As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, savvy collectors are already capitalizing on the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. Now is an opportune moment to dive in, as the initial frenzy has subsided and prices are plummeting. This isn't merely a typical post-release dip; it's driven by increased stock availability and the shift of Pokébro investors, making individual card purchases far more cost-effective than risking investment in overpriced sealed boxes.
TL;DR: Single Card Prices Are Crashing
### Glory of Team Rocket Booster Box
4$146.99 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 125/098
2$370.77 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 124/098
1$163.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 127/098
1$107.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Nidoking ex - 126/098
1$99.00 at TCG Player
The current market value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set is more than double the shelf price. This level of overpricing hasn't been seen since the 151 set, but there's hope on the horizon as stock shortages for Pokémon TCG worldwide seem to be easing.
Consider Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR; its sold listings started at the $500 mark on April 20th but have now plummeted to around $370.77 in just a few days—a significant market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has seen a notable decrease from around $250 to $163 within a week. These rapid price drops indicate that more scalpers are exiting the hobby, reducing artificial inflation upon release.
Most Affordable Team Rocket Cards
### Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 130/098
0$74.27 at TCG Player
### Jamming Tower - 132/098
0$32.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 131/098
0$27.95 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex - 114/098
0$38.75 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Nidoking ex - 116/098
0$12.94 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Crobat ex - 117/098
0$14.97 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Moltres ex - 112/098
0$10.75 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Persian ex - 118/098
0$12.99 at TCG Player
While the chase cards often grab headlines, the Glory of Team Rocket set's Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants offer stunning visuals and are often overlooked. For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has seen a modest rise in value from its release price to $38.75. These cards, featuring the full-color Pokémon with a trainer silhouette in the background, are a must-have.
It's not just about Mewtwo; Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has stabilized at $12.94 after an initial drop from $26. This iconic card, reminiscent of the first season of the Pokémon anime, is a great pick for collectors and could appreciate over time. The same goes for Moltres and Crobat.
Best Team Rocket Trainer Cards
### Team Rocket's Giovanni - 129/098
0$34.95 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Ariana - 128/098
0$39.94 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Archer - 120/098
0$14.99 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Ariana - 119/098
0$18.95 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Giovanni - 121/098
0$17.10 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Proton - 123/098
0$15.00 at TCG Player
The nostalgia factor is strong with Generation 1 and 2 cards, especially with Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, the interim boss in Johto, are key figures. While data on Giovanni 129/098 is limited, it's expected to hold steady around $17. If you find it cheaper, it's a solid buy. For this set, if it involves Giovanni or Mewtwo, expect to pay a premium.
Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 showcases stunning artwork and is currently priced between $17 and $18. Given the set's recent release, it's challenging to predict its long-term value, but anything under $18 is a good deal.
Best Team Rocket Art Rares
### Team Rocket's Houndoom - 100/098
0$12.49 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Raticate - 108/098
0$7.96 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Wobbuffet - 103/098
0$7.31 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Weezing - 105/098
0$8.95 at TCG Player
### Blaziken - 101/098
0$9.40 at TCG Player
### Kangaskhan - 110/098
0$8.67 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Murkrow - 106/098
0$6.96 at TCG Player
### Zamazenta - 107/098
0$4.49 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Orbeetle - 104/098
0$2.95 at TCG Player
### Clamperl - 102/098
0$3.00 at TCG Player
### Team Rocket's Spidops - 099/098
0$2.60 at TCG Player
### Regirock ex - 115/098
0$7.15 at TCG Player
### Cetitan ex - 113/098
0$3.50 at TCG Player
### Glory of Team Rocket Booster Pack
0$3.41 at TCG Player
The Scarlet and Violet era boasts some of the best artwork with illustration rares and art rares. These cards are not only affordable but visually striking, making them underappreciated gems in the TCG. If you're aiming to expand your collection with valuable and aesthetically pleasing cards, these are the way to go.
Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 is currently at $19.25, down nearly $20 since the set's launch. Given its iconic connection to Team Rocket, it's a steal below $20.
Surprisingly, Blaziken 101/098 is experiencing a price drop despite its stunning artwork and fan-favorite status from Generation 3. Its powerful Infernal Legs attack makes it a viable play option, potentially worth more than its current price suggests.
While opening booster packs from The Glory of Team Rocket can be tempting, the real bargains lie in single card purchases. Keep in mind, the prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability on TCG Player can fluctuate due to its nature as a live secondary marketplace. This dynamic environment adds to the thrill of collecting.
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