Top 10 Dragonite Pokemon Cards You Need to Collect Now

Dragonite Pokemon Cards

Despite its large size, Dragonite is skilled at flying faster than the speed of sound. It can fly around the globe in sixteen hours, requiring traveling at a ground speed of roughly 1,556 mph. Dragonite is a kindhearted Pokémon with human-like intelligence showing signs of generosity. It is known to save humans from drowning and lead lost ships to safety.

Yet, as the anime demonstrates, it will go on an uncontrollable, damaging rampage if its environment is threatened. Dragonite will usually calm down and be satisfied after destroying anything that has angered it to smithereens.

Dragonite is a Superior Dragon Pokemon

Dragonite’s true nemesis is Kingdra, who is known to battle whenever they meet. Dragonite has been referred to as the sea guardian and the Sea Incarnate. According to Drayden, Dragonite’s power is capable of affecting the weather. Additionally, there are many ships with decorated figures representing a Dragonite look.

It is a generation 1, stage 2, dragon-type Pokemon with a large defense and powerful offense. It evolves from Dragonair starting at level 55 and is the final form of Dratini. There are dark and light Dragonite with different abilities as well.

Collecting Dragonite Pokemon Cards

There are many Dragonite cards ranging from 1995 to the present day. This article presents the top 10 collectible and valuable Dragonite Pokemon cards to consider buying today. Keep in mind that the popularity and value of any card could change with market conditions.

Also, the grade of any card is extremely important when determining the value. Near-perfect examples with little to no damage are more valuable than cards that have been played. Consider submitting your cards to PSA for grading to increase the value and guarantee the authenticity of your Pokemon cards.

#10
1996 Japanese Fossil Pokemon
Dragonite holo #149
PSA 10 Value: $455

1996 Japanese Pokemon Set

The first Dragonite Pokemon card ever printed is number 10 on the list. It is unclear why these cards aren’t as popular as the other Dragonite cards since this is considered his first card or, to sports card collectors, his “rookie” card. This is also the set of Charizard’s first holo as well. This video talks about the 1996 Japanese Pokemon set a little more.

The image of Dragonite is of him sitting on his butt, hand over mouth like he is eating an apple. So, not the most exciting image. And the card is a Japanese version, which could be a turn-off to American collectors due to the inability to read the text. However, as I mentioned earlier, this is the first Dragonite Pokemon card featured in the trading card game and, in my opinion, should be higher up on this list.

PSA Population Report

PSA has graded 2,049 of the 1996 Japanese Pokemon Fossil Dragonite holos. Of those submitted, 249 graded gem mint 10, a meager 12% of the population. A little under half of them, at 44%, graded PSA 9, which shows that these are not the most difficult to grade. If you have a raw example, consider submitting it to PSA.

#9
2005 Pokemon EX Delta Species
Dragonite reverse foil #3
PSA 10 Value: $511

2005 EX Delta Specie Dragonite Reverse Foil

If you’re searching for a Dragonite Pokemon card with great overall eye appeal that won’t break the bank, look no further than the EX Delta Species reverse foil. Dragonite is a Delta Species in this set and has been experimented on at Holon labs. Delta Species Pokémon have “δ Delta Species” between the name and HP. Furthermore, they have a double helix on the border of the artwork window, and the evolution box features a δ design.

Rare Holo cards for Delta Species Pokémon featured a plain “refractor” Holofoil on the Pokémon and the card border. Reverse Holofoil featured the same “refractor” Holofoil on the background of the artwork. Reverse Holofoil versions of the Rare Holo cards were updated to have gold foil HP text.

PSA Population Reports

PSA has graded 217 of the reverse foil Dragonite Pokemon cards. Of those submitted, 70 graded gem mint 10 and 80 graded mint 9. So, these are not the most difficult to grade and are fairly easy to find on eBay. A PSA 10 example recently sold at auction for $511, and a PSA 9 sold for $168. My evaluation for a raw card in near mint-to-mint condition could be between $30 and $50.

