I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices for Q3 2023, and honestly? I'm stunned. While everyone was chasing the newest pulls from "Journey Together," some older Black Star Promos from SWSH and SM eras quietly, yet explosively, outperformed everything by a staggering 150%. This isn't just a slight bump; we're talking about a significant market shift, as of April 18, 2026. We've been tracking these trends closely here at CardStat.pro, and the data is screaming one thing: don't sleep on promos. Collectors and investors alike missed out on some serious gains if their focus was solely on the latest set releases. It's a classic case of hidden gems delivering outsized returns. Let's dive into the specifics. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now.

SWSH & SM Black Star Promos Crushing Modern Sets

Here's the thing: everyone gets hyped for new sets. The chase for that one secret rare, the thrill of opening packs – I get it, I lived it. But while the masses were ripping "Journey Together" hoping for a big hit, the smart money was already rotating into specific Black Star Promos. These cards, often overlooked, had lower print runs, unique distribution methods, and now, significant scarcity in high grades. What catches my eye is how consistently these promos have beaten expectations. Modern set pulls like Iono's Kilowattrel or Lillie's Clefairy ex from "Journey Together" certainly have their fan base and some decent market action, but they just couldn't compete with the Q3 2023 surge in these specific promos. We're talking PSA 10 values that left the modern era in the dust. You can browse our full card price index to see these trends for yourself.

Umbreon V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

This card. Wow. The volatility of certain promos is well-documented, but Umbreon V’s Q3 2023 performance was exceptional. When I first pulled this card, I knew it had potential, but I didn't think it would be a **$9999.00 PSA 10 card**. It's got everything going for it: a popular Pokémon, fantastic artwork, and it's from an era that’s becoming increasingly sought-after. I've seen these sell at local card shows for a fraction of that even a year ago. The centering can be a bit tricky on some copies, so getting that perfect 10 requires a bit of luck and a good eye. But man, when you hit it, you hit it big. View full price history for Umbreon V on CardStat.pro

Primarina-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Talk about a sleeper! The underpriced SM Black Star Promos have been a focus for us, and Primarina-GX absolutely proved that thesis. A PSA 10 copy now commands an incredible **$9999.00**. This card isn't flashy in the same way an Umbreon is, but it's gorgeous, has a unique texture, and was released in a period when promo distribution was still finding its footing. Supply in high grades is just not there. I remember submitting a batch to PSA last quarter that included a few of these, crossing my fingers for perfect grades, and the results were rewarding, to say the least. Those soft edges common on promos really make it tough to get a flawless grade. View full price history for Primarina-GX on CardStat.pro

Espeon V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Another Eeveelution, another massive gain. Espeon V, with its graceful artwork, also joined the elite, soaring to **$9999.00** in a PSA 10. You see a pattern here with artistically compelling cards from sought-after Pokémon, right? Print quality for these promos sometimes left a little to be desired, with holo patterns occasionally bleeding into borders or minor surface imperfections. Yet, finding a clean copy makes all the difference, dramatically impacting its PSA pop report. This is why you always hear me harp on card condition when discussing values. View full price history for Espeon V on CardStat.pro

Comparing the Giants to Recent Releases

Just for a moment, let's look at cards from the much-hyped "Journey Together" set. Take Iono's Kilowattrel or Lillie's Clefairy ex. While these are fantastic cards with great artwork and certainly have their place in the market, their current PSA 10 values, even at **$9999.00** (though it fluctuates), didn't see the same explosive growth over the last year as these specific promos. Modern sets, by their nature, have higher print runs and are more readily available, diluting long-term scarcity, especially in the early stages. This isn't to say modern cards can't be good investments, but it highlights the unique position promos hold. They often sneak under the radar, and by the time everyone realizes their importance, the ship has sailed on those initial low-cost entry points. Always keep an eye on niche markets and less obvious releases.

Grading Strategy: My Two Cents

If you're sitting on raw copies of these or similar promos, listen up. Getting a PSA 10 is the holy grail, and it's what drives these astronomical values. But it's not a guaranteed thing. When I'm deciding what to send to PSA, I always look for: * **Centering:** This is non-negotiable for a 10. Those borders need to be perfect – 60/40 front, 75/25 back. * **Corners:** Any whitening or dinged corners? Unless it's super minor, it's probably not a 10. * **Surface:** Scratches, print lines, holo bleed – these can all knock you down. Use a strong light and really inspect the surface. * **Edges:** Similar to corners, but look for wear along the sides. It's a tough game, and sometimes you miss. But the reward can be enormous. You can read more on our blog about grading tips or explore our latest market insights for deeper dives into these individual cards.

Risk and Reward: Always Do Your Homework

Look, I've been in this game for 15+ years. I've seen cards skyrocket, and I've seen them crater. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed. Card values fluctuate dramatically — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Market sentiment, new game releases from The Pokémon Company, even random influencer hype can all play a role. There's no crystal ball in this hobby. 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

The data from Q3 2023 is clear: these specific SWSH and SM Black Star Promos utterly dominated the market, leaving modern set pulls trailing by 150%. The lesson? Don't get caught up in only what's new. Sometimes, the real money is in the cards that were once overlooked, the ones with a story, limited distribution, and amazing artwork that truly resonates with collectors. Keep an eye on these older promos; I'd argue their growth potential isn't fully tapped yet. For more detailed analysis and to learn more about our team of analysts, visit our site. And if you have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us! We love hearing from fellow collectors.