Pokémon 30th Anniversary Jirachi Card Price Explodes Following Tragic Death

For Pokémon TCG collectors and investors, the immediate aftermath of a new expansion launch is notoriously unpredictable. While illustration rare values typically trend downward as supply increases following a set’s debut, the Pokémon 30th Anniversary trading card release has defied all market expectations due to one deeply moving exception. In just a matter of days, the average asking price for the Jirachi ex Special Illustration Rare has nearly doubled.

Why is the Pokémon 30th Anniversary Jirachi card suddenly so popular?

The catalyst behind this unprecedented surge is rooted in a heartbreaking story. In September, the Pokémon community mourned the passing of 12-year-old content creator and influencer Avery The Poke Kid, who tragically lost his courageous, prolonged battle with cancer. Despite enduring intense chemotherapy sessions and multiple surgeries, Avery remained a beacon of positivity. He used his platform not for personal gain, but to remind fellow collectors to cherish their cards regardless of monetary value and to embrace life with unwavering enthusiasm.

Shortly before passing away on September 18, Avery’s family recorded a touching final video of him unboxing one last Pokémon booster pack. Fittingly, that final pack yielded the Jirachi ex #155 card, masterfully illustrated by Akira Egawa. This poignant moment quickly resonated across social media, striking a chord with fans worldwide.

Originally introduced in *Pokémon Ruby* and *Sapphire*, Jirachi is renowned in lore as the wish-granting Pokémon. According to official Pokédex entries, this Steel and Psychic-type entity slumbers for a thousand years, waking for just a single week to fulfill three heartfelt dreams before returning to its eternal sleep—though legend says it can only be awakened by those possessing a truly pure heart.

Given this rich mythological background, pulling Jirachi felt nothing short of poetic destiny. Combined with a deeply compassionate public tribute from artist Akira Egawa, the narrative gained widespread traction across mainstream news and collector forums. Consequently, secondary marketplaces like TCGPlayer and eBay have seen a massive influx of buyers seeking to own a piece of this emotional history.

How much does the Jirachi 30th SiR cost now?

On September 17—just one day after the official rollout of the 30th Anniversary collection—the Jirachi card held a stable market value of $81. By September 23, mere days after Avery’s passing, the average price skyrocketed to roughly $118, marking an astonishing 45% increase. Premium copies featuring flawless centering and pristine conditions have even commanded between $140 and $198 on TCGPlayer.

While market fluctuations are rarely tied to a single event, collectors universally agree that Avery’s enduring legacy is driving the unprecedented demand. Many community members openly acknowledge that they acquired the card specifically to honor his memory, affectionately referring to the artwork as “Avery’s Jirachi.”

Regrettably, this profound wave of interest has also attracted opportunistic behavior. In one particularly egregious instance, an unscrupulous seller on eBay attempted to exploit Avery’s name by listing the Jirachi card at an exorbitant $20,000 price point—though the listing has since been removed following public backlash.

“Avery possessed a rare generosity of spirit,” notes his obituary. “He regularly shared cards and gifts with fellow patients, brought laughter into sterile hospital rooms, and leveraged his own challenging journey to inspire families navigating their darkest hours. He never sought pity from the world; instead, he simply wanted everyone to experience his boundless joy.”

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Source: Polygon