#8
2004 Pokemon EX Team Rocket Returns
Dragonite reverse foil #15
PSA 10 Value: $650

2004 Dark Dragonite Reverse Foil

One of the more popular dark Dragonite Pokemon cards is his reverse holo from the 2004 EX Team Rocket Returns set. This is Dragonite’s second appearance in a Team Rocket set and offers gorgeous dark theme artwork.

Some might look at this card and say it is a holo; well, it is not. How can you tell? In some of the Pokemon EX sets, reverse foils look similar to holo cards, with the art box having the holo finish.

The difference between a holo and a reverse foil

So how can you tell the difference between a reverse foil and a holo in the 2004 EX set? The reverse has an EX Team Rocket Returns stamp on the bottom right. This stamp makes the reverse foil versions highly sought after, collectible, and slightly more valuable than the regular holo cards. The Dragonite holo card was sold exclusively in James’s Cosmos Holo theme deck and not in regular packs.

2004 Pokemon EX Team Rocket Returns

EX Team Rocket Returns is the seventh central expansion of the EX Series of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It was released as Rocket Gang Strikes Back in Japan, the third expansion in the Pokémon Card Game PCG Era. Established on the return of Team Rocket, as shown in Gold, Silver, and Crystal. It features both Generation I and Generation II Pokémon. The English expansion was released on November 8, 2004, while the Japanese released on October 15, 2004.

#7
1998 Pokemon Japanese Game Boy Promo
Dragonite holo #149
PSA 10 Value: $660

1998 Pokemon Japanese Game Boy Promo

The 1998 Game Boy promo Dragonite card is another early card you should consider adding to your collection. Found inside boxes of Game Boy Colors Pokemon game released in 1998. This card displays a GB symbol instead of the expansion symbol, indicating it is exclusively for the Game Boy. The artwork is unique, showing Dragonite standing on a grassy hillside at night with holographic swirls and dots appearing as stars shining. The ’98 Game Boy Dragonite is a must-have for any Dragonite collector.

PSA Population Report

There are currently 2,504 of the Dragonite Game Boy promos graded by PSA. Of those graded, 845 are in gem mint condition. This is surprising, considering they were inserted inside a Game Boy game. I would assume that many cards were damaged, lost, or thrown away. Keep your eyes on the population reports to see if any more surface. This could very well be the highest it gets.

#6
2002 Pokemon NEO Destiny
Light Dragonite holo #14 (1st edition)
PSA 10 Value: $1,925

2002 NEO Destiny Dragonite holo #14

The 2002 NEO Destiny Light Dragonite is the first and last set we can find Dragonite in the Light version. Light Pokemon cards are easily identified by the white and gold gradient used in the artwork window, evolution box, and Pokedex box. Furthermore, the artwork of Light Pokemon depicts the Pokemon in a serene environment and at peace with itself. Dragonite is shown performing its special Miraculous Wind power while sifting through the air. An overall true beauty and a must-have for any Dragonite collector.

PSA Population Report

There is 474 1st edition Dragonite holos in PSA’s population reports. Of those graded, 99 are gem mint 10, 275 mint 9, and 62 nm-mt 8. With only 99 gem mint 10 examples, the competition to own one is becoming more difficult by the day. The last PSA 10 sold in July 2021 for $1,925, while the most recent PSA 9 ended at $400 in October 2022. If you’re on a budget, consider buying a PSA 9 or even an 8 because some look as good as a PSA 10.

#5
2002 Pokemon Expedition
Dragonite holo #9
PSA 10 Value: $1,986

2002 Pokemon Expedition

One of the unique Pokemon sets ever created is the 2002 Expedition set. They have horizontal and vertical lines running along the edges, allowing the Ninentedos e-reader system to read the card. Owning specific cards will enable you to play as different Pokemon and utilize their special attacks and abilities. Pokemon has not duplicated a set similar to the Expedition set, making this a truly one-of-a-kind card.

Due to play, gem mint examples are rare

Due to heavy play, finding gem mint examples is difficult. Not many collectors at the time predicted how valuable they would become and didn’t take proper care of their cards. This makes the gem mint 10 examples even rarer and more valuable.

