Are metal Pokémon cards real? I get that question a lot, and I had it myself when I started collecting. Here is the straight answer you came for: yes, real official metal cards exist, but only a small number, and they are not playable.
In this guide, I break down the official releases from The Pokémon Company, how to spot fakes and customs, what affects value, how grading works, and how to care for metal cards without ruining them. I collect and have handled both real and fake metal cards, so I know the common traps and the small tells that help you decide fast.
You will see how the 2021 Celebrations Ultra-Premium Collection works, what the Burger King gold-plated cards really are, and how metal coins and dice get confused for cards. I will also share my quick checks, where I verify listings, and how I store my own cards. Prices change, so check recent sold listings before you buy or sell.
Short answer: are metal Pokémon cards real?
Yes, a few official metal Pokémon cards are real, but the vast majority sold online are fake or custom.
By official, I mean made or approved by The Pokémon Company. Fake means made to look real to trick buyers. Custom means fan-made art or novelty items that do not claim to be official.
Official metal cards are display pieces.
Judges will not allow them in tournaments.
- 2021 Celebrations Ultra-Premium Collection included two etched metal cards: Base Set Pikachu and Base Set Charizard.
- Pokémon TCG premium products also ship with official metal coins and dice, which are not cards.
- In 1999, Burger King released gold-plated Pokémon cards. These are metal toys, not TCG cards.
- Outside of the Celebrations metal cards, The Pokémon Company has not released metal versions of modern chase cards, like rainbow rares or VMAX cards.
Official metal Pokémon cards you can actually get
There are only a few official items that qualify as real metal cards or are often confused for them. Here is what counts and how to recognize them.
- 2021 Celebrations Ultra-Premium Collection: This sealed product includes two etched metal cards, a Base Set Pikachu and a Base Set Charizard. They are solid metal with printed and etched details. They arrive in foam cutouts with protective sleeves. The box also includes a metal coin and metal dice. These two cards are not tournament legal. They often show edge chipping and factory surface marks, even straight from sealed sets.
- 1999 Burger King gold-plated Pokémon cards: These are metal and gold-plated, but they are toys, not TCG cards. They came in a plastic Poké Ball case and feature popular Pokémon like Pikachu and Charizard. They do not have a TCG back, there are no set symbols, and they are not playable. They are official Burger King promotions tied to Pokémon, not official TCG products.
- Official metal accessories: Premium Pokémon TCG products frequently include metal coins, metal dice, VSTAR markers, pins, and sometimes metal counters. These are real and official, but they are not cards. Sellers sometimes tag them as metal cards to attract clicks. Read the contents list on the box or check the product page to confirm what is included.
How do official metal cards arrive? Look for branded packaging, molded foam or fitted trays, sleeves or protective covers, and consistent printing quality on both front and back. They feel heavy and solid in the hand. Outside of the items listed here, claims such as metal rainbow rares, metal VMAX, or any metal EX from modern sets are not official.
2021 Celebrations Ultra-Premium Collection metal cards explained
The Celebrations UPC includes two real metal cards that matter to collectors: Base Set Pikachu and Base Set Charizard. Each is printed on metal with an etched finish that gives the text and art a raised feel. They are display items, not playable cards.
In the box, both cards sit in foam cutouts and come with protective sleeves. The product also includes a metal coin and metal dice, which adds to the confusion when people see the contents spread out. When you inspect the cards, expect common flaws. Edge chipping shows fast, even if you handle them carefully. Minor surface marks and imperfect centering are also common.
They are for display only. If you want to verify a listing, compare the photos to The Pokémon Company press images for the Celebrations Ultra-Premium Collection. Match the art, the finish, and the packaging layout.
What about the 1999 Burger King gold-plated cards?
These are real metal items, but they are not Trading Card Game cards. They were sold or given with meals in a Poké Ball case. The pieces have no TCG card back, no set symbols, and no game text layout. Sellers sometimes blur that line and title them as metal cards to catch searches. If it came from Burger King, it is a collectible toy, not a TCG card.
Metal coins, dice, and pins that people mistake for cards
Premium Pokémon TCG products often include metal items. The most common are:
- Metal coins
- Metal dice
- Metal VSTAR markers
- Metal pins
- Metal damage counters
These are real and official, but they are not cards. If you are unsure, check the product contents list on the box or the official Pokémon site. The listing will spell out every piece.
Fake and custom metal Pokémon cards: how I spot and avoid them
Most metal cards you see online are fake or custom. That is not a dig at customs. Some customs look great as art pieces. The problem is when sellers imply they are official or hint they are rare TCG issues.
Common fake types include metal rainbow rares, metal VMAX or EX cards, metal versions of Alt Arts, and gold metal versions of modern cards that never had official metal releases. If the real card is paper and the seller claims a metal version, assume it is fake or custom.
I look for basic red flags. Typos in the name or attack text. Fonts that look too thin or too thick. Wrong set symbols or missing rarity marks. Glossy paint that looks like enamel instead of printed ink. Backs that do not match the standard TCG back. Sellers who write fan-made or custom in small print near the end of the description.
Do not rely on the magnet test. Different metals react in different ways, and some fakes use alloys that are not magnetic. A pass or fail on a magnet does not prove anything.
When in doubt, I check official product pages or trusted databases before I buy. If a listing claims a metal version of a card that does not exist in an official product, I pass. I would rather miss a deal than buy a problem.
Quick authenticity checks I use at home
- Compare the card to official photos from The Pokémon Company or a trusted database.
- Check edges for clean cuts and uniform finish. Cheap fakes show rough edges.
- Confirm the card exists as an official item. If not, it is fake or custom.
