The Sword & Shield era has proven particularly exciting for Pokémon collectors and players, introducing a wealth of fascinating Pokémon and stunning artwork. Many of these cards have become highly sought-after collectibles and fetched high prices on the trading card market.
The top 10 most expensive Pokémon cards from this era represent not only their financial value but also the fans' appreciation for specific Pokémon, characters, and rare design elements. It's fascinating to see which cards made our rankings based on their rarity, aesthetics, and role in the Pokémon universe.
Our decision to include cards in both English and German allows us to honor the international appeal of these cards and engage the collecting community worldwide. We look forward to presenting you with the top 10 most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era and hope you're as excited as we are. Stay tuned for exciting discoveries in the world of Pokémon trading cards!
The Pokémon Trading Card Game's Sword and Shield series includes a variety of expansions based on the Galar region video games, introducing a wide range of new Pokémon, mechanics, and gameplay styles. Here are some of the sets featured in the Sword and Shield series:
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Sword & Shield Core Set : This set forms the foundation for the Sword & Shield series and introduces players to the Galar region. This set was released in German and English on February 7, 2020.
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Rebel Clash : This set introduces new Pokémon, Galar forms, and VMAX cards to the game. It emphasizes the conflict between different factions. It was released in German and English on May 1, 2020.
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Darkness Ablaze : This set focuses on darkness and fire and introduces new Gigantamax Pokémon and VMAX cards. Darkness Ablaze was released in German and English on August 14, 2020.
- Champion's Path: Released in September 2020, this expansion is well-known in the Pokémon Trading Card Game community due to its popularity and collectibility. One of the standout features of this expansion is the VMAX cards. These cards represent the powerful Dynamax Pokémon from the video games and are a continuation of the VMAX cards introduced in previous expansions.
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Vivid Voltage : This set stands out for its focus on Electric-type Pokémon and the introduction of advanced gameplay mechanics. Vivid Voltage was released in November 2020.
- Shining Fates: The standout feature of this expansion is shiny Pokémon. The cards in this expansion feature rare and shiny versions of popular Pokémon. This expansion introduced Shiny VMAX cards, representing the Gigantamax forms of Pokémon. The first set of 2021 was released on February 19.
- Battle Styles : This set focuses on different combat styles and introduces Single Strike and Rapid Strike cards. It was released in German and English on March 19, 2021.
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Chilling Reign : Inspired by the snowy Galar region, this set features Pokémon from the Claws of Rebellion expansion, as well as new VMAX cards. Released in summer 2021 (June 8, 2021), the Chilling Reign set is a revelation of the Galar region.
- Dragon Majesty: This set is known for its focus on Dragon-type Pokémon. However, it is popular and beloved for its fantastic ancient forms of Eevee evolutions. Interestingly, the Dragon Majesty set is the most expensive set in the Sword and Shield series. This demonstrates how desirable and valuable the cards in this expansion are to collectors and players. The set is a great example of how Pokémon trading cards are valued not only for their playability, but also for their artwork and collectibility. This set was released on August 27, 2021.
- Celebrations: The Celebrations set is a special expansion to the Pokémon Trading Card Game, released in October 2021 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. This expansion is unique in that it includes a collection of classic and iconic Pokémon cards from throughout the history of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It was released on October 8, 2021.
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Fusion Strike : This set stands out for its emphasis on Fusion Strike Pokémon and introduces new mechanics to the game. The set was released in German and English on November 12, 2021.
- Brilliant Stars: This set is a Pokémon trading card expansion released in February 2022. This expansion brings fresh gameplay mechanics, beautifully designed cards, and Pokémon with special abilities (Star Power) to the game.
- Astral Radiace: A Pokémon trading card expansion released in May 2022. The introduction of Radiant Pokémon as a new card type promises to be an exciting innovation and offers players an exciting way to expand their collections.
- Pokemon Go: This expansion was released in German and English on July 1, 2022. The Pokémon GO game served as inspiration for an expansion in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
- Lost Origin: The Lost Origin expansion in the Pokémon Trading Card Game reintroduces the concept of "Nowhere." Giratina plays a central role, tearing apart the fabric of space to create a mysterious rift in Nowhere. This set was released on September 9, 2022.
- Silver Tempest: The twelfth expansion in the Pokémon Trading Card Game's Sword & Shield series, Silver Tempest, was released in both German and English on November 11, 2022. A legendary battle awaits you as Regieleki VMAX and Regidrago VSTAR awaken from their slumber.
- Crown of Zenith: Crown of Zenith is a special expansion to the Pokémon Trading Card Game within the Sword & Shield series. This expansion was released in both German and English on January 20, 2023, and features an impressive Galar gallery of 70 cards. With Crown of Zenith, a wonderful era has come to an end.
Below are the ten most expensive Pokémon cards of the Sword and Shield era:
10th place: Leafeon VMAX card from the "Evolving Dragons" set
At number 10 on our list of the most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era, we find the stunning Leafeon VMAX card from the "Evolution of the Dragon." This Pokémon represents the Grass Evolution of the beloved Eevee and enjoys a large fan base within the Pokémon franchise. The card is not only a visual delight but also a coveted collectible for Pokémon enthusiasts. The fact that this card starts at around €150 illustrates how high the demand for rare and well-designed Pokémon cards is among the collecting community. Leafeon VMAX is undoubtedly one of the standout cards of the Sword & Shield era and deserves its place in our top 10. Let's wait and see what other fascinating cards will follow in the top 9!
