What Do MGC Grade? Top 5 Pokémon Promo Cards Ever

This article is written for Dedicated Hobbyists and Casual Fans exploring what items Majesty Grading Company (MGC) grade, and why Pokémon promo cards are some of the most exciting to submit.

What Does MGC Grade?

At Majesty Grading Company, we specialise in the authentication and encapsulation of a wide range of collectibles. Our expert team grade and protect:

• Trading Cards – Pokémon, Sports, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh! and more.
• Stickers – From Panini football stickers to Pokémon sticker sets and album inserts.
• Coins – Modern and historic coins, including collectable releases from The Royal Mint.
• Tickets – Vintage match tickets, event passes and concert memorabilia.
• Sealed Packs – From vintage Pokémon booster packs to sports card hobby boxes.

Every item submitted to MGC is individually graded, authenticated and sealed in our premium encapsulation cases. Whether you’re protecting nostalgic childhood cards or high-value investments, MGC ensures they’re safeguarded for generations to come.

Of course, Pokémon remains one of the most popular categories we grade. From early WOTC releases to modern EX, GX and Scarlet & Violet promos, MGC is proud to be the UK’s leading Pokémon card grading company.

Why Grade Pokémon Promo Cards?

Promo cards are the heartbeat of Pokémon collecting. They often mark iconic collaborations, events and anniversaries that define eras of the franchise. Whether handed out at tournaments, included in magazines, or gifted at Pokémon Centers, promos capture unique stories behind the game’s evolution.

Because many promos have small print runs or regional exclusivity, their rarity often grows over time. Grading these cards with MGC helps secure their long-term condition, certify authenticity, and unlock their potential resale value.

More importantly, a graded promo tells a story. When encapsulated in an MGC slab, each card becomes a piece of history preserved in crystal clarity – a perfect way to display nostalgia, celebrate your favourite characters, or invest in the future of the hobby.

The Top 5 Pokémon Promo Cards of All Time

With so many incredible promos released over the years, it’s difficult to narrow the list down. But here are five that stand out as legendary pieces of Pokémon history – each with its own unique place in the hobby.

1. Illustrator Pikachu (1998)

Arguably the most famous Pokémon card in existence, the Illustrator Pikachu promo was awarded to winners of the 1998 CoroCoro Comic Illustration Contest in Japan. Featuring artwork by Atsuko Nishida, the original designer of Pikachu, this card represents the purest celebration of creativity within the Pokémon world.

Fewer than 40 copies are confirmed, making it the crown jewel for collectors. When sealed in an MGC slab, the bold artwork and unique “Illustrator” logo shine beautifully. It’s the card that started the conversation about Pokémon as a serious collectible art form – and to this day, it remains the ultimate grail piece.

2. Shining Magikarp (1998 Tamamushi University)

Long before shiny Pokémon became a staple of the games, this little fish made waves as one of the first holographic promos to feature a shiny variant. Distributed exclusively through the Japanese “Tamamushi University” campaign, the Shining Magikarp became an emblem of exclusivity and prestige.

Collectors who find one in top condition often rush to get it graded – not only for protection but for the pride of owning a piece of Pokémon’s early history. In an MGC 10 slab, its golden shimmer and detailed Japanese text create a nostalgic masterpiece that symbolises the birth of competitive Pokémon collecting.

3. Mario Pikachu Promo (2016)

One of the most iconic crossover promos ever made, the 2016 Mario Pikachu series combined two of Japan’s most beloved franchises – Pokémon and Super Mario. Released through Pokémon Centers in Japan, each card depicted Pikachu dressed as Mario or Luigi, capturing the perfect blend of humour and nostalgia.

Sets sold out within hours, and secondary market prices skyrocketed almost instantly. The bright, comic-style artwork stands out beautifully when graded. Collectors worldwide now consider this promo one of the most imaginative and joyful releases in the Pokémon TCG’s history.

4. Charizard 25th Anniversary Stamp Promo (Japan Post 2021)

Modern promos can still make waves – and none more so than this special collaboration between Pokémon and Japan Post. Released in 2021 to celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary, the Charizard promo features the Pokémon tail-shaped postal stamp embedded directly in the card’s artwork.

It’s a symbol of how Pokémon continues to bridge generations and cultures. When encapsulated by MGC, this card becomes more than just a collectible – it’s a piece of cultural history. Its crossover appeal between stamp collectors and Pokémon fans adds even more demand, making it one of the defining promos of the modern era.

5. Pikachu on the Ball (FA, The FA x Pokémon Collaboration)

Few promos have captured the spirit of the UK hobby scene quite like Pikachu on the Ball. Released through The Football Association’s partnership with Pokémon in 2021, this card celebrated grassroots football across the UK. Distributed only through FA Youth Clubs, it instantly became one of the most sought-after British exclusives.

It’s the perfect example of a modern regional promo that has achieved cult status. Graded copies are now key display pieces in British Pokémon collections, combining national pride, nostalgia and collectability in one cheerful yellow package.

Honourable Mentions

With so many incredible promos over the years, it’s hard to stop at just five. A few honourable mentions include the Ancient Mew (1999 Pokémon Movie Promo), the Gold Star POP Series cards, and the Birthday Pikachu from the early Pokémon League days – all of which look incredible encapsulated in MGC slabs. Each has its own story and fanbase, and all are well worth grading if found in good condition.

How to Get Your Pokémon Cards Graded

Submitting your cards to MGC is straightforward and collector-friendly. Simply visit our submission page, choose your preferred service level – Bronze, Silver or Gold – and follow the step-by-step process.

• Bronze Service – Perfect for collectors who want reliable, affordable protection (2–8 weeks turnaround).
• Silver Service – A balanced choice offering faster turnaround (14 days on average).
• Gold Service – Priority grading with a 3-day turnaround for serious collectors.

You can send in Pokémon cards, sports cards, stickers, tickets, coins, and sealed packs – every item receives the same meticulous attention to detail. You’ll receive status updates throughout the process, and when your cards return, they’ll be professionally encapsulated in our crystal-clear cases ready for display, resale, or long-term preservation.

Why Grade with MGC?

MGC is more than a grading company – it’s a community of collectors, traders and fans who share the same passion for the hobby. Whether you’re grading your first card or your thousandth, we provide the consistency, transparency and trust that collectors demand.

• UK’s trusted card grading company with fast, reliable turnaround times
• Affordable pricing and regular membership discounts
• Grading options for all collectible types – cards, coins, stickers, packs and more
• Growing network of Local Submission Hubs for easy in-person submissions
• Strong presence at card shows and hobby events across the UK
• Free grading opportunities through MGC Live streams when you pull a big hit!

Final Thoughts

Promo cards capture everything that makes Pokémon collecting so special – creativity, nostalgia, community and history. Whether you’ve just rediscovered a promo collection in the loft or you’ve been hunting rare releases for years, grading is the best way to protect and celebrate your cards.

With MGC’s trusted service, you can preserve your collection, showcase your favourite cards, and enjoy the satisfaction of seeing them safely sealed and verified. From the Mario Pikachu to the Pikachu on the Ball, every promo tells a story worth protecting.

Submit Your Pokémon Cards for Grading Now