Top 15 most expensive Dragon Ball Z cards (1990s–2025 edition)

Most expensive Dragon Ball Z cards aren’t just collectibles, they’re legendary artifacts commanding prices up to hundreds of thousands of JPY. Each card captures the essence of Dragon Ball’s legacy, combining nostalgia, rarity, and artistry. At Japan Figure, we unveil the Top 15 cards from the 1990s–2025 that define the ultimate dream of every fan and collector.

1. Top 15 most expensive Dragon Ball Z cards (1990s–2025)

Before diving deeper, remember: prices fluctuate depending on condition, grading (PSA/BGS), and auction availability. But all cards here consistently appear in the Dragon Ball Z cards value list, making them trusted benchmarks for collectors worldwide. Here’s a roundup of the 15 most valuable Dragon Ball Z cards from the 1990s–2025.

• Top 1: Son Goku, The Awakened Power — TB1-097 (SCR) ($338.54–895.60)
• Top 2: SSB Vegeta, Unbridled Power (God Rare) — BT16-147 ($899.99)
• Top 3: Ultra Instinct Son Goku, State of the Gods [GDR Foil] — BT23-140 ($1,174.99–1,399.99)
• Top 4: Goku SS3 (Level 5) #152 Limited Full-Foil ($1,100–2,600)
• Top 5: Son Goku & Vegeta, Apex of Power — BT9-136 (SCR) ($647.98–708.00)
• Top 6: Broly, Ultimate Agent of Destruction — BT6-125 (SCR) ($55.36–348.00)
• Top 7: Shenron — MM6-LSEC Secret Rare (SDBH, 2024) ($275–400)
• Top 8: Goku & Frieza, Miraculous Conclusion — BT14-152 (SCR) ($160–240)
• Top 9: Beerus, Universe 7 Divine Vanquisher (SPR) — TB1-030 ($146.45–249.79)
  
• Top 10: Perfect Cell [XR-013 Serial Number Super Rare] ($150)
  
• Top 11: Frieza [Super Alternate Art] — FB05-120 (SCR) ($38.75–252.65)
  
• Top 12: Son Gohan: Childhood Promo — FB01-089 ($38.50–78.98)
  
• Top 13: Vegito Blue SCR — FB02-139 (Fusion World) ($60)
  
• Top 14: Goku Black Rosé (SCR/UR, Dragon Ball CCG) ($14.99–24.99)
  
• Top 15: Goku Kamehameha Ultra Rare (Iconic Attack Rare) ($7.67–19.97)

Top 1: Son Goku, The Awakened Power - TB1-097 ($895)

The Awakened Power card is one of the most famous chase cards in the Dragon Ball Super Card Game. Released in The Tournament of Power set (TB1), it depicts Goku in his climactic Ultra Instinct form, channeling immense energy during the battle against Jiren. Its dramatic art, limited print run, and competitive power made it a centerpiece card since its debut.

Collectors prize this card not only for its role in gameplay but also for its representation of one of Dragon Ball Super’s defining moments. Because it appeals to both TCG players and anime fans, it continues to hold strong long-term value, with graded versions fetching premium prices.

• Release date: May 25, 2018

• Language: English

• Market value: $338.54 ungraded; PSA 10 GEM MINT ~ $895.60

• Most expensive listed price: $5,820

• Median listed price: ~$537–$716

Top 2: SSB Vegeta, Unbridled Power (God Rare) — BT16-147 ($899.99)

The God Rare Vegeta is the crown jewel of the Realm of the Gods set, and one of the rarest Dragon Ball Super cards ever printed. Released in 2022, this card showcases Vegeta at his peak during the Universe Survival Saga, with incredible artwork and premium foil treatment that sets it apart from standard SCRs.

Collectors value this card not only for its in-game power but also because God Rares are printed in extremely limited numbers, making them grail-tier items. As the only God Rare of its set, SSB Vegeta, Unbridled Power consistently commands four-figure prices and is often compared to Pokémon’s chase-tier cards in terms of rarity and prestige.

• Release date: March 2022

• Language: English

• Market value: $899.99

• Most expensive listed price: $1,800

• Median listed price: ~$35,859.50

Top 3: Ultra Instinct Son Goku, State of the Gods [GDR Foil] — BT23-140

This GDR Foil card showcases Goku in his perfected Ultra Instinct form, radiating the silver aura that defined one of Dragon Ball Super’s most memorable climaxes. Released in the Perfect Combination set, it highlights Goku’s calm mastery of instinctual combat, making it a standout among modern DBSCG chase cards.

