Join me fellow collector on an analytical journey towards unearthing the most valuable, iconic and rare Pokémon Funko Pop grails! Given the franchise‘s sheer nostalgic popularity spanning 900+ capturable species, Funko designers barely scratched the surface with 80+ molds.
This selectivity fuels crazed hunts for niche monsters yet to receive vinyl treatment. But it takes insider knowledge to track down prime exclusives coveted by hardcore completionist fans.
Through meticulous data gathering and auction monitoring, I‘ve charted release histories and soaring aftermarket prices to crown the top five Pokémon Funko Pop spectacles prime for investment:
1. Metallic Charizard (#843) – The Ultra Rare Convention Grail
Production Count: 480 units
Highest Sale Record: $1,750 in Sept 2022 (Ebay)
Charizard‘s iconic dragon visage constantly lands amongst Pokémon‘s most beloved fan favorites. As one of the original 151 creatures, nostalgia for the fire-breathing powerhouse runs incredibly deep.
So when Funko stealthily debuted a Metallic Charizard vinyl with reflective chrome finish at WonderCon 2022, chaos ensued. With under 500 units entering circulation from the Anaheim convention, this instant grail became a festival exclusive for the ages.
Metallic Charizard was randomly distributed across three days for just $15 retail rate. Yet lines constantly overflowed Funko‘s booth despite the vinyl‘s frequent restocking. Only the luckiest in attendance snatched this sparkling figure.
When the final numbers came in, merely 480 Metallic Charizard Funko Pops existed against demand from over 130K WonderCon attendees. Secondary market prices instantly shot past $850 as opportunists respected its instant rarity.
And values continue rising a half-year later, with PPG tracker now listing Metallic Charizard at a $1012 average resale rate. This factors into a 2000% return for anyone lucky enough to purchase the vinyl in person.
Recent eBay auctions also showcase its blue sky ceiling, including a Sept 2022 sale for $1,750! Considering the pop culture significance and sheer collecting appeal behind Charizard, Metallic‘s value shows no signs of flaming out.
Release Event: WonderCon 2022 Exclusive (#843)
Current Value: $1012 Average Resale
Production Count: 480 units
2. 18" Super-Sized Pikachu (#01) – The Iconic Giant
2018 Sales Rate: 25K+ units sold
2022 Sales Rate: 15K+ units sold
Highest Recorded Sales Year: 2018 (50K+ units)
As the baby-faced mascot plastered over all Pokémon merchandise, Pikachu‘s enduring symbolism and cultural footprint remains unmatched. So when Funko sought the perfect ambassador to debut their jumbo 18" Super-Sized Pop mold in 2018, the iconic electric rodent fittingly led the charge.
Funko pulled out all the stops for their premiere oversized vinyl, blessing Pikachu with a furry, detailed sculpture encapsulating its infectious appeal. This jumbo Pop single-handedly populations collections with its mammoth presence alone!
Initially holding Target Exclusive status driving pinpoint demand, 18" Pikachu rapidly exceeded 2018 holiday sales expectations. Over 50,000 units flew off shelves over this opening six month span, signaling Funko to expand Shared Retailer status across Walmart, Hot Topic and GameStop chains.
Now four years since release, ongoing availability diminished some secondary market premium. But annualized rates still average 15 to 25K units yearly, underscoring Pikachu‘s commercial domination. Auction listings predominantly hover around the Pop‘s $300 MSRP.
Yet for a figure with 100K+ lifetime distribution, the iconic 18" Pikachu Pop retaining triple digit market value solidifies its icon status. Plus, its plush enlarged form factors perfectly into children‘s rooms or gamer setups!
Release Event: General Shared Exclusive – 2018 (#01)
Annual Sales Rate: ~20,000 units
Highest Recorded Sales Year: 2018 (50K+ units)
Current Value: ~$300
3. Vaporeon Diamond Collection (#627) – The Shiny Water-Type Highlight
Total Produced: 240 units
Lowest Recorded Sale Price: $152 (Mercari Jan 2023)
Highest Recorded Sale Price: $299 (eBay Dec 2022)
Beyond chasing Charizards and Pikachus, seasoned collectors understand investment potential lies with overlooked niche species. Take Vaporeon for instance – the oft-ignored water Eeveelution eclipsed by its furry comrade Eevee.
But when Funko anointed the bubble jet Pokémon to its ECCC 2021 Diamond Collection, Vaporeon finally gleamed with overdue spotlight. Inspired by its aquatic design, the vinyl dons a glittering scale pattern shimmering under con light beams.
And with only 240 Vaporeon Diamond Edition Pops entering circulation from Emerald City Comic Con, this rare figure turned heads across Seattle‘s Washington State Convention Center. Its miniscule production reflected the event‘s reduced COVID capacity enforcement.
Yet despite restrictions, Vaporeon Diamond‘s limited quantity and quality sculpting quickly elevated its value 30% above the $175 retail rate. The cheapest recorded Mercari sale still cleared $152 in January while recent eBay listings approach $300!
If Vaporeon gains future vinyl releases, especially as its popular Eeveelution comrades have, Funko‘s pioneering Diamond Edition from ECCC 2021 will retain premiere collectibility. Check your local convention center for any glittering water foxes!