PSA Population Report

PSA graded 668 of Dragonite’s Expedition holo cards. Of those submitted, a meager 32 graded gem mint 10. Statistically speaking, you have a .04% chance of getting a gem mint ten if you submit one yourself. These odds are near impossible, so the auction prices get competitive when one surfaces for sale. However, your odds of getting a PSA 9 with 239 graded so far are much better.

#4
2002 Pokemon Legendary Collection
Dark Dragonite reverse foil #5
PSA 10 Value: $2,175

2002 Pokemon Legendary Collection

The reverse foils from the 2002 Legendary Collection set are among the most astonishing Pokemon cards. They have a background similar to a firework exploding and make the card pop when held in the light at an angle. Because of the design and popularity of the set, this is one of Dragonite’s more valuable Pokemon cards.

PSA Population Report

PSA graded 537 of Dragonite’s Legendary Collection reverse foil cards. Of those submitted, 40 graded gem mint 10. Despite not having much popularity upon release, many collectors have held onto them. Even though they are not in gem mint condition, they could hold value. Consider submitting any reverse foils you may have to PSA despite the condition.

#3
2000 Pokemon Team Rocket
Dark Dragonite holo #5 (1st edition)
PSA 10 Value: $2,292

2000 Team Rocket 1st edition

The 2000 Team Rocket set is the 2nd time we see Dark Dragonite. Like the 1999 set, the Team Rocket set has a 1st edition print run with fewer prints. Having the 1st edition stamp and fewer in supply makes them more valuable.

Additionally, there is a rarer error holo that does not have the holographic and is considered Dragonite’s most valuable card. However, because it is an error card and harder to find, I chose not to include it on this list. If you are a die-hard Dragonite collector, consider looking for one without the holographic element.

PSA Population Report

PSA graded 3,601 of Dark Dragonite’s Team Rocket holographic cards. Of those submitted, 195 graded gem mint 10 therefore, we have a .05% of finding an example in such conditions. Moreover, buying a PSA 10 example will cost you. Consider looking for a PSA 9 or PSA 8 example and save some money. Or, submit one yourself.

#2
2003 Pokemon EX Dragon
Dragonite EX holo #90
PSA 10 Value: $2,519

2003 EX Dragon

One of Dragonite’s more powerful Pokemon cards is the EX holo from 2003 EX Dragon which has an impressive 150 HP. Furthermore, the attack is of the strongest, with its Giant Tail attack creating 120 damage. On top of a solid defense and offense, Dragonite’s Poke-Power allows you to move any energy from a benched Pokemon to Dragonite. Most will agree that this is one of the best Dragonite cards.

PSA Population Report

PSA graded 708 of Dragonite’s EX holos. Of those sent to PSA, 97 graded gem mint 10, which is not as difficult as the previous cards. 272 cards graded mint 9 and are the most common grade. PSA 9s are selling for under $300, making it a great time to buy, considering the all-time high sale for a PSA 9 is $600.

#1
1999 Pokemon Fossil
Dragonite holo #4 (1st edition)
PSA 10 Value: $4,827

1999 Pokemon 1st edition

Unless you’re brand new to Pokemon cards, you know that the holy grail set is the 1999 Pokemon 1st edition. 1999 is the go-to set for most collectors returning to the hobby and those who never left. It is the set all kids collected and remember playing. Furthermore, the 1st edition cards are much rarer than the shadowless and unlimited prints—the other two versions of the 1999 set. The 1999 1st edition is currently the most valuable, non-error Dragonite Pokemon card.

PSA Population Report

PSA graded 3,654 of Dragonite’s 1st edition holo from 1999. Of those submitted to PSA, 400 graded gem mint 10, which is a meager 10%. However, 714 cards graded mint 9 and are the most common grade. PSA 9s sell for $500, while PSA 10 fetches upwards of $5,000. Most graded 1st edition Pokemon cards from the 1999 set are collectible regardless of the grade. Consider picking up some on eBay at auction or buy-it-now.