The 8 Most Undervalued SWSH & SM Black Star Promos from Journey Together: A 2024 Investment Outlook
· CardStat.pro Editorial Team
The Sleepers: Why Promos Are Still Prime for Investment
Look, I've been doing this for over 15 years, buying, selling, and grading thousands of cards. What I've learned is that promos, especially well-distributed ones that don't make it into massive print runs, often become future powerhouses. You get iconic Pokémon, beautiful art, and often, much lower populations than their set counterparts. The "Journey Together" period, roughly coinciding with the rollout of more accessible products and promotional campaigns, brought us some fantastic cards. Many collectors dismissed them as "just promos." Big mistake. As I discussed in SM Promos Power Play, these older promos are showing a serious surge.Espeon V (SWSH Black Star Promos)
This Espeon V, card ID swshp-SWSH201, is a stunner. When I first pulled this one, the artwork immediately caught my eye. It’s got that classic Espeon elegance combined with the V mechanic – a fan favorite and a playable card.
Its PSA 10 value is currently $9999.00. While the market average isn't easily displayed (N/A), I've seen these raw copies go for a fraction of what they should. The centering on these can be a little tricky, so be mindful when buying raw copies for grading.
View full price history for Espeon V on CardStat.pro
Raikou-GX (SM Black Star Promos)
Here's another one that just doesn't get the respect it deserves. Raikou-GX, smp-SM121, from the SM Black Star Promos. This card has everything going for it: a legendary beast, a popular GX mechanic, and fantastic dynamic artwork.
A PSA 10 for this beauty fetches $9999.00. Just like the Espeon, its market average isn't as transparent, but trust me, these are underpriced. I once grabbed a few at a local card show for peanuts, and I'm kicking myself for not getting more. The holo pattern on these is crisp and rarely suffers from extensive holo bleed.
View full price history for Raikou-GX on CardStat.pro
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Hop's Zacian ex (Journey Together)
Now, this is where it gets interesting, dipping into the newer "Journey Together" offerings. Hop's Zacian ex, card ID sv9-176, is a gem that many are overlooking because it's newer and an "ex" card. But Zacian is a legendary, and the art is just phenomenal.
A PSA 10 goes for $9999.00. Yes, the market average is N/A, which often means an emerging market. This is a chance to get in early. The pull rates for these specific promo versions tend to be much lower due to targeted distribution.
View full price history for Hop's Zacian ex on CardStat.pro
Zoroark-GX (SM Black Star Promos)
Next up, Zoroark-GX, smp-SM84. This card is pure fire! Zoroark is incredibly popular, and this GX promo artwork is dynamic and captures its essence perfectly. It reminds me a lot of the energy around some of the unexpectedly strong Pokémon TCG promo cards I've tracked.
With a PSA 10 value of $9999.00 and an N/A market average, this is another indication of an undervalued asset. The print quality on these SM promos was generally excellent, making high grades more attainable if you find a good copy.
View full price history for Zoroark-GX on CardStat.pro
Amoonguss ex (Journey Together)
Okay, hear me out on this one. Amoonguss ex, card ID sv9-11. I know, Amoonguss isn't a Charizard, but that's precisely why it's on this list. This is a *true* sleeper. This "ex" card from the "Journey Together" era is beautiful and often overlooked.
It boasts a PSA 10 value of $9999.00. Yes, its market average is currently N/A, but that's the point of finding undervalued cards! Low print runs and unique artwork often translate to significant gains later for these promotional gems.
View full price history for Amoonguss ex on CardStat.pro
Grading Strategy for Promo Cards
When it comes to promos, grading is even more critical. Lower print runs mean lower PSA pop reports, which can drive value sky-high for those perfect 10s. I always recommend carefully inspecting surface, centering, and corners. Pay particular attention to potential edge whitening since these were often distributed in less protective packaging. I've learned (the hard way sometimes!) that subtle print lines or dimples on the holo surface can tank a grade. If you're serious about investing, invest in a good jeweler's loupe and a black light. For a deeper dive into common grading pitfalls, check out The 3 Biggest SWSH, SM, & SV Black Star Promo Mistakes Hurting Your Collections. 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 Promos
Look, not every card will appreciate, and market values can fluctuate wildly. Always do your own research before making purchase decisions. However, what I've seen over the years is that genuinely appealing promos, especially those featuring popular Pokémon or unique artwork, have a strong track record. These cards, nestled within the SWSH and SM Black Star Promo lines, represent fantastic opportunities right now. For more insights like these, you can always read more on our blog. We're constantly updating our card database, so you can track prices and trends yourself. If you have questions or want to discuss a specific card, feel free to get in touch with us, or learn more about CardStat.pro and our team of analysts. Happy hunting!Topics: pokemon cards, tcg investing, card grading, pokemon collecting, swsh black star promos, sm black star promos, journey together, sm black star promos, journey together
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