As we eagerly await the arrival of Destined Rivals in the US on May 30, collectors are already diving into the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. Now is an opportune moment to join the fray, as the initial hype has subsided and prices are rapidly declining. This isn't just the typical post-release dip; it's a result of increased stock availability and Pokébro investors shifting their focus, making it more cost-effective to purchase individual cards rather than investing in overpriced sealed boxes.
Here's why opting for singles could be a savvy strategy for US collectors at this time:
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
Consider the current market value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set, which are now more than double their shelf price. We haven't witnessed such overpricing since the 151 set, but there's hope on the horizon as global stock shortages for Pokémon TCG seem to be easing.
For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, which was fetching around $500 on April 20th, has plummeted to approximately $370.77 in recent days. This indicates a robust market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has dropped from $250 to $163—a significant $87 decrease within a week. These swift price reductions suggest that more scalpers are exiting the hobby, reducing artificial price inflation at 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
It's not just about the high-priced chase cards; the Glory of Team Rocket's Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants are visually stunning and often overlooked. These cards are a great find for collectors like us. Notably, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has increased in value by over $6 since its release, now at $38.75. These cards, featuring full-color Pokémon with their trainers in the background, are definitely worth picking up.
Is it a Mewtwo phenomenon? Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has followed a more predictable path, dropping from $26 to a stable $12.94. This card, iconic for fans of the first generation and the original Pokémon anime, is a menacing addition to any collection. It's a card to buy now and watch appreciate over time, much like 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
These cards evoke strong nostalgia for fans of the first and second generations, particularly with Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the notorious leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, the interim boss in Johto, are key figures in the Pokémon universe. While there's limited data on Giovanni 129/098, it's expected to maintain its value around $17, making any lower price a great deal. As a general rule for this set, if it features Giovanni or Mewtwo, expect to pay a premium.
Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098, with its stunning artwork, is currently priced between $17 and $18. Given the set's recent release, it's too early to fully assess its value, but any listing below $18 is a solid buy.
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 finest artwork in illustration rares and art rares. These cards are not only affordable but also visually striking, often overlooked gems in the TCG. If you're aiming to expand your collection with cards that appreciate in value and look fantastic, these are the way to go.
Currently, Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 is priced at around $19.25, a significant drop from its launch price of nearly $40. Given its iconic connection to Team Rocket, any price below $20 is a fantastic deal. Meanwhile, Blaziken 101/098 is experiencing a surprising price crash despite its stunning artwork and fan-favorite status. This card, with its powerful Infernal Legs attack, is a steal at its current price and could see a value increase in the future.
While opening boosters of The Glory of Team Rocket can be tempting, the real bargains lie in single cards. Keep in mind that the prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability on TCG Player can fluctuate due to its live marketplace nature. This dynamic environment adds to the excitement of collecting. If you missed out on the Charizard Sam's Club deal, it's worth checking back to see if it's still available.
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