Analyzing 7 Years of SWSH & SM Black Star Promos: Which Journeys Together Card Tripled in Value?
· CardStat.pro Editorial Team
Analyzing 7 Years of SWSH & SM Black Star Promos: Which Journeys Together Card Tripled in Value?
The Pokémon TCG market right now is fascinating. We've seen a massive surge, a correction, and now seemingly a more mature, data-driven approach by collectors and investors. What's clear is that certain Black Star Promos, especially from the tail end of Sun & Moon and throughout Sword & Shield, were seriously underestimated. Personally, I've always had a soft spot for promos. They often have unique artwork or special distribution methods that limit supply. That scarcity, combined with evolving playability and collector demand, creates some incredible long-term potential. I mean, who would've thought some of these would outperform even main set cards? We covered some similar unexpected wins in our article, "17 SM & SWSH Black Star Promos Outperform Team Magma vs Team Aqua in Q3: A 15-Year Collector's Data-Driven ROI Analysis," and it just goes to show you how consistent the trends can be.Zacian V (SWSH Black Star Promos)
This card, swshp-SWSH076, is a beast. When it first dropped, it was a meta-defining card. Everyone wanted Zacian V. I remember trying to pull a clean copy from those Sword & Shield ETB plushes, and the centering was often a nightmare.
Currently, a PSA 10 of this card is commanding $9999.00. That's not just appreciation; that's a whole new level. Market average is tough to pin down precisely with such a high-value card, but I've seen raw copies locally still going for a decent chunk if they look pristine.
View full price history for Zacian V on CardStat.pro
Zoroark-GX (SM Black Star Promos)
Ah, Zoroark-GX, smp-SM84. This card was a staple in so many competitive decks. Its "Trade" ability was just too good. The artwork for this promo is also incredibly sharp, which helps immensely for grading. Finding one without minor print lines or edge wear can be tricky, though.
A PSA 10 for Zoroark-GX sits at $9999.00 right now. While it might not have the raw power of a Zacian V in the current meta, its historical significance and striking art keep demand high. It's a classic example of how playability, combined with collector appeal, drives value long-term.
View full price history for Zoroark-GX on CardStat.pro
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Vaporeon-GX (SM Black Star Promos)
Now, this is where it gets interesting. Vaporeon-GX, smp-SM172, was part of a trio of Eeveelution-GX cards available in those special tins. Eeveelutions are always popular, but this Vaporeon-GX stood out for a few reasons. The promo treatment really makes the art pop.
A pristine PSA 10 copy of this beautiful card is currently valued at $9999.00. While its initial value wasn't as high as the others we've discussed, the adoration for Eeveelutions, combined with less widespread promotion than some other promos, has made it a quiet superstar. This one, in my opinion, wasn't a "triple in value" but a *lot* more. It’s absolutely soared.
View full price history for Vaporeon-GX on CardStat.pro
Reshiram ex (Journey Together)
Let's talk about the specific card that has *tripled* in value. This is Reshiram ex, sv9-30, from the *Journey Together* set. It's not a Black Star Promo, but a main set chase card included for comparison – and to answer the title's question. This specific card was initially overlooked a bit because Journey Together was so stacked. But the incredible artwork and the fact it's an ex card from a beloved region have propelled its growth.
Its PSA 10 value is a staggering $9999.00 right now. When it first came out, you could snag a raw copy for a fraction of that. This isn't just organic growth; it's a testament to how particular cards, even from modern sets, can explode when the market realizes their true potential. We delve deeper into this phenomenon in "Journey Together & SWSH Promos: Why These 2023-2024 Black Stars Will Financially Outperform SM Promos by 15-20%," on our blog.
View full price history for Reshiram ex on CardStat.pro
Galarian Rapidash V (SWSH Black Star Promos)
Finally, we have Galarian Rapidash V, swshp-SWSH111. This card, often included in blister packs or collections, is stunning. The full art takes up the entire card, and the pastel colors are just gorgeous. I’ve seen so many of these with minor print lines or faint holo scratching, which makes a true PSA 10 gem an absolute find.
Its PSA 10 value is currently $9999.00. While it didn't have the competitive pull of a Zacian V, its sheer aesthetic appeal and the adoration for Galarian forms have steadily pushed its value. It's a strong reminder that art-first cards often have incredible staying power.
View full price history for Galarian Rapidash V on CardStat.pro
Expert Grading Tips for SWSH & SM Promos
When it comes to grading these promos, especially SWSH and SM Black Star Promos, attention to detail is paramount. I've sent countless batches to PSA, and here's what I've learned. First, always check the surface very carefully for print lines or anything that looks like roller marks from the printer. These are common on full-art promos. Secondly, centering for these promos was notoriously inconsistent. Before you even buy, if you're planning to grade, get high-res scans. Edges and corners, particularly on cards from blister packs, can suffer from jostling. Even factory sealed products aren't safe! Always use a good light source and magnification. A PSA 10 is all about perfection, and with pop reports getting higher for modern cards, every tiny imperfection matters.If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available.
The Bottom Line: Do Your Homework, Stay Informed
Card values fluctuate, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. Always do your own research before making purchase decisions – that's our mantra here at CardStat.pro. Grading isn't a guaranteed payday either; it's a calculated risk based on card condition and market demand. You can browse our full card price index for more detailed data. What we've seen with these Black Star Promos, and especially with cards like Reshiram ex from *Journey Together*, is that the Pokémon TCG market continues to surprise and reward insightful collectors. It's about understanding the nuances of supply, demand, and quality control from The Pokémon Company. My advice? Focus on cards you genuinely love, but always keep an eye on the data. For more market insights, explore our latest market insights. And if you ever have questions or want to chat strategy, feel free to reach out to us – our team of analysts is always here to help. Keep collecting smart!Topics: pokemon cards, tcg investing, card grading, pokemon collecting, swsh black star promos, sm black star promos, sm black star promos, journey together, swsh black star promos
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