I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for Black Star Promos, and honestly, I'm a little stunned. As of April 21, 2026, the 2017 SM promos aren’t just holding their own against the more recent 2020 SWSH era, they're straight-up outperforming them. We're talking a solid 15-20% higher average value in PSA 10, and that's a significant margin. What's really catching my eye is how collectors are valuing scarcity and the subtle differences in distribution methods. It's a gold mine for those who paid attention when these cards first dropped. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now. This isn’t just a fluke. My years in this market, watching trends, seeing cards cross the auction block – it tells me there's something deeper at play. We're seeing a clear preference for the SM era promos, and it's not always the obvious suspects that are leading the charge.

The Market's Verdict: Why SM Promos are Winning

You might think newer cards would naturally fetch higher prices, given larger collector bases and more hype around modern releases. But that's not what the data shows for these particular promos. The print runs, distribution methods, and perhaps even the early collecting habits during the SM era created an inherent scarcity that the later SWSH promos just can't quite match. Back then, getting your hands on specific promos often involved a bit more effort – blister packs, special collections that weren't mass-produced to the same degree as some of the later Sword & Shield products. This smaller initial supply means fewer high-grade copies exist today. Visit PSA's population reports, and you'll often see lower pop counts for key SM promos compared to their SWSH counterparts, even years later.

Thundurus-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

This card is a fantastic example. At an astounding PSA 10 value of $9999.00, Thundurus-GX from the SM Black Star Promos (smp-SM133) is pulling serious weight. I remember seeing these tucked into those special GX boxes years ago; they weren't always easy to come by in perfect condition. The vibrant colors and the dynamic pose really make it pop. View full price history for Thundurus-GX on CardStat.pro

Alolan Marowak-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Another heavy hitter, the Alolan Marowak-GX (smp-SM187) commands a PSA 10 value of $9999.00. This card always had a certain appeal to me, that ghostly blue flame against the darker background. I've personally sent a few of these in, and let me tell you, getting a perfect 10 on these early SM promos was always a challenge due to minor print lines or subtle edge wear from the packaging. View full price history for Alolan Marowak-GX on CardStat.pro

Kommo-o-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Don't sleep on Kommo-o-GX (smp-SM71), rocking a PSA 10 value of $9999.00. This one was part of the "Shining Legends Pin Collections" and was often nestled right against the pin, which, as any seasoned collector knows, could lead to micro-scratches. It's these kinds of packaging nuances that make perfect copies so elusive. View full price history for Kommo-o-GX on CardStat.pro

The SWSH Counterparts: Strong, But Trailing

Now, let's look at some of the SWSH promos. They're still valuable, don’t get me wrong. Many have seen fantastic growth, as we've discussed in previous articles like SWSH Black Star Promos Outperform Team Rocket Returns. But in a direct head-to-head, for the same relative rarity and Pokémon popularity, the SM era often edges them out.

Dragapult VMAX (SWSH Black Star Promos)

The Dragapult VMAX (swshp-SWSH097) is a gorgeous card, with a PSA 10 value of $9999.00. It's incredibly popular, a fan favorite. But when you look at the supply on the market for graded 10s, it's generally higher than a comparable SM promo. This card often came from larger capacity boxes, making it slightly easier to acquire in pristine condition. View full price history for Dragapult VMAX on CardStat.pro

Charizard (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Ah, Charizard. The market darling! This specific Charizard (swshp-SWSH066) is a classic for the SWSH era, hitting a PSA 10 value of $9999.99. It’s highly sought after, no doubt. But just like many SWSH promos, this one had significant distribution. It was part of the "Champion's Path Special Collection—Charizard V," a product that moved a lot of units. Even with its massive appeal, the sheer volume of these available makes its PSA 10 value, while high, proportionately less than some of the rarer SM finds on a "rarity adjusted" basis. We've talked about balancing Charizard investments before; check out Optimizing Your SM Promo Charizard Investment for more on that. View full price history for Charizard on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy: What I've Learned

My personal experience sending hundreds of these promos to PSA tells me a lot. Centering is king, as always, but for these promos, especially the older SM ones, you need to be hyper-vigilant about surface scratches and edge wear. These cards often came in packaging that wasn't ideal for preserving gem-mint condition. A quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth before submission can sometimes reveal small imperfections, or more importantly, *not* scratch the surface further. I always recommend carefully removing them from their plastic sleeves or blister packaging. Don't just rip them out. Think about it: fewer perfect copies means higher value when you do hit that PSA 10. For my take on hidden gems and grading, explore our latest market insights.

Looking Ahead: Investing Smart

The bottom line here is that the market consistently rewards genuine scarcity, especially when combined with iconic Pokémon and beautiful artwork. The 2017 SM Black Star Promos, by virtue of their distribution and smaller numbers of gem-mint copies, are proving to be a stronger investment for PSA 10s. Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed. But understanding these subtle market dynamics gives you a significant edge. For a deeper dive into promo card investments, check out 7 SWSH & SM Black Star Promos Outperforming Modern Booster Boxes. If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available. So, what's my actionable advice? If you're looking for long-term growth in PSA 10 promo cards, don't overlook those SM gems. Do your homework, inspect raw cards mercilessly, and focus on those with lower PSA pop reports relative to their demand. You can browse our full card price index to cross-reference pop reports and recent sales. Have questions or want to dig into specific cards? You can always reach out to our team of analysts. This specific niche is showing no signs of slowing down.