9th place: Glaceon VMAX AA from Dragonshift
At number 9 in our top 10 most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era, we once again have an Eevee evolution from the "Evolving Dragon" set – Glaceon VMAX AA. This card, depicting the icy evolution of the popular Eevee, is undoubtedly a real eye-catcher. The card's stunning design, combined with the cute Pikachu in the image, makes it a coveted gem for collectors and fans alike. Priced at approximately €160, Glaceon VMAX AA is not only one of the more expensive cards of this era, but also a clear example of the passion and dedication Pokémon collectors invest in the hunt for rare and unique cards. We're excited to see what other exciting cards await us in our top 10 most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era! Stay tuned for more details.
8th place: Gengar VMAX from the Fusion Attack set
At number 8 on our list of the most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era, we find the Gengar VMAX alternate artwork card from the Fusion Attack set. Gengar is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and popular Ghost-type Pokémon in the entire franchise and has a loyal fan base. This card captures the fearsome appearance of Gengar VMAX in a stunning alternate artwork. With a current price of approximately €165, this card is not only a coveted collector's item but also a tribute to the fascination that Ghost-type Pokémon inspire among fans. The Sword & Shield era undoubtedly produced some of the most spectacular cards, and Gengar VMAX alternate artwork is one of them. We're excited to see what other treasures await in the top 7 of our list! Stay tuned for more details.
7th place: Charizard V and Charizard VMAX from the "Champion's Path" set
Number 7 on our list of the most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era presents a fascinating double package, as it is awarded to both Charizard V and Charizard VMAX. Both cards are not only icons of the Pokémon world, but also extremely coveted by the collecting community. Both Charizard V and Charizard VMAX come from the Champion's Path set and currently cost around €170. These two cards represent the timeless fascination with the Fire-type Pokémon Charizard and are a must-have for anyone exploring the Pokémon trading card world. It's always impressive to see how certain Pokémon, like Charizard, retain their appeal over the years. We're excited to see what other amazing cards await us in numbers 6 through 1 on our list of the most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era! Stay tuned for more details.
6th place: Charizard AA from the "Bright Stars" set
Sixth place on our list of the most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era once again belongs to Charizard, but this time in the form of the alternate artwork card from the "Bright Stars" set. This majestic artwork depicts Charizard in an epic battle against Venusaur and is undoubtedly a visual highlight for collectors and fans alike. With a current price of approximately €180, this card stands out not only for its stunning design but also for Charizard's historical significance in Pokémon history. The collectors' passion for this card illustrates how deep Pokémon's roots are in pop culture. We're excited to see which other fascinating cards will make the top 5 of our list of the most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era.
5th place: Lugia from the Silver Stormwinds set
Fifth place on our list of the most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era goes to the alternative artwork of Lugia from the Silver Gale set. This card, dedicated to the majestic legend Lugia, is a favorite not only with collectors but also with Pokémon fans. With a current price of approximately €210, this card is not only an investment in a valuable collectible but also a tribute to one of the most fascinating and iconic Pokémon ever created. The visual splendor and emotional connection this card offers make it a treasure in any collection.
4th place: Espeon VMAX from the Fusion Strike set
Fourth place on our list of the most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era is the Espeon VMAX alternate artwork card from the Fusion Strike set. With a current price of around €220, some may be surprised that this card ranks so high on our list. However, it further underscores how unique and coveted certain cards from the Fusion Strike set are. It's fascinating to see how this set was underrated and yet still produced some of the most valuable and impressive Pokémon cards. Espeon VMAX, in its alternate artwork, is undoubtedly a visual highlight and a gem in any collection.
3rd place: Rayquaza VMAX Alternative Art card from the "Evolving Dragon" set
Third place on our list of the most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era is the Rayquaza VMAX alternative art card from the "Evolving Age" set. This stunning card is undoubtedly a visual splendor, delighting collectors and fans alike. With a current price of approximately €240, it once again demonstrates how coveted and valuable certain cards from this era can be. Rayquaza VMAX's alternate art perfectly captures the epic power and beauty of this legendary Pokémon.
2nd place: Giratina V from the Lost Origin set
Second place on our list of the most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era goes to the alternative artwork of Giratina V from the "Lost Origins" set. This card is undoubtedly a gem for collectors and fans, as it is not only a visual masterpiece but also possesses a rarity value. With a current price of around €250, this card stands out clearly and illustrates how deep the passion for Pokémon trading cards runs within the collecting community. "Lost Origins" not only produced this fascinating card but also drew attention to the special features and treasures of the Sword & Shield era.
1st place: Umbreon VMAX AA from the "Evolving Dragon" set
Congratulations to Umbreon VMAX AA for its well-deserved first place on our list of the most expensive Pokémon cards from the Sword & Shield era! This card has not only captured the hearts of collectors but also taken the top spot in terms of value. With a current price of approximately €500, Umbreon VMAX AA sets a new standard for the appreciation and desirability of Pokémon trading cards in this era. This card represents not only the visual splendor and design that delights collectors, but also the passion and dedication that the Pokémon community associates with such cards.
Conclusion for the Top 10 Pokemon Cards from Sword & Shield
It's always exciting to see which cards resonate most with the collecting community and what place they hold in the hearts of Pokémon fans. The variety of cards represented in your list reflects the breadth and depth of the Pokémon collecting world.
It's truly remarkable how certain Pokémon evolutions, like Eevee's, are so coveted in the trading card world. And while the Rainbow Rare Pikachu VMAX from Color Blast just missed the top 10, it's another example of just how many amazing cards there are in the Pokémon world.
We're also looking forward to the upcoming Crimson & Purple Era and are excited to see what new cards and treasures await collectors and fans. The world of Pokémon trading cards is constantly evolving, and there are always new treasures to discover. Thank you for your presentation and the exciting insights!