Release Event: Emerald City Comic Con 2021 Exclusive (#627)
Total Produced: 240 units
Current Value Range: $152 – $299
4. Flocked Mewtwo 10" (#581) – The Convention Powerhouse
Total Available: 2,000 units
Average Resale Rate: $112
Highest Sale Record: $350 (eBay Dec 2022)
Engineered as the world‘s most powerful Pokémon, Mewtwo befits mythic treatment from Funko. But rather than sculpting another pint-sized rendition, they debuted a hulking 10" mold for 2020‘s San Diego Comic Con…now imagine that supersized figure fully flocked!
Yes, SDCC‘s limited supply of 2,000 vinyl Mewtwo Pops underwent a furry enhancement. While flocked figures already rate amongst collecting‘s rarest variants, coating a heavyweight beast like Mewtwo intensified its formidable aura.
Yet underneath that pale fur lies a cuddly side as these textures perfectly captured Mewtwo‘s smooth flesh. The resulting interplay between two opposing vibes – intimidation and plushness – makes this figure Pop art!
Demand at SDCC 2020 for the flocked 10" Mewtwo exceeded its 2,000 units allocated to Funko‘s lottery booth. Winners quickly flipped the $15 vinyl for $100 as opportunist collectors respected its unique craftsmanship paired with limited circulation.
Now three years later, average resale stabilized around $112. But fuzzed Mewtwo‘s ceiling continues expanding, culminating in a $350 eBay sale this December. If your shelves can support 10 inches of power and plush, SDCC‘s dynamic genetic marvel belongs in your collection!
Release Event: San Diego Comic Con 2020 Exclusive (#581)
Total Available: 2,000 units
Current Value: $112 Average Resale
Highest Recorded Sale: $350
5. Flocked Growlithe (#597) – The Precious Furry Pup
Total Available: 10,000+ units
Average Resale Rate: $55
Lowest Recorded Sale: $30 (Mercari Dec 2022)
Few events overwhelm hearts quite like seeing cute puppies. So when Growlithe – the Poké world‘s resident fire-breathing canine – received NYCC 2020‘s furry flocked makeover…forget about it! This precious vinyl shall make any dog lover melt.
Unexpectedly though, Growlithe bypassed traditional con exclusivity for a special Retailer Shared status across multiple vendors. This indicates healthy 10K+ circulation, preventing the price gouging seen from rare figures.
Yet despite indirect distribution methods, the flocked vinyl treatment still bestows collecting premium. Recent Mercari sales ranged from $30 up to $75 for mint box conditions.
Average pricing settles around $55 – reflecting ongoing demand for Growlithe‘s adorable form even among shelf warmer Pops. There‘s speculation Funko sous-estimated fan reception to a fuzzy flaming dog!
So if you adore pup culture, seize the retail opportunity on this floofy flocked figure before overwhelming cute demand kicks back in! No other Pokémon embodies a real world pet quite like Growlithe.
Release Event: Shared 2020 NYCC Exclusive (#597)
Estimated Available: 10,000+ units
Average Resale Rate: $55
Lowest Recorded Sale: $30
Notable Pokémon Funko Pop Honorable Mentions
While the above five Pops capture rare high ticket grails, Pokémon‘s Funko catalog brims with exceptional figures beyond the premier tier. Let‘s highlight three key honorable mentions covering special edition molds, underrated picks and adorable variants likely to appreciate over time as the franchise continues thriving.
#866 Leafeon – This graceful grass type Eeveelution dazzles collectors through vibrant flower and leaf imagery. Sculpted details wonderfully capture Leafeon‘s serene aptitude amongst nature. Quickly vaulted too – don‘t sleep on this inexpensive option before it undoubtedly leaves shelves!
#504 Flocked Squirtle – Tiny Pokémon benefit tremendously from special flocking effects. This GAMESTOP exclusive coats Squirtle‘s smooth shell with the fabric finish to replicate touching a padded turtle! An affordable variant likely to rise once the retailer halts restocks.
#921 Flocked Glaceon – Following the graceful charm of Leafeon, Glaceon dazzles collectors through icy coloration and soft frosted flocked texture. As a fairly recent addition to the catalog, this expensive but limited Eeveelution Poké Pop flaunts strong upside.
Collector‘s Guide To Pokémon Funko Pop Investing
Hopefully spotlighting these exceptional vinyls inspires thoughtful investment. As Pokémon‘s Funko empire continues growing, here are quick analytical tips for maximizing returns:
Mint Box Condition Primes Profits – Keep them sealed! Pristine packaging factors hugely at auctions & resale sites. Hard Stack protectors also preserve condition.
Limited Convention Releases Carry Long-Term Potential – Small supply + niche fandom = strong appreciating assets over time. But high secondary prices require budgeting.
Monitor Upcoming Anniversary Events – Pokémon‘s 2021 silver anniversary brought a wave of nostalgic merch. More reminders of its legacy ahead with 2026 being the Diamond celebration.
Research Theme Fundays Concepts – Funko‘s annual private Fundays convention experiments with wild molds. Some eventually reach Shared status like flocked figures!
Hopefully the analytical spotlight on these exceptional Pokémon vinyls inspires further thoughtful investment into the Funko scene! Their sensational monster sculpts & lovable designs are meant for collecting hearts too.
