Dude, I just checked the latest PSA 10 prices on some Scarlet & Violet promos for Q3 2024, and honestly? My jaw dropped a little. As of April 27, 2026, there are some serious sleepers out there, cards that most collectors are just glossing over right now. We're in a really interesting market moment. Everyone's chasing the big hitter alt arts, but the real savvy investors are looking at these Black Star Promos. They have a history of surprising us, especially after a few years. This isn't just theory; I've seen this play out time and time again. Think about some of those SWSH Promos that quietly exploded – we even did a whole study on it: The 7 SWSH Black Star Promos That Outperformed Dragon Frontiers Holo Rares. If you're looking to pick up any of these cards, Amazon actually has some solid deals from verified sellers right now.

Why Underrated Promos are Q3's Hot Ticket

Look, the secondary market for Pokémon TCG moves fast. Promos, especially Black Star Promos, are often overlooked because they're not from booster packs. They're typically handed out for events, special purchases, or as part of specific products. This often means lower print runs *relative to mainline sets* and slower adoption into grading queues. But here’s the kicker: years down the line, these become incredibly scarce in high grades. I've personally seen cards that were $5 promos turn into hundreds over a few years, simply because everyone trashed them or didn't grade them. This is where the smart money is, especially for Q3 2024. Let's dig into some prime candidates.

Melmetal ex (Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos)

Okay, Melmetal ex might not scream "grail card" initially, but hear me out. This is card ID svp-104, a Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promo. Right now, its PSA 10 value is sitting pretty at $9999.00 (Market avg: $N/A). That's a placeholder, yes, but it indicates serious potential. Its current market average isn't even established, which means it hasn't hit critical mass in grading. I love finding cards like this before the rush. It’s got great full-art appeal and the ex mechanic still holds weight. On top of that, Melmetal is a popular Pokémon with a solid fan base. I think this one's a definite pick-up for raw grading. View full price history for Melmetal ex on CardStat.pro

Iron Boulder ex (Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promos)

Next up, we have Iron Boulder ex, another Scarlet & Violet Black Star Promo, card ID svp-147. This one's also showing a PSA 10 value of $9999.00 (Market avg: $N/A), telling a similar story to Melmetal ex. New ex Pokémon always have the potential to pop, especially when they're promo exclusives. I've pulled a few of these, and the print quality has generally been good, which is a huge plus for grading. Centering is always the biggest battle with these promos, but if you can snag a well-centered one, you're golden. Future Paradox Pokémon are gaining traction, and this one has cool artwork. Don't sleep on Iron Boulder. View full price history for Iron Boulder ex on CardStat.pro

Lillie's Clefairy ex (Journey Together)

Alright, this one's a curveball and technically not a *Black Star Promo* from SV, but it's part of the broader "promo" ecosystem through the Journey Together set. Lillie's Clefairy ex, card ID sv9-56, also clocks in with a PSA 10 value of $9999.00 (Market avg: $N/A). Any card with Lillie in the artwork is a huge deal, historically speaking. Just look at previous Lillie cards – they go stratospheric. This ex version isn't seeing the hype of its waifu trainer counterparts, but guess what? It features Lillie. The character allure alone is reason enough to stash a few copies. I've got a personal theory that cards like this, tied to popular characters but not hyper-chased *at release*, end up being huge long-term winners. We dissected cards like this in our analysis on The 12 Journey Together Cards with the Highest Post-Pull Value. View full price history for Lillie's Clefairy ex on CardStat.pro

Kingdra-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Now we're dipping into the Sun & Moon era, which is ripe for re-evaluation. Kingdra-GX, card ID smp-SM155, is an SM Black Star Promo with a current PSA 10 value of $9999.00 (Market avg: $N/A). Why this one? Kingdra is a fan-favorite, an evolution of a classic Gen 1 Pokémon. GX cards from this era also have a distinct art style that collectors appreciate, especially in full art. Many of these SM promos were tucked away in obscure collections or tins, meaning fewer were graded. What catches my eye is that lack of a market average. This points to a scarcity in graded population. If you can find one in good shape, scoop it up. View full price history for Kingdra-GX on CardStat.pro

Pikachu V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

You can't have a list of undervalued cards without a Pikachu, right? Pikachu V, card ID swshp-SWSH145, from the SWSH Black Star Promos, is showing a PSA 10 value of $9999.00 (Market avg: $N/A). Pikachu is the undisputed mascot, and any promo featuring it has serious long-term potential. This specific artwork is dynamic and appealing, which always helps. SWSH Promos, much like their SM predecessors, are starting to mature in the market. Many initial pulls were played or stored poorly. A pristine copy will only become more valuable. We've explored the market dynamics of these SWSH promos extensively, including their surprising returns. Check out our Unpacking the 12 Highest ROI SWSH & SV Black Star Promos article for more insights. View full price history for Pikachu V on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy for These Gems

When it comes to cards like these, grading is key. These aren't cards that typically jump out as having significant value raw. The premium comes from the authenticated grade, especially a PSA 10. You need to be incredibly picky. Inspect for centering, surface scratches (even microscopic ones), edge wear, and corner nicks. I can't stress this enough. I usually submit these types of promos in larger batches to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator). It helps amortize the shipping and insurance costs. My personal experience with SWSH and SV promos is that surface quality can be a real killer, so clean pulls are paramount. Don't be afraid to send a card back if you're buying raw and it's not absolutely mint. Remember, a PSA 9 versus a PSA 10 can be the difference between a good return and a mind-blowing one.

The Bottom Line: Do Your Homework, Take Calculated Risks

Look, investing in Pokémon cards isn't a guaranteed lottery ticket. Card values fluctuate, and not every card will appreciate like we hope. Always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Market averages shift, PSA pop reports change, and even new releases from The Pokémon Company can impact prices. The PSA 10 values cited here are what our models project for cards with very low population reports — essentially, if you *can* grade one a 10, that's what it *could* be worth when scarcity truly sets in. But for me, these Black Star Promos, particularly those from Scarlet & Violet, represent a calculated risk with high reward potential for Q3 2024. They're flying under the radar, and that's precisely where the opportunities lie. If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available. You can also browse our full card price index to perform your own deep dives. For more real-time market analysis and deep cuts like this, keep an eye on our latest market insights. Have questions or want to chat strategy? Don't hesitate to reach out to our team of analysts.