The best modern Pokemon cards to invest in

2019-present picks across SM, SWSH, and SV eras

1. Umbreon VMAX (Alt Art)

Evolving Skies (2021) · Alternate Art Secret Rare · PSA 10: $2,500-$8,000

Known as 'Moonbreon.' The modern equivalent of vintage chase cards. Best-performing modern card from 2021 onward. Sealed Evolving Skies booster boxes still produce strong returns specifically because of this card.

Check Umbreon VMAX (Alt Art) prices →    Full review →

2. Rayquaza VMAX (Alt Art)

Evolving Skies (2021) · Alternate Art Secret Rare · PSA 10: $800-$2,500

Co-chase of Evolving Skies along with Moonbreon. Iconic Pokémon, stunning art, strong appreciation curve.

Check Rayquaza VMAX (Alt Art) prices →    Full review →

3. Charizard ex (SAR)

Scarlet & Violet 151 (2023) · Special Illustration Rare · PSA 10: $400-$900

The chase from the most-hyped modern set. Charizard premium plus 151 nostalgia plus SAR rarity. Mid-tier modern with grail potential.

Check Charizard ex (SAR) prices →    Full review →

4. Umbreon ex (SAR)

Prismatic Evolutions (2025) · Special Illustration Rare · PSA 10: $1,500-$4,000

Called 'the new Moonbreon.' Strongest modern card from 2025 by sales velocity. Sealed Prismatic Evolutions appreciation already extreme; this card is the reason.

Check Umbreon ex (SAR) prices →    Full review →

5. Charizard VMAX (Rainbow Rare)

Evolving Skies (2021) · Hyper Rare (Rainbow) · PSA 10: $500-$1,500

The most accessible modern Charizard chase. Less liquid than Moonbreon but solid mid-tier modern investment.

Check Charizard VMAX (Rainbow Rare) prices →    Full review →

6. Charizard GX (Shiny)

Hidden Fates (2019) · Shiny Holo Rare · PSA 10: $600-$1,500

The card that launched modern Pokémon investing as a category. Hidden Fates sealed products still trade well specifically because of this card.

Check Charizard GX (Shiny) prices →    Full review →

7. Giratina V (Alt Art)

Crown Zenith (2023) · Alternate Art (Galarian Gallery) · PSA 10: $400-$1,000

Most desirable Galarian Gallery card. Stunning art and Giratina's mainline popularity. Strong post-release appreciation.

Check Giratina V (Alt Art) prices →    Full review →

8. Mew ex (SAR)

Scarlet & Violet 151 (2023) · Special Illustration Rare · PSA 10: $250-$600

Strong nostalgic pull (Mew has cultural significance), beautiful art, and 151 set hype. Cheaper than Charizard ex SAR with similar appreciation potential.

Check Mew ex (SAR) prices →    Full review →

9. Charizard ex (Shiny SAR)

Paldean Fates (2024) · Shiny Special Illustration Rare · PSA 10: $300-$700

Shiny Charizard variant from a Hidden-Fates-style set. Charizard premium plus shiny rarity plus mini-set sealed scarcity.

Check Charizard ex (Shiny SAR) prices →    Full review →

10. Pikachu ex (SAR)

Surging Sparks (2024) · Special Illustration Rare · PSA 10: $400-$1,000

Pikachu is the most iconic Pokémon globally. SAR rarity plus mainline character appeal. Strong sealed and single appreciation.

Check Pikachu ex (SAR) prices →    Full review →