Finding a Dragonite ex in an old binder feels like hitting a small jackpot, but the reality of the 2026 market is way more nuanced than a quick Google search might suggest. You've probably seen prices ranging from five bucks to five thousand. It’s confusing.
Dragonite is one of those "legacy" Pokémon. People love it. Because of that, the value of any card featuring this chubby orange dragon tends to stay higher than your average pull. But "Dragonite ex" refers to several different cards spanning over twenty years of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
If you're holding a card right now and wondering "how much is Dragonite ex worth," you first need to identify which era it belongs to. A card from 2003 and a card from 2024 are different beasts entirely.
The Modern Heavyweight: Mega Dragonite ex (2026)
We have to talk about the current elephant in the room. The January 2026 release of Ascended Heroes has completely upended the market. This set introduced the Mega Dragonite ex Special Illustration Rare (SIR), and the hype is genuinely wild.
Currently, if you pull this card, you're looking at a raw market value of roughly $394. If you’re lucky enough to have a copy that would score a PSA 10, collectors are already paying between $700 and $1,000 on the secondary market. This isn't just "game" value; it's a 30th-anniversary premium.
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Why is it so high? Basically, it’s the first time we’ve seen Mega Dragonite in the TCG, and the artwork is high-tier.
The Vintage Grail: EX Dragon and Delta Species
If your card looks a bit older—maybe it has a silver border or a weird "Delta Species" stamp—you might be sitting on the real money.
The original Dragonite ex (90/97) from the EX Dragon set (released way back in 2003) is a beast. In 2026, a "Near Mint" copy of this card has a market price hovering around $510. If it’s been played with and has white edges or scratches, that price drops fast, often landing closer to $120.
Then there is the Dragonite ex Delta Species (91/101) from Dragon Frontiers. This one is famous because Dragonite is suddenly a Grass-type.
- Near Mint: $219.30
- Lightly Played: $197.40
- Damaged: $109.70
Honestly, the "Damaged" price is surprisingly high. It shows that even a beat-up version of this card is still a "must-have" for many collectors.
The Modern Classics: Evolutions and Furious Fists
Not every Dragonite ex is going to buy you a new car. Some are actually pretty affordable, which is great if you're just starting out or buying for a kid.
The Dragonite EX Full Art (106/108) from XY Evolutions is the one most people find in their collections. It’s a beautiful card with a gold-bordered look. For a raw, Near Mint copy, you're looking at about $30 to $40. If it's a PSA 10, it jumps to about $300.
There’s also the Dragonite-EX (72/108) from the same set. This is the "regular" version. It’s currently worth about $5.16. Yeah, just five dollars. It’s common, it was printed heavily, and it’s just not that rare.
Why Condition Changes Everything
You can't just look at a price guide and assume that's what you'll get. The Pokémon market is obsessed with condition. A tiny white speck on the corner (whitening) or a slightly off-center print can slash the value in half.
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I’ve seen people try to sell a "Near Mint" Dragonite on eBay for $100 when it clearly has a crease. That doesn't work. Collectors use a scale from "Mint" to "Damaged."
If you want to know how much is Dragonite ex worth for your specific card, look at the back. Are the blue edges perfect? Is the surface shiny without scratches? If you see any peeling or creases, it’s "Damaged," and the value is mostly sentimental.
What about grading?
Professional grading (PSA, BGS, or CGC) is the only way to hit those $1,000+ price points. But be careful. It costs money and takes months. If your card is only worth $20 raw, don't spend $25 to grade it. It’s a losing game.
Summary of 2026 Market Values
| Card Version | Set | Raw Price (NM) | Graded (PSA 10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Dragonite ex (SIR) | Ascended Heroes (2026) | $394 | $850+ |
| Dragonite ex (90/97) | EX Dragon (2003) | $510 | $4,800+ |
| Dragonite ex (91/101) | Delta Species | $219 | $1,200+ |
| Dragonite EX (106/108) | XY Evolutions | $35 | $300 |
| Dragonite EX (72/108) | XY Evolutions | $5 | $60 |
What You Should Do Next
Before you list your card for sale or buy one, do three things. First, check the bottom right corner for the card number (like 106/108). This ensures you're looking at the right version. Second, take high-resolution photos in natural light; shadows hide scratches that buyers will eventually find. Finally, use "Sold" listings on eBay rather than "Active" listings. Anyone can ask for $10,000, but "Sold" listings tell you what people actually paid.
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The market for Dragonite is strong right now because of the 30th-anniversary hype. If you have a high-end vintage copy, it might be worth holding onto. If you have a modern one, the price might dip once the next big set comes out and distracts everyone.
Check your card for a "swirl" in the holographic pattern. Collectors sometimes pay a 10-20% premium for a well-placed swirl near the Pokémon's mouth or hands. It's a weird niche, but it's real money.