Collectors prize this release not only for its rarity but also for its significance as one of the most striking Ultra Instinct artworks in the game. Its limited availability, strong demand, and dramatic design have already pushed its value into the top tier of Dragon Ball Super cards, cementing its place as a grail for Goku fans.

• Release date: December 1, 2023

• Language: English

• Market value: $1,174.99 ungraded

• Most expensive listed price: $1,399.99

• Median listed price: ~$1,175

Top 4: Goku SS 3 (Level 5) #152 Limited Full-Foil ($1,799.99)

This card is one of the crown jewels of the Dragon Ball Z Collectible Card Game. Released in June 2003 as an Ultra Rare Limited Full-Foil in the Buu Saga set, it features Goku’s dramatic Super Saiyan 3 transformation from the Majin Buu saga—an iconic moment in Dragon Ball history.

Collectors prize the card for its scarcity, striking foil artwork, and importance as a milestone release during the height of Score’s DBZ CCG. Unlike promos, this card was part of the main set but printed in very limited numbers, making high-grade copies extremely difficult to obtain today.

• Release date: June 2003 (Buu Saga set)

• Language: English

• Market value: $1,100–$2,600

• Most expensive listed price: Up to $5,000 for PSA/BGS graded copies

• Median listed price: $750

Top 5: Son Goku & Vegeta, Apex of Power — BT9-136 (SCR) ($708)

The Apex of Power Secret Rare is one of the most celebrated cards in the Dragon Ball Super Card Game. Released in 2020’s Universal Onslaught set, it showcases Goku and Vegeta side by side, representing both their rivalry and their combined strength. The dual-character artwork makes it visually stunning, and its rarity ensures it remains a centerpiece in high-value DBSCG collections.

Collectors particularly value cards that highlight multiple main heroes, and this SCR captures the enduring legacy of the Saiyan duo. Its scarcity, competitive desirability, and crossover appeal to anime fans have driven steady appreciation, cementing Apex of Power as one of the most coveted cards in the game.

• Release date: February 14, 2020

• Language: English

• Market value: $647.98 ungraded; PSA 10 ~ $708.00

• Most expensive listed price: $1,850.00 for BGS 10 Black

• Median listed price: $566.00–$708.00

Top 6: Broly, Ultimate Agent of Destruction — BT6-125 (SCR) ($348)

This Secret Rare showcases Broly, one of the strongest Dragon Ball characters, at his most fearsome, embodying his destructive power in the Destroyer Kings set. Released in 2019, the artwork captures the chaotic energy of Broly’s Legendary Super Saiyan form, making it a must-have for fans who view Broly as one of Dragon Ball’s most iconic anti-heroes.

Collectors consistently pursue this card thanks to its mix of fan popularity and scarcity. Broly-themed cards tend to sell quickly, and the SCR rarity plus strong market demand ensure that Ultimate Agent of Destruction continues to command solid prices among serious DBSCG players and collectors alike.

• Release date: April 12, 2019

• Language: English

• Market value: $55.36 ungraded; PSA 10 ~ $348.00

• Most expensive listed price: $1,575.00

• Median listed price: ~$200–$280

Top 7: Shenron — MM6-LSEC Secret Rare (SDBH, 2024) ($275–400)

This Super Dragon Ball Heroes Secret Rare features Shenron, the eternal Dragon Ball female characters, in a dazzling foil treatment. Released as part of the Meteor Mission set in 2024, it’s one of the more eye-catching Shenron cards thanks to its intricate design and rarity tier. Unlike standard DBSCG promos, this card hails from Bandai’s long-running Japanese Heroes arcade/collectible series, which has developed its own strong following worldwide.

Collectors value this Shenron for its balance of prestige and availability—it’s rare enough to command attention but still attainable compared to ultra-limited promos or serialized cards. Its connection to Heroes, where Shenron often plays a central thematic role, further boosts its desirability for fans looking to expand beyond the mainline DBSCG.

• Release date: 2024

• Language: Japanese

• Market value: ~$275–$400

• Most expensive listed price: $400

• Median listed price: ~$306.00

Top 8: Goku & Frieza, Miraculous Conclusion — BT14-152 (SCR) ($160–240)

This Secret Rare captures the Tournament of Power’s finale—Goku and Frieza’s last-second team-up for Universe 7. It’s the headline chase card of Cross Spirits (BT14) and one of the most recognizable scenes in Dragon Ball Super rendered in the DBSCG.

