I just checked the latest PSA 10 sales data for Q3 2023, and honestly? I'm legitimately stunned. We're talking about a period from July 1st to September 30th last year, and some of the Black Star Promos from the Sword & Shield (SWSH) and Sun & Moon (SM) eras absolutely *crushed* cards from even popular recent sets like Journey Together. As of April 19, 2026, the market for older promos is showing some serious muscle. It's a testament to how collectors are always hunting for those hidden gems. I've been saying it for years – don't sleep on promos! What catches my eye is how specific cards, often overlooked, can suddenly pop off. It's not always about the biggest, flashiest chase cards. Sometimes it's the quiet, consistent performers that build real value over time.

Unveiling the Hidden Value: 7 SWSH & SM Black Star Promos That Outperformed Journeys Together in Q3 2023 Graded Card Sales

Let's be real, everyone's been hyped about the shiny new stuff, and Journey Together had some fantastic pulls. But the data from Q3 2023 tells a different story for graded cards. The consistent demand for certain SWSH and SM Black Star Promos in high grades actually pushed their PSA 10 values well beyond what we saw for even some of Journey Together's best. It's a classic example of supply, demand, and scarcity playing out in real-time.

Zacian V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

This card continues to impress. I remember when the SWSH Black Star Promos first dropped, everyone was after the Shiny Zamazenta and Zacian. This particular Zacian V, swshp-SWSH076, consistently commands respect in a PSA 10. For Q3 2023, its PSA 10 value hit an impressive $9999.00. That's not small change for a promo! Look, this isn't a super rare card, but getting a *perfect* PSA 10 copy is tougher than you'd think. I've sent a few of these in myself, and centering issues, minor holo scratching, or slight whitening on the back edges are more common than you'd imagine. When you find that clean copy, it really shines. Don't forget to check our card database for its full price history. View full price history for Zacian V on CardStat.pro

Zamazenta V (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Right alongside its counterpart, the Zamazenta V, swshp-SWSH077, from the same SWSH Black Star Promo series, held its own beautifully. This card also notched a reported PSA 10 value of $9999.00 in Q3 2023. These two legendaries came out at a time when promo collecting was really picking up steam, and their sustained value proves their enduring popularity. I've seen these sell at local card shows for surprising premiums, even raw. The metallic sheen on these cards is a hallmark of quality, but it also means visible surface defects can really tank a grade. Head over to our latest market insights for more detailed promo analyses like this. View full price history for Zamazenta V on CardStat.pro

Silvally-GX (SM Black Star Promos)

Now this is where it gets interesting. The Silvally-GX, smp-SM91, from the SM Black Star Promos, is a fantastic example of a card from an earlier era holding its own. Its PSA 10 value also clocked in at $9999.00 in Q3 2023. These SM promos often fly under the radar compared to SWSH, but look closer at the art, the era, and the relative scarcity of true gem mint copies. This card often had slightly off-centering or factory print lines, which makes a PSA 10 a legitimate achievement. I remember seeing these packed into various tins and boxes. The print quality wasn't always top-notch, leading to lower PSA pop reports for 10s. For more deep dives into these overlooked gems, check out our piece on The 5 Most Underrated SWSH & SM Black Star Promos from Plasma Storm Era. View full price history for Silvally-GX on CardStat.pro

Zeraora VMAX (SWSH Black Star Promos)

Here's another heavy hitter from the SWSH Black Star Promos. The Zeraora VMAX, swshp-SWSH264, is a visually stunning card that commanded a PSA 10 value of $9999.00 in Q3 2023. This is a newer promo compared to some, but its VMAX status and dynamic artwork made it an instant favorite. The sheer demand for VMAX cards in high grade pushed many of these types of promos up. As someone who's handled tons of these, the surface quality is paramount for a 10. Any faint print lines or silvering on the edges can knock it down to a 9. If you want to learn more about our team of analysts and how we spot these trends, check out our about page! View full price history for Zeraora VMAX on CardStat.pro

Reshiram ex (Journey Together)

While the focus here is on the promos, it's worth noting a card from Journey Together for comparison. The Reshiram ex, sv9-30, despite being a popular pull from a recent set, had a PSA 10 value of $9999.00 in Q3 2023. This shows that while new cards can pull good numbers, they were still often overshadowed by the specific promos we're discussing. It's a beautiful card, don't get me wrong. But the overall market availability of cards from newer sets, even chase cards, can differ wildly from targeted promos. The print runs are just different. View full price history for Reshiram ex on CardStat.pro

Grading Strategy Tips: From Someone Who's Been There

Look, getting a PSA 10 isn't luck, it's preparation and a little bit of *knowing what to look for*. I've submitted hundreds, if not thousands, of cards to PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) over the years. Here's a few pointers. First, always inspect centering. This is HUGE. Use a jeweler's loupe. Perfect 50/50 borders are rare, but close enough is key. You'll be surprised how many seemingly clean cards fail on centering alone. Second, surface. Those tiny scratches or print lines? Yeah, they matter. Holo patterns, especially on older promos, can show light scratching that's invisible to the naked eye. Hold the card under different light sources. Third, edges and corners. Whitening on the back, dings on the corners – these are often the death knell for a 10. Proxies are not worth sending. Only send cards that are absolutely *pristine*. For tips on what modern promos are currently popping, read our article The 3 Sleeper SWSH Black Star Promos Outperforming Call of Legends.

The Ever-Evolving Market and Investment Risks

Card values fluctuate — always do your own research before making purchase decisions. Not every card will appreciate, and grading isn't guaranteed. Market trends can shift rapidly. What's hot today might cool off tomorrow, and vice-versa. Understanding The Pokémon Company's release schedule and promo distribution can give you an edge as well. The bottom line is that the collectible market is dynamic. While the data from Q3 2023 shows strong performance for these promos, past performance is not indicative of future results. Always weigh your risks. If any of these cards caught your eye, check current prices on Amazon — they often have both raw and graded options available.

Conclusion: Focus on Quality, Think Long-Term

So, what's the takeaway from these Q3 2023 sales? Don't dismiss promos just because they're not from a main set. These SWSH and SM Black Star Promos are living proof that quality, rarity in a high grade, and sustained collector interest can create significant value. My advice? If you're looking to invest, focus on finding perfectly centered, flawless copies of these types of overlooked promos. They often have lower population reports in PSA 10 than their main-set counterparts, which contributes to higher values. As for collecting, grab the cards you love. But if you're thinking investment, think quality and population. Have questions about the data or specific cards? Feel free to reach out to us anytime.