I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for some of these promo cards, and honestly? I'm stunned. We're talking about cards that, just a couple of years ago, were often overlooked, selling for pocket change in comparison. Now, many are pushing serious money. As of April 25, 2026, the landscape for promo cards, especially from the tail end of SM and throughout SWSH, has shifted dramatically. What was once seen as low-tier filler or easy pulls has become a hunting ground for collectors and investors alike. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now. Today, I want to dive into seven specific SM and SWSH Black Star Promos from 2018-2023 that absolutely blew past all reasonable expectations. These aren't your typical set chase cards; these are promos, often given away or bundled, that have found their stride in the graded market.

Decoding the $100+ Promo Landscape: 7 SM and SWSH Black Star Promos That Outperformed Expectations (2018-2023)

The Market's Unsung Heroes: Promo Powerhouses

Here's the thing about promos: their print runs are often a complete mystery. Unlike main sets where we can somewhat gauge availability, promos are tied to product launches, tournaments, or campaigns. This unpredictability, coupled with often stellar artwork or popular Pokémon, creates perfect conditions for scarcity in high grades. I've seen these sell at local card shows for years, often ignored. But the truth is, the market, especially online platforms and dedicated grading communities, has really latched onto the scarcity of pristine copies. It's a classic supply-and-demand story, but with a twist — the "supply" of gem mint copies is way lower than you'd think for these "common" promos.

Golisopod-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Who would've thought Golisopod-GX would be here? When this card, smp-SM62, was released, it wasn't exactly setting the world on fire. It was a solid GX, but not a mainstream favorite. Yet, a PSA 10 copy is now fetching an insane $9999.00. I remember pulling this from a blister pack and thinking, "Cool, another GX." Little did I know how tough these were to grade. Centering on these early SM promos could be brutal, and surface scratches were common if you weren't super careful. View full price history for Golisopod-GX on CardStat.pro

Lucario-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Now, Lucario is always popular, but Lucario-GX, smp-SM100, outperforming so many other more hyped cards is eye-opening. A PSA 10 will run you $9999.00 today. This was often part of a box set, and I found that sometimes those sealed boxes would have cards that weren't perfectly pristine right out of the wrapper. I submitted a batch to PSA last quarter, including a few Lucario-GX, and I was sweating the corners. That deep blue border really highlights any whitening. You can read more about my grading experiences with similar promos here.

Kingdra-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Kingdra-GX (smp-SM155) is another one that surprised me. It's not a top-tier mascot Pokémon, but the artwork is fantastic. Yet, its PSA 10 value stands at a surprising $9999.00. This was one of those cards that I just never saw getting much attention. The secret? Print quality. The holo pattern on this card is particularly susceptible to print lines, and finding a truly clean surface without factory defects is a challenge. That makes low pop reports for gem mint copies a reality, driving up prices.

Jolteon-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Eevees and Eeveelutions are always hot, but Jolteon-GX (smp-SM173) has really shown its staying power. Its PSA 10 value is a staggering $9999.00. I actually picked up a few raw copies of this recently, hoping to snag some 9s or 10s. The issue I've found with this one, and many other Black Star Promos from when The Pokémon Company was churning out products, is edge wear straight out of the packaging. It’s frustrating when you see a beautiful card with a tiny speck of whitening straight from the factory. For more analysis on similar trends, check out our recent post: SWSH & SV Black Star Promos Outperformance: A 5-Year Data Deep Dive.

Pikachu V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Pikachu V (swshp-SWSH145) is a no-brainer for popularity, but its current PSA 10 value of $9999.00 is still impressive for a relatively recent promo. This was a gift with purchase, often prone to being handled roughly. I’ve seen SO many copies of this with dinged corners or minor surface scuffs from being loose in bags. It’s proof that even popular Pokémon, if released in a way that’s difficult to preserve, can become valuable in high grades. This is definitely one to watch as time goes on. View full price history for Pikachu V on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy: What I've Learned (The Hard Way)

Look, getting a PSA 10 on these promos is tough. My rule of thumb is this: if you're pulling a promo from a box or blister, immediately sleeve it. Seriously, immediately. Don't touch the front surface. These cards often have dark borders, which are notorious for showing whitening. Centering is key, especially with Black Star Promos. I always use a centring tool before I even consider sending a card to PSA. Surface condition is another huge factor; many promos from these eras suffered from roller marks or slight holo bleeding. Don't just look for scratches; examine the entire surface. If you want some tips on what to avoid, explore our latest market insights; cards with known print issues often fall into "value trap" territory.

The Catch: Not Every Promo is Gold

It’s important to remember that not every card will appreciate like these. For every Golisopod-GX, there are dozens of other promos that haven't moved much at all. Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Grading isn't guaranteed either; you could send off a batch and come back with a whole lot of 9s or even 8s, which won't see the same return on investment. Risk is always part of the game. That being said, these examples prove that diligent collecting and smart grading can yield incredible results. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available.

Final Thoughts: Actionable Advice

The bottom line? Don't sleep on promos, especially those from SM and SWSH. They might not be the flashiest cards from their era, but their scarcity in pristine condition makes them valuable. Always prioritize condition, especially centering and surface, if you're looking to grade. Keep an eye on population reports for these kinds of cards on PSA's website — low pop reports for popular Pokémon or cards with great art are strong indicators of future value. You can always browse our full card price index for more detailed market data. And if you want to learn more about our team of analysts and how we gather this data, check out our about page!