As an SCR from a 2021 booster set, supply is naturally tight and collector demand stays steady. Cross Spirits’ official launch date and rarity structure are well documented by Bandai, with the set featuring only 3 Secret Rares total—adding to this card’s long-term appeal.

• Release date: August 13, 2021

• Language: English

• Market value: ~$160–$240

• Most expensive listed price: $2,500

• Median listed price: $201.24

Top 9: Beerus, Universe 7 Divine Vanquisher (SPR) — TB1-030 ($146.45–249.79)

This Special Rare card features Beerus, the God of Destruction, in all his fearsome power. Released in the Tournament of Power set, the artwork highlights his destructive ki and Hakai-inspired might, making it a standout among Beerus-themed DBSCG cards. Its foil treatment and strong in-game effect make it both visually impressive and competitively memorable.

Collectors especially prize Beerus cards because of his central role in the Dragon Ball mythos as one of the franchise’s most feared divine beings. The combination of limited supply, competitive relevance, and fan demand has allowed the Universe 7 Divine Vanquisher SPR to remain a consistent mid-to-high tier chase card.

• Release date: May 25, 2018

• Language: English

• Market value: $146.45

• Most expensive listed price: $249.79

• Median listed price: ~$222.50

Top 10: Perfect Cell [XR-013 Serial Number Super Rare] ($150)

Rounding out the list is the Perfect Cell XR serial-numbered card, a modern rarity that stands apart from vintage Score TCG releases. With its serialized numbering and limited availability, this card has quickly become a collector’s piece for fans of one of Dragon Ball’s most iconic villains. The gold-stamped “XR” treatment elevates its premium feel and rarity.

Collectors prize it because it bridges two worlds: the nostalgia of Cell as a legendary antagonist and the exclusivity of numbered, modern collectible releases. While not from the 1990s Score era, its scarcity and design ensure it commands attention in today’s Dragon Ball card market.

• Release date: 2023

• Language: English

• Market value: $150

• Most expensive listed price: $150

• Median listed price: $150

Top 11: Frieza [Super Alternate Art] — FB05-120 (SCR) ($38.75–252.65)

This Secret Rare from Fusion World: New Adventure showcases Frieza in one of his most intimidating designs to date. The Super Alternate Art version enhances his menacing aura with a premium foil finish, making it a standout card for fans who collect villain-focused pieces. Released in early 2025, it has quickly become one of the most chased SCRs in the Fusion World era.

Collectors prize this card because of Frieza’s enduring status as Dragon Ball’s most iconic villain. High-grade versions, especially PSA 10 or BGS 10, command premium prices and show strong demand across international markets. Its blend of modern rarity and villain prestige cements it as a valuable card in any collection.

• Release date: February 14, 2025

• Language: English/Japanese

• Market value: $38.75 ungraded

• Most expensive listed price: $641.25

• Median listed price: $185–200

Top 12: Son Gohan: Childhood Promo — FB01-089 ($38.50–78.98)

This tournament-exclusive promo showcases young Gohan during his early Dragon Ball Z adventures, capturing the nostalgia of his beginnings as both Saiyan warrior and Earthling child. Released as an Ultimate Battle Winner prize card in Fusion World, it carries prestige as a limited distribution promo rather than a pack-pulled card.

Collectors value this card not only for its rarity but also for the sentimental factor tied to Gohan’s role in the early arcs of Dragon Ball. While it doesn’t reach the sky-high prices of SCRs or God Rares, its exclusivity ensures it remains a consistent favorite among promo hunters and competitive players alike.

• Release date: 2024

• Language: English

• Market value: $38.50

• Most expensive listed price: $78.98

• Median listed price: $58.00

Top 13: Vegito Blue SCR — FB02-139 (Fusion World) ($60)

Vegito’s Super Saiyan Blue form remains one of the most iconic and powerful fusions in Dragon Ball Super. The Fusion World SCR card captures him cloaked in his divine aura, blending sharp artwork with premium foil finish. Its visual impact and fusion theme make it a must-have for fans of both Goku and Vegeta.

As a recent release, it hasn’t yet reached the legendary pricing of older grail-tier cards, but graded PSA 10 copies already show strong collector demand. With limited availability and Vegito’s enduring popularity, this SCR has quickly become one of the standout chase cards in Fusion World.

