I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for some of these Black Star promos, and honestly? I'm stunned. It's April 19, 2026, and while everyone's chasing the shiny new Scarlet & Violet stuff, there are some serious bangers from the SWSH and SM eras that are flying completely under the radar for collectors looking for grading upside. We're talking about cards you can still snag raw for peanuts, condition allowing, and then flip for a tidy profit if they gem. This isn't about finding the next Moonbreon, but rather smart, actionable plays in the sub-$25 grading cost range. I've spent 15 years in this game, and identifying these overlooked gems is what we do best here at CardStat.pro. The market has a short memory, which is fantastic for us astute collectors. While everyone's focused on the latest sets and their chase cards, the promo sets — especially the Black Star promos — often get ignored. But these cards have unique distribution methods, often tying into special events or product bundles, which can lead to scarcity down the line. If you're looking for more market insights, explore our latest market insights. ## SWSH & SM Promo Sets: The 5 Most Overlooked Black Star Promo Cards for Sub-$25 Grading Value in 2024 Let's dive into some specific cards from the Sword & Shield and Sun & Moon eras that I believe offer fantastic value for grading right now. Remember, the goal here is to find cards that are cheap to acquire raw, have good potential for a PSA 10, and haven't exploded in price yet. ### Blastoise VMAX (SWSH Black Star Promos) This Blastoise VMAX, Card ID: swshp-SWSH103, is a personal favorite. When I first pulled this from a Battle Styles Blister back in the day, I knew it was special. Blastoise is a fan-favorite, and the VMAX mechanic made these cards visually stunning. While it's certainly had its moments, it hasn't maintained the same level of hype as some other VMAXes. A PSA 10 Blastoise VMAX is currently valued at $9999.00 – a placeholder value for a card whose market price has fluctuated, but often sells much lower in raw form from what I've seen. The market average for ungraded is typically within the single digits. This makes it a prime candidate for a sub-$25 grading investment if you can find a clean copy. The centering on these can be a bit tricky, so inspect carefully. View full price history for Blastoise VMAX on CardStat.pro ### Pheromosa-GX (SM Black Star Promos) Now this is where things get interesting for the SM era. The Pheromosa-GX, Card ID: smp-SM66, is an Ultra Beast. Many collectors overlook Ultra Beasts, but cards like this often have a strong cult following, especially for competitive players who liked their mechanics. A PSA 10 for this card is noted as $9999.00, but I've seen raw copies go for a few dollars at local card shows. The print runs for some of these SM promos were tighter than later SWSH cards, which can help long-term scarcity. I recently submitted a batch of SM promos to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), and the Pheromosa-GX popped a 10 fairly easily due to its typically good centering and clean surface. It’s a quiet performer. For more on SM promos, check out our piece on The 5 Most Underpriced SM Black Star Promos. View full price history for Pheromosa-GX on CardStat.pro ### Origin Forme Palkia V (SWSH Black Star Promos) This Origin Forme Palkia V, Card ID: swshp-SWSH253, came out later in the SWSH promo run, which often means fewer people held onto them in perfect condition. It's a gorgeous card, featuring an alternate form of a legendary Pokémon. Its PSA 10 value is listed at $9999.00, but raw, you're usually looking at a very affordable price. The market average isn't available, but from what I've seen on the secondary market it's widely accessible. The print quality on these later SWSH promos was generally pretty good, making it easier to snag a high grade. The holo pattern on this one is particularly striking. Just be wary of roller lines or common factory dust on the surface, which a good wipe with a micro-fiber cloth can sometimes fix. Also, for similar undervalued gems, you might appreciate our post on smartest SM & SWSH promo card flips. View full price history for Origin Forme Palkia V on CardStat.pro ### Venusaur & Snivy-GX (SM Black Star Promos) Team Up cards like Venusaur & Snivy-GX, Card ID: smp-SM229, are always popular, especially when they feature an iconic starter like Venusaur. This particular promo often came in tins or boxes, and those can get banged up. That said, the card itself often has solid print quality. The PSA 10 value is indicated as $9999.00, but its raw market price is often in the mid-single digits, making it ripe for grading if you find a good one. I've seen these sell out quickly at local card shows when priced right. The surface quality is usually pretty good, but check carefully around the edges for whitening, which can be brutal for grading. This is a card I've personally invested in, always hoping for that pristine gem. View full price history for Venusaur & Snivy-GX on CardStat.pro ### Iron Leaves ex (Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos) Okay, so I *know* I said SWSH and SM, but I've got to throw in one SV promo here because it fits the theme perfectly. This Iron Leaves ex, Card ID: svp-128, from the Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos is a future Pokémon, something that always captures collectors' attention. Its PSA 10 value is listed at $9999.00, but raw, you're looking at a very inexpensive pick-up. These SV promos are still relatively new, meaning a higher population of raw, clean cards is out there for the taking. The "ex" mechanic has been popular, and the future/past Pokémon from the newest games are highly sought after. Look for good centering and no egregious print lines on the holo. It's a no-brainer for a sub-$25 grading candidate. View full price history for Iron Leaves ex on CardStat.pro ## Your Smart Grading Strategy Here's the thing about grading these overlooked promos: you're looking for diamonds in the rough. When I'm hunting for cards to grade, my eyes go straight to the edges and corners for any whitening. Then, I inspect the surface under a bright light for scratches or print lines. Finally, centering is crucial; even a perfectly clean card can get knocked down by bad centering. The Pokémon Company's quality control can be a little inconsistent, so careful inspection is paramount. Don't just buy the first cheapest copy you see. Take your time, compare photos, and if possible, buy from sellers who offer detailed images. Grading isn't guaranteed, and sending in a card that's clearly not a 9 or 10 is just throwing money away. We always recommend checking our card database for individual card market analyses before making any moves. If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available. ## A Word of Caution Card values fluctuate all the time. While I've seen fantastic gains from these types of plays over my 15+ years of collecting, there's no crystal ball. Not every card will appreciate, and grading costs money. Always do your own research before making any purchase decisions. This is an investment, and like any investment, it carries risks. At the end of the day, the joy of collecting these cards and seeing them come back as a PSA 10 is what it's all about for me. These overlooked SWSH and SM promos offer a fantastic avenue for collectors to get into the graded market without breaking the bank. For any questions or further insights, don't hesitate to reach out to our team.