As we eagerly await the arrival of *Destined Rivals* in the US on May 30, savvy collectors are already taking advantage of the falling prices of singles from the Japanese *Glory of Team Rocket* set. The initial frenzy has subsided, and the inflated prices are dropping rapidly. This isn't just a typical post-release dip; it's a combination of increased stock availability and *Pokébro* investors moving on, making it a prime opportunity for US collectors to buy cards individually rather than risking high-priced sealed boxes.
Here's why opting for singles could be a smart move for collectors in the US right now.
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 right now. We haven't seen such overpricing since the release of *151*, but there's hope on the horizon as stock shortages for Pokémon TCG products worldwide begin to ease.
Consider *Team Rocket's Mewtwo ex SIR*, which started at $500 on April 20th but has plummeted to around $370.77 in the past few days. This is a strong indicator of market correction. Similarly, *Team Rocket's Moltres ex SIR* has seen a decline from $250 to $163, marking an $87 drop within a week. These rapid price drops suggest that more scalpers are exiting the hobby, reducing artificial price inflation at launch.
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 spotlight often falls on expensive chase cards, the *Glory of Team Rocket*'s Super Rare ex and Hyper Rare ex variants are visually stunning and often overlooked. These cards offer great value for collectors like us. For instance, *Team Rocket's Mewtwo Super Rare ex* has increased in value by over $6 since its release, now at $38.75. These cards follow the *Journey Together* art style, featuring full-color Pokémon with their trainers outlined in the background, making them a must-have.
It's not just Mewtwo that's drawing attention. *Team Rocket's Nidoking Super Rare ex* has stabilized at $12.94 after a drop from $26. This card, iconic to Generation One fans and reminiscent of the first season of the Pokémon anime, is a menacing addition to any collection. It's a good time to buy and watch its value potentially rise. 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
These cards evoke peak nostalgia from Generation One and Two, particularly with Giovanni and Ariana. Giovanni, the boss of Team Rocket in Kanto, and Ariana, the interim boss in Johto, are highly sought after. While there isn't much data on *Giovanni 129/098* yet, it's expected to hold its value around $17, so any price below that is a steal. As a general rule with this set, expect to pay a premium for cards featuring Giovanni or Mewtwo.
*Team Rocket's Ariana 128/098* boasts stunning artwork, and while the set hasn't been out long enough to fully assess its value, any listing under $18 is a good 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
Some of the best artwork in the *Scarlet and Violet* era comes from illustration rares and art rares. These cards are not only affordable but also visually striking, often overlooked in the TCG. If you're aiming to expand your collection with cards that both appreciate in value and look good, this is the way to go.
Currently, *Team Rocket's Meowth 109/098* stands out, priced at around $19.25, down nearly $20 from its launch price. Given Meowth's iconic connection to Team Rocket, this card is still on a downward trend, making anything below $20 a great deal.
Interestingly, *Blaziken 101/098* is experiencing a significant price drop despite its stunning artwork and fan-favorite status as a Generation Three starter. This card not only looks fantastic but is also playable, thanks to its *Infernal Legs* attack, which can deal 120 damage to both an active and a benched Pokémon. This potential to snag two prize cards in one move suggests it's undervalued and a card to buy now.
While opening boosters of *The Glory of Team Rocket* can be tempting, the real bargains are in single cards. Please note that the prices mentioned here are accurate at the time of writing, and stock availability may fluctuate due to TCG Player being a live secondary marketplace. That's part of the thrill. If you missed the Charizard Sam's Club deal, it might be worth checking back to see if it's still available.
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