CGC-certified Numbered Trainer Pokémon Promos See Success in May Goldin Auction

A No. 1 Trainer graded by CGC® made waves in a recent Goldin sale. The 2018 trophy card was just one of many CGC-certified collectibles that were offered in Goldin’s 2026 Spring TCG and Manga Elite Auction, which ended on May 17, 2026.

The No. 1 Trainer, Pokémon (2018) Pokémon World Championships Promo graded CGC 9.5 (lot 42) realized $93,940, one of the highest prices paid for a full-art Pokémon World Championships promo graded by CGC. It is one of two examples graded CGC 9.5, according to the CGC Cards Population Report, with two graded higher.

This card was awarded to competitors who placed first in one of the competitions held across several days at the 2018 Pokémon World Championships. The card acted both as a trophy and as a ticket to the following year’s tournament. It is unknown how many examples of this No. 1 Trainer exist, but it is estimated that there are less than 50 in circulation.

Other CGC-certified collectibles in the auction included:

• a No. 1 Trainer, Pokémon (2012) Pokémon World Championships Promo graded CGC 9 (lot 46) that realized $63,440
• a Chansey, Pokémon (2021) Japanese Creatures Deck: Corp. History 25th Anniversary – 1995 graded CGC Gem Mint 10 (lot 53) that realized $47,580
• a No. 2 Trainer, Pokémon (2018) Pokémon World Championships Promo graded CGC 8.5 (lot 43) that realized $47,580
• a lot of 3 Pokémon (1996) Japanese Base Set Holo cards, including Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, each graded CGC Pristine 10 (lot 85) that realized $35,380
• a No. 3 Trainer, Pokémon (2018) Pokémon World Championships Promo graded CGC 9 (lot 44) that realized $32,330
• a No. 4 Trainer, Pokémon (2018) Pokémon World Championships Promo graded CGC 9.5 (lot 45) that realized $31,720
• a No. 3 Trainer, Pokémon (2012) Pokémon World Championships Promo graded CGC 9 (lot 47) that realized $30,500

All prices realized include a buyer’s premium.