Some Japanese Pokmon cards command astronomical prices due to several important factors: Ready to discover the elite of the elite
My local game store (LGS), Tabletop Gaming Center in Newington, CT, recently announced they will be holding a 15-proxy Vintage tournament on October 24th
Getting a 1st edition Blastoise on its own will already cost you around 20k
However, those race-based formats were defined by undercosted beaters (which dont die to Righteous Blow) and powerful combat tricks (which counter Slash of Talons and provide extra damage)
Add The New York Post on Google An extremely rare Pokmon card that cost $3 in 1999 has sold for a whopping $4,0180 at auction
Given the sheer density of commons and uncommons, you've likely gotten several through natural accumulation over time, and that's to say nothing of how many come in the packs themselves