- Look at the back. Check color balance, border shape, and placement.
- For real metal display cards, look for a for display only disclaimer or clear non-legal notes.
- Weigh it if you can. Official metal cards feel heavy and solid, not hollow.
- Do not trust the magnet test. It proves nothing by itself.
- Review packaging details. Foam cutouts and branded sleeves are good signs.
Listing red flags on eBay, Etsy, and AliExpress
- Phrases like custom metal, fan art, replica, or display only buried in the text
- Rainbow metal Charizard, Metal VMAX Pikachu, or any metal card not tied to an official release
- Bundles that promise 10, 20, or 50 metal cards for a low price
- Mystery metal packs or lucky boxes
- Stock photos that never show backs or edges
- Sellers who say printed on premium metal, but do not mention The Pokémon Company
Use sold listings and read item specifics. Ask the seller a simple question: is this made by The Pokémon Company? If the answer is vague, move on.
How I verify with trusted sources
I use a short list when I need to be sure:
- Official Pokémon product pages
- Pokémon TCG Card Dex
- PSA and CGC population reports or card databases for known metal issues
- Long-running collector forums and communities
I cross-check all of them. If a metal version of a card does not appear on any of these, I skip it.
Value, grading, and care for metal cards
Value changes over time, and metal cards add another layer because condition is tricky. For official metal cards, edge chipping is the big one. Even sealed copies can show light chips on corners and edges. Surface marks from the factory are common too. Original packaging helps, especially the foam and sleeves from the Celebrations UPC.
Grading can help, but it is tougher for metal cards. The finish shows marks easily, and handling risk is higher because metal can scratch if you rub it with the wrong cloth. PSA and CGC both grade the Celebrations metal cards, though they can be strict due to the common defects.
If you are thinking about grading, look for clean edges and minimal surface marks. If the card has visible chips, a slab might not raise value much. Pack it well for submission. Use an inner sleeve, then a Card Saver or a secure sleeve and rigid holder. Add a pull tab so the grader can remove it without risk. Confirm that your grader accepts metal cards and follow their prep guide.
For storage, keep it simple. Use soft, non-PVC sleeves. I prefer a perfect-fit inner sleeve, then a rigid top loader or a magnetic case. Slip a thin sleeve between the card and a magnetic case to avoid micro-scratches. Store in a dry place with low humidity. Add silica gel to the storage box.
Do not use rubber bands. Avoid polishing compounds, paper towels, or abrasive cloths. For dust, use a clean microfiber cloth and a gentle air blower only.
Before you buy or sell, check eBay or other marketplaces for sold listings from the last 30 to 90 days. Asking prices mean little. Sold data shows what buyers actually paid.
What affects value right now
- Official release and verified authenticity
- Condition, with special focus on edges and corners
- Whether it was kept in original packaging or handled loose
- Grading status and the grade itself
- Current hype for the Pokémon on the card
- Supply on the market at the moment
Prices change often, so always check recent sold listings, not just active listings.
Should I grade a metal card?
Pros:
- Protection that locks in the condition
- Easier resale, since buyers trust graded items
- Clear authenticity for known official issues
Cons:
- Cost that can eat into profit
- Slow turnaround during busy seasons
- Risk of shipping damage
My rule of thumb is simple. If the card looks clean and seems valuable, grading can help. If you see chips or scuffs, a slab may not move the number much.
Use card savers, pull tabs, and proper packing. Wrap the holder, not the bare card. Confirm the grader accepts metal cards and follow their prep steps.
Storage and cleaning tips that actually help
- Wash and dry your hands, or use nitrile gloves.
- Slide the card into a perfect-fit inner sleeve.
- Place it into a rigid top loader or a magnetic case. Add a sleeve barrier in a magnetic so metal does not rub plastic.
- Store upright in a dry spot with silica gel.
- Never use abrasives or chemicals on metal cards.
- Use a manual air blower for dust and a clean microfiber cloth with light pressure only.
- For shipping, secure the sleeved or cased card with foam or bubble wrap. Do not wrap a bare card.
Can I play metal Pokémon cards in tournaments?
No, official metal cards are not legal for tournament play. They are thicker and heavier than paper cards. That difference can mark a deck and give an edge, which breaks the rules. Judges need decks to be uniform and unmarked. Display metal cards do not meet that standard.
If you want to play the same art or card, use the regular paper version. Double-sleeve if you want extra protection. For casual games at home, you can use a proxy if everyone agrees before the match. Keep your metal card in a display or in your bag, and play the paper copy at the table. You will enjoy the look at home and stay within the rules at events.
What the official rules say
Tournament decks must use genuine, unaltered, tournament-legal cards from allowed sets. Cards in a deck cannot be marked or different in a way that can be noticed during play. Display metal cards are not uniform with paper cards, so they do not qualify. If you are unsure, ask a judge before the event starts.
How I enjoy metal cards without breaking rules
I keep metal cards in a stand or display case at home. When I head to an event, I bring a regular copy of the same card to play. I use themed sleeves or a playmat to get some style on the table. I take photos of the metal card for social posts at home, not at events.
Conclusion
Here is the bottom line. Yes, some metal Pokémon cards are real, but only a few official ones exist and they are for display, not play. If you want the real deal, look for the Celebrations UPC metal Pikachu and Charizard or stick to official metal accessories. Study packaging, use the quick checks, verify with trusted sources, and always read sold listings before you spend money.
I am happy to answer questions from other collectors. What metal cards have you seen lately, and would you buy one? If a listing makes you wonder, are metal pokemon cards real, use this guide to double-check. Thanks for reading, and happy collecting.
