWCC is also known for its card trading indices that track the market performance over time.
Collectors Groups: Joining a Pokémon card collector group, whether online or in-person, is a great way to network with other enthusiasts to buy, sell, and trade. You may have luck finding rare Turtwig cards or interested buyers in these communities. However, always exercise caution when dealing with anyone online.
The Future of Turtwig Cards
It‘s always hard to predict exactly how a specific Pokémon card will perform in the market over time, but there are some positive signs for Turtwig cards. The Pokémon TCG continues to grow in popularity, with rare cards setting new records at auction regularly. More and more people are getting into collecting and investing in Pokémon cards, which bodes well for cards like Turtwig.
As fourth generation Pokémon, Turtwig cards may also start to see a bump in interest and value as the overall Pokémon franchise moves further beyond its 25th anniversary. Newer collectors and fans who started with the Diamond & Pearl era may have a nostalgic affinity for Pokémon like Turtwig and gravitate to those cards.
That said, as a non-starter Pokémon and a more recent addition compared to the Base Set crew, Turtwig cards will likely never reach the same heights as a first edition Charizard or Blastoise. But for collectors who love this scrappy grass-type, the high-end Turtwig cards can be an excellent, and slightly more attainable, niche to focus on.
The most important thing is to collect what you love and enjoy the thrill of the hunt for those rare treasures. Whether you‘re a diehard Turtwig fan or just appreciate Pokémon cards in general, there‘s no denying the excitement of pulling a valuable card or finally tracking down that elusive grail after a long search. Here‘s wishing you the very best of luck in your collecting journey!
