As the eagerly awaited Destined Rivals set prepares to hit the US market on May 30, collectors are seizing the moment to delve into singles from the Japanese Glory of Team Rocket sets. With the initial frenzy now subsiding, prices are dropping rapidly, making it an opportune time to invest in individual cards rather than risking high costs on sealed boxes.
Why Singles Are a Smart Buy Right Now
The current dip in prices isn't just a typical post-release slump. It's driven by a combination of increased stock availability and a shift in focus from Pokébro investors, which has made single cards more affordable. Here’s why now might be the perfect time for US collectors to buy singles from the Glory of Team Rocket set.
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 market dynamics are shifting in favor of collectors. For instance, the Glory of Team Rocket booster boxes, which are currently valued at over double their retail price, indicate a significant overpricing trend reminiscent of the 151 set. However, we're seeing signs of relief with stock shortages easing up across the Pokémon TCG market.
Take Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR as an example; its price plummeted from $500 to $370.77 within days, reflecting a healthy market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR dropped from $250 to $163—a notable $87 decrease in just over a week. These quick price adjustments suggest that fewer scalpers are influencing the market, reducing artificial price inflation on new releases.
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 chase cards often steal the spotlight, the Glory of Team Rocket set offers stunning Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex cards that are often undervalued. For example, Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex has seen a slight increase to $38.75 since its release, showcasing the set's artistic appeal. In contrast, Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex has stabilized at $12.94 after dropping from $26, making it a potentially lucrative long-term investment for fans of the original Pokémon series.
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
Nostalgia plays a significant role in the value of Team Rocket trainer cards, especially with iconic characters like Giovanni and Ariana. While Giovanni 129/098 lacks extensive data, its association with Team Rocket's leadership suggests it will maintain its value around $17. Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098, with its stunning artwork, is a good buy at under $18.
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 introduced some of the most visually appealing illustration rares and art rares, which are often overlooked yet offer fantastic value and aesthetic appeal. Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098, despite its recent price drop to $19.25, remains a strong buy under $20 due to its iconic connection to Team Rocket. Blaziken 101/098 also presents a compelling case with its striking artwork and gameplay potential, making it a smart purchase at current prices.
For those still tempted by the allure of opening booster packs, the Glory of Team Rocket set offers that thrill, but the real value lies in the single cards available at bargain prices. Keep in mind that the prices mentioned are current at the time of writing, and stock availability can fluctuate on TCG Player's live marketplace. This dynamic environment adds an element of excitement to collecting.
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