Pokemon TCG is just about done with its Sword and Shield era, and it is ending things off on a high note thanks to the Crown Zenith expansion. Featuring plenty of new Pokemon and Trainer cards, it is the perfect love letter to the Galar region before Pokemon TCG moves on to Paldea. With the first batch of products released, some have already risen to the top and become highly valuable either due to their beauty, competitive power, or the creatures they depict.
Crown Zenith is a particularly special expansion, as it features the Galarian Gallery. This set of cards features stunning full art of some of the most beloved Pokemon, including Riolu, Snorlax, and Gardevoir. Crown Zenith is also the last English expansion that will feature yellow borders.
The Usual Suspects: Pikachu, Mewtwo, and Charizard
Almost without fail, cards featuring Pikachu, Mewtwo, or Charizard are highly coveted. This is in part because The Pokemon Company has frequently used these critters as franchise mascots, and they have played prominent roles in the games, movies, and anime. Furthermore, the creatures often receive some of the most beautiful artwork, making them fine additions to any collection. Things are no different with Crown Zenith, and some of the most valuable cards from the expansion feature the ubiquitous trio.
Pikachu’s Secret Rare card features the yellow rodent leaping into action with a collage of Pokemon behind it that includes Zacian and Crobat. The colorful card goes for about $32 on online markets. Game Freak has also shown Charizard a lot of attention historically, and this has led to many fans falling in love with the fire-breathing beast. The full art Charizard VSTAR card from Crown Zenith features Charizard in battle with Mewtwo, and it fetches about $26 online.
The most expensive card among the trio goes to Mewtwo, who is one of the most popular legendary Pokemon. It receives a full art VSTAR card from the Galarian Gallery. Interestingly, the card features the same battle depicted in Charizard’s VSTAR card. However, this time around, the focus is on Mewtwo. This makes these two cards a nice pair for collectors to have. Fans hoping to add it to their collection will have to cough up about $107.
The Gold and Black Cards of Crown Zenith
Gold and Black cards have always been highly coveted because of their rarity and beauty. A few Gold and Blacks appear in Crown Zenith, and fans will want to look out for them, as they can fetch a fortune online. Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR and Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR receive shiny Gold and Black cards, with both costing between $65-$68 online. Collectors will want to grab them, as they make a perfect pair.
The Gold and Black Arceus VSTAR card is another standout from the Galarian Gallery. The card features the godlike Pokemon standing majestically, and collectors can expect to pay up to $113 for it. The most expensive Crown Zenith card thus far is the Gold and Black Giratina VSTAR, which is also from the Galarian Gallery. The artwork is equal parts alluring and unsettling. Currently, it goes for about $172 online.
In March, Pokemon TCG will launch its first main line of Scarlet and Violet products. Fans will get to see the first cards that depict the Terastallized Pokemon of Paldea. It will also be the first time the new design changes are implemented. Fans got a preview of this with the Paldea Collection which features holos of Scarlet and Violet's starters.