• Release date: 2024

• Language: Japanese

• Market value: $60.00

• Most expensive listed price: $60.00

• Median listed price: $60.00

Top 14: Goku Black Rosé (SCR/UR, Dragon Ball CCG) ($14.99–24.99)

This card features Goku Black in his striking Super Saiyan Rosé transformation, one of the most stylish and feared villains introduced in Dragon Ball Super. The foiled artwork emphasizes his divine energy and sinister elegance, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors who appreciate both character design and rarity.

Goku Black’s unique role as a major antagonist has made his cards consistently desirable. While not at the grail level of God Rares or top-tier SCRs, Rosé-themed cards often sell quickly and hold their value, especially when preserved in near-mint or graded condition.

• Release date: Around 2021

• Language: Mixed

• Market value: $14.99–$24.99

• Most expensive listed price: $24.99

• Median listed price: ~$19.99

Top 15: Goku Kamehameha Ultra Rare (Iconic Attack Rare) ($7.67–19.97)

This card highlights one of Goku’s most legendary techniques, the Kamehameha, but with an Ultra Instinct twist. Released in the Universal Onslaught set, it’s an Iconic Attack Rare that captures both the power and precision of Goku’s perfected state. The artwork and effect make it a standout among DBSCG extra cards, especially for blue-based decks.

Collectors and players alike appreciate this release for its blend of playability and iconic imagery. While it’s not a high-end grail like SCRs or God Rares, it remains a fan-favorite chase card for its accessible value and strong thematic resonance with Dragon Ball’s history.

• Release date: February 14, 2020

• Language: English

• Market value: $7.67

• Most expensive listed price: $19.97

• Median listed price: ~$8.93

2. Why are Dragon Ball Z cards expensive?

The soaring prices of the most expensive Dragon Ball Z cards aren’t just about shiny artwork, they reflect a mix of scarcity, emotional value, and cultural legacy. Cards tied to tournaments, promos, or special events were printed in very small numbers, making them incredibly hard to find years later. Unique cases like misprints or error cards, such as the legendary Vegito ABS-03 with its “Error Symbol P” - only add fuel to collector demand, since no two print mistakes are ever truly alike.

Character appeal is another major factor. Cards featuring Goku, Vegeta, Broly, or iconic foes often top every Dragon Ball Z cards value list, simply because they spotlight the faces fans care about most. Combine that with PSA 10 or BGS 10 grading professional certification of perfect condition and a card’s price can skyrocket overnight. At the end of the day, these collectibles blend rarity, artistry, and nostalgia, making them treasures in the same league as the strongest Dragon Ball villains themselves.

3. FAQs – People also ask about the most valuable Dragon Ball Z cards

Before closing, let’s answer common collector questions about the most expensive DBZ cards.

3.1 What is the most expensive Dragon Ball Z card from the 1990s?

The Vegeta Promo (Score TCG) and Cell UR are the most expensive cards from the 1990s, regularly valued between 60,000–85,000 JPY. Their vintage appeal and limited availability make them must-haves for nostalgic collectors.

3.2 What are the most expensive Dragon Ball Z cards overall?

Currently, the Masako Nozawa 2016 Ver. tops the list at ~398,000 JPY. Other high-ranking cards include the 2015 Nozawa edition and the UGM1-SEC4 Son Goku SEC card. These rank as the most valuable Dragon Ball Z cards ever sold.

3.3 How to tell if Dragon Ball Z cards are worth money?

First, check the rarity symbol (UR, SCR, Promo). Then, verify its print run—limited releases are always pricier. Finally, look for PSA/BGS grading and compare with a Dragon Ball Z cards value list. Condition is everything in determining price.

3.4 Why is Dragon Ball Z Tenkaichi 3 so expensive?

Although it’s a video game, DBZ Tenkaichi 3 shares traits with rare cards—limited production, high nostalgia, and competitive demand. Like the rarest Dragon Ball Z cards, it has transcended its original form to become a sought-after collectible.

Most expensive Dragon Ball Z cards stand as timeless symbols of rarity, nostalgia, and investment value. From autographed Masako Nozawa editions to tournament exclusives and secret rares, each card tells a story that connects fans to Dragon Ball’s epic journey. Their worth continues to rise, not only in JPY but also in emotional significance for those who own them.

If you’re ready to take your collection to the next level, explore Japan Figure for authentic Dragon Ball merchandise and Japanese collectibles. Don’t just admire the anime, own a piece of history that will only grow in value!