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 excellent time to join the fray, as the initial hype has subsided, and prices are dropping rapidly. This isn't just the typical post-release dip; it's a result of increased stock availability and Pokébro investors moving on, making it more cost-effective to buy individual cards rather than risking high-priced 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 value of Japanese booster boxes for The Glory of Team Rocket set is more than double the shelf price, reminiscent of the overpricing seen with set 151. However, we're seeing signs of relief from the global stock shortages in the Pokémon TCG.
For instance, Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR, which was listed at around $500 on April 20, has now plummeted to $370.77 in just a few days. This indicates a strong market correction. Similarly, Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR has dropped from $250 to $163, a significant $87 decrease in a week. These rapid price drops suggest that more scalpers are exiting the market, 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
While the chase cards often steal the spotlight, the Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants from Glory of Team Rocket are visually stunning and often overlooked. For example, 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 a great addition to any collection.
Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex, a favorite among Generation 1 fans and anime watchers, has stabilized at $12.94 after dropping from $26. This card, with its menacing look, is a smart buy now, as it's likely to appreciate over time. The same can be said 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 those featuring Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the iconic leader of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, the interim boss in Johto, are key figures in the Pokémon universe. Giovanni 129/098, featuring Team Rocket's leadership, is likely to hold its value around $17, making it a good buy if found cheaper. Ariana 128/098, with its stunning artwork, is currently priced between $17 and $18, and any listing below $18 is a great 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 has brought some of the best artwork in the form of illustration rares and art rares. These cards are not only affordable but also visually appealing, making them some of the most underappreciated cards in the TCG. If you're looking to expand your collection with cards that are both beautiful and potentially valuable, these are the ones to watch.
Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098, despite its iconic connection to Team Rocket, has fallen from nearly $40 at launch to around $19.25. This is a great deal if you can find it below $20. Blaziken 101/098, with its stunning artwork and powerful Infernal Legs attack, is another card to grab now, as it's likely to appreciate in value due to its popularity and playability.
While opening boosters of The Glory of Team Rocket can be tempting, the real bargains are in the 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. This dynamic nature of the market is part of the fun. If you missed out on deals like the Charizard Sam's Club offer, it's worth checking back to see if they're still available.
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