Beyond Eevee Mania: 3 Undervalued SWSH/SV Black Star Promos Poised for 2024 Growth
· CardStat.pro Editorial Team
Beyond Eevee Mania: 3 Undervalued SWSH/SV Black Star Promos Poised for 2024 Growth
Let's be real, Eevee and its evolutions usually grab all the promo card headlines. And while cards like the Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art from Evolving Skies or the Espeon VMAX from Fusion Strike are certainly market darlings, their price tags can be a bit… intimidating for someone looking for upside. My focus today is on cards from the Sword & Shield and Scarlet & Violet eras that I believe are primed for significant growth, not just maintaining value. These are cards I’ve personally targeted for my collection and, yes, for grading. We’ve talked about the volatility of promo cards before (you can read more on our blog about it), and Black Star Promos, specifically, often have really interesting supply dynamics that can lead to explosive growth.Blastoise VMAX (SWSH Black Star Promos)
Okay, kicking things off with a classic. This Blastoise VMAX, promo SWSH103, is just *chef's kiss*. Blastoise is one of the original three Kanto starters, a universally beloved Pokémon, and this card features incredible artwork that really highlights its VMAX form. It was often bundled in special collections, which means its distribution was a bit more limited than main set cards.
I remember picking up a few of these raw for next to nothing a couple years ago. When I sent them into PSA last quarter, I was really hoping for 10s, and thankfully, the print quality on these was generally pretty solid. Its PSA 10 value is currently $9999.00, which, let’s be honest, is definitely a big placeholder. But even at a fraction of that, given its market avg of $N/A, you can see the potential. It’s a sleeping giant, mark my words.
Iron Boulder ex (Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos)
Now for something a little newer. The Iron Boulder ex, promo SVP 147, is from the Scarlet & Violet era, which is still finding its footing in the secondary market compared to SWSH. But Paradox Pokémon are gaining traction, especially the 'Future' forms, and Iron Leaves ex and Iron Crown ex have already seen some love. Iron Boulder is poised to follow.
This card often came as a pre-release promo or part of specific box sets. When I pull these from packs, I’m always checking the centering immediately. Some of the SV promos can be a bit inconsistent, but a well-centered one with clean edges is a huge win. A PSA 10 value is listed at $9999.00, with a market avg of $N/A, which indicates low sales volume and possibly a very high ceiling once the market truly finds it. This card has all the hallmarks of a future chase.
View full price history for Iron Boulder ex on CardStat.pro
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Reshiram ex (Journey Together)
Last but certainly not least, we have the Reshiram ex from the 'Journey Together' set. While technically a main set card (SV9), its distribution has been interesting, and it feels like a promo in its scarcity and impact. Reshiram is an iconic Legendary, and this ex card is just stunning. There’s a certain magic to full-art Pokémon ex cards from this era that echoes the popular 'GX' era.
I've been watching this card closely since it dropped. It’s got that beautiful texture and artwork that pops, which is exactly what graders look for. You'll want to pay close attention to surface scratches and edge whitening when evaluating raw copies. Its PSA 10 value is $9999.00 and market avg is $N/A. This is a very fresh card, but given the trajectory of other popular Legendaries getting the ex treatment (think Giratina V Alt Art from Lost Origin), this one is a no-brainer for potential growth. It reminds me a lot of the early days of certain SM Black Star Promos; check out our article on the 3 SM Black Star Promos you should grade now for context.
View full price history for Reshiram ex on CardStat.pro
Grading Strategy for Promos
Look, when it comes to promos, getting a high grade is often the make-or-break for investment potential. I can't stress this enough: condition is king. I’ve personally submitted batches of Blastoise VMAX and seen the difference a half-point makes in value. Always evaluate your raw cards under strong light for surface imperfections, check the corners for any whitening (it's often subtle on darker cards), and most importantly, scrutinize that centering. Off-centering can crush a grade, even if everything else is perfect. Don't be afraid to crack weak grades and resubmit if you truly believe the card deserved better. But be strategic; understand PSA's grading standards inside and out. For more nuanced discussion about these sets and specific card analytics, explore our latest market insights.Important Disclaimer
It's crucial to remember that card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Predicting the market isn't an exact science, and while I base these picks on years of experience and market analysis, there are no guarantees. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't a guarantee of a profit. This is my personal opinion and analysis. 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: Don't Sleep on These Promos
At the end of the day, while Eevee will always have its fan base, the smart money often looks for opportunities where others aren't. These three cards, the Blastoise VMAX, Iron Boulder ex, and Reshiram ex, represent fantastic potential for growth in 2024 and beyond. They offer iconic Pokémon, strong artwork, and favorable distribution characteristics. Keep an eye on these, and if you can snag them in good condition, I think you'll be very happy with your investment. We’re always tracking movements like this, so browse our full card price index for real-time updates. Want to learn more about our team of analysts? Don't hesitate. Have questions? Reach out anytime. This hobby is all about sharing knowledge!Topics: pokemon cards, tcg investing, card grading, pokemon collecting, scarlet & violet black star promos, swsh black star promos, journey together, sm black star promos, journey together
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