As we eagerly await the U.S. release of Destined Rivals on May 30, savvy collectors are turning their attention to the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket set. With the initial frenzy subsiding, prices for singles are dropping rapidly, presenting a golden opportunity for collectors to snag some great deals.
This price drop isn't just a typical post-release dip; it's a result of increased stock availability and a shift in focus from Pokémon investors, making single cards a more budget-friendly option compared to the inflated prices of sealed boxes. Here's why now is the perfect time for U.S. collectors to dive into the market for singles from Glory of Team Rocket.
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 significantly higher than their original shelf price, reflecting a similar overpricing trend seen with set 151. However, we're beginning to see a turnaround in stock shortages across the Pokémon TCG worldwide.
For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR started at around $500 on April 20th but has since plummeted to $370.77. This rapid decline signals a healthy correction in the market.
Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has seen a decrease from $250 to $163 within a week, marking an $87 drop. These quick price reductions indicate that fewer scalpers are inflating prices, leading to a more balanced market post-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 garner the most attention, the Glory of Team Rocket set also boasts stunning Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants that are frequently overlooked. These cards are a steal for collectors like us.
Notably, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has appreciated by about $6 since its release, now valued at $38.75. These cards feature the full-color Pokémon with their trainer's outline in the background, a style reminiscent of Journey Together, making them highly desirable.
In contrast, Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has seen a stable drop from $26 to $12.94. As a beloved card among fans of the first generation and the original Pokémon anime, its menacing design is a must-have for collectors looking for future appreciation.
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 cards featuring Team Rocket leaders like Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the iconic boss from Kanto, and Ariana, a key figure in Johto, evoke memories of classic Pokémon adventures.
While there's limited data on Giovanni 129/098, its association with Team Rocket's leadership suggests it will maintain its value around the $17 mark. Similarly, Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098 offers a striking variant of the standard trainer art, with prices hovering between $17 and $18. Any listing below $18 is a great deal right now.
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 has produced some of the most visually appealing Illustration Rares and Art Rares, often underappreciated yet stunning additions to any collection. For those looking to expand their collections with value and beauty, these cards are the way to go.
Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098 has seen a significant drop from its launch price of nearly $40 to around $19.25, reflecting a continued decline post-launch. Its iconic connection to Team Rocket makes it a valuable pick at under $20.
Surprisingly, Blaziken 101/098 is another card experiencing a sharp decline. Given its incredible artwork and fan-favorite status as a generation three starter, this card's potential for future growth is high, especially considering its playable Infernal Legs attack, capable of dealing 120 damage to both an active and a benched Pokémon.
While opening booster packs of The Glory of Team Rocket can be tempting despite their high cost and limited contents, the real bargains lie in the single cards. Keep in mind that the prices mentioned are accurate at the time of writing and may fluctuate due to TCG Player's dynamic marketplace, adding an element of excitement to the hunt.
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