Top 10 Modern Pokémon Cards Under $100 Worth Investing in (2025)

The Pokémon TCG has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and savvy collectors are hunting for the next big card investments. Not every valuable card has to cost a fortune – in fact, some of the best modern Pokémon cards to buy now are still priced under $100 in raw, ungraded condition. Focusing on the Sword & Shield (2020–2022) and Scarlet & Violet (2023–2025) eras, we’ve identified ten undervalued Pokémon singles with strong long-term potential. These cards, including main set chase hits and limited promos, offer a blend of stunning artwork, fan-favorite Pokémon, relative scarcity, and even competitive playability. If you’re looking to build a Pokémon investment cards 2025 portfolio without breaking the bank, read on for our top 10 picks and why they could be sleepers poised to soar in the future.

1. Pikachu VMAX (Rainbow Rare) – Vivid Voltage (2020)

Few cards captured the Sword & Shield era hype like the Rainbow “Chonkachu” VMAX from Vivid Voltage. This card features Pikachu in its Gigantamax form with vibrant rainbow coloring, appealing to both Pikachu collectors and rarity chasers. Artwork & Appeal: While the art itself is the standard VMAX style, the sheer novelty of a giant, rainbow Pikachu gave it meme status and mass appeal. Nicknamed “Chonkachu” for its chunky appearance, it became an instant icon on release. Pokémon Popularity: Pikachu is the franchise mascot – demand for Pikachu cards is evergreen, and a secret rare Pikachu has built-in fandom. Rarity & Scarcity: As the only hyper-rare Pikachu in the set, it was the chase card of Vivid Voltage. In fact, this Rainbow Rare Pikachu VMAX was once fetching over $300 at the peak of 2020 hype (bleedingcool.com). That was before alternate arts stole the spotlight in later sets, making Rainbow Rares less of a focus. Competitive Relevance: In terms of playability, Pikachu VMAX wasn’t a dominant meta card (it had a high attack cost), so demand was driven almost purely by collectors. Affordability & Trends: Fast forward to 2025, and prices have cooled dramatically, hovering well under $100 – a far cry from its peak. Vivid Voltage suffered multiple reprints and lacked other big hits (as one Redditor noted, “the only chase card is a rainbow rare Pikachu” in that set (reddit.com). This pullback presents an opportunity – the hobby’s attention shifted elsewhere, but Pikachu VMAX remains a trophy of the early SWSH era. Its historical high and iconic status suggest solid upside if interest in classic chase cards returns. Savvy collectors can snag this chubby Rainbow Pikachu at a relative bargain now, betting on nostalgia and Pikachu’s perennial popularity to drive future gains.

2. Charizard VMAX (Shiny Black Star SV107) – Shining Fates (2021)

No “best investments” list is complete without Charizard, and the shiny Charizard VMAX from Shining Fates stands out as an undervalued gem. Artwork & Illustrator: This card depicts Charizard in its rare shiny coloration – jet-black scales and blazing blue flames – in a dynamic VMAX pose. It doesn’t have an alternate-art scene, but its visual appeal comes from the striking color contrast and the sheer presence of a Gigantamax Charizard. Pokémon Popularity: Charizard has long been the king of Pokémon card investing, and that clout carries into modern sets. This particular Charizard was the poster card of Shining Fates, a special 2021 set focused on shiny Pokémon. Rarity & Print Run: As a Shiny Vault secret rare, it was one of the toughest pulls, but Shining Fates was printed heavily (multiple waves to meet demand). Supply eventually caught up, softening prices. Competitive Play: Charizard VMAX wasn’t a major meta card – its appeal is almost purely collectible. Affordability & Trends: Early on, raw copies sold for hundreds and graded PSA 10s even higher, but prices have since come down to earth. According to market trackers, raw Charizard VMAX shiny cards can now be found in the ~$90–$120 range (tcgplayer.commoneymade.io), putting it just under our $100 threshold at the low end. That’s remarkable given its pedigree – MoneyMade notes this Charizard VMAX was considered “the most powerful card of the Pokémon Sword & Shield era” and reached as high as $2,400 for Japanese versions (moneymade.io). The hype has cooled, creating a window for investors. Long term, shiny Charizard cards have a track record of rebounding (just look at 2019’s Hidden Fates Charizard GX). This card’s combination of Charizard’s enduring popularity and the historical significance of being Shining Fates’ top pull could yield handsome returns once supply dries up and collectors revisit this modern classic.

3. Tyranitar V (Alternate Art “Sleepy Tyranitar”) – Battle Styles (2021)

This Tyranitar V alt-art from Battle Styles has become legendary among modern cards, depicting a completely different side of the normally fearsome Tyranitar. Artwork & Illustrator: The card’s art (by illustrator HYOGONOSUKE) tells a whimsical story – Tyranitar lying under a tree, belly up, taking a post-meal nap after devouring an entire buffet (thepokepresentstore.com). It’s an adorable, humorous scene that collectors immediately fell in love with, especially since it humanizes a usually intimidating Pokémon. The unique artwork makes it feel special in any collection. Pokémon Popularity: Tyranitar is a fan-favorite pseudo-legendary (often compared to Godzilla in design). While not on Charizard’s level of fame, it has a solid following, especially among players who grew up with Gen 2’s Pokémon Gold/Silver. The alt art’s meme-worthy concept (“sleepy Tyranitar”) also turned it into an internet favorite, boosting its desirability beyond just Tyranitar fans. Rarity & Scarcity: As an Alternate Full Art secret rare, it was the top chase of Battle Styles. That set was the first to introduce the new Battle Styles mechanic (Single Strike/Rapid Strike), and though it was printed in large quantities, the Tyranitar V alt remained relatively hard to pull. There were periods of low supply and it held a triple-digit price early on. Competitive Relevance: Tyranitar V itself saw fringe play in Single Strike decks, but it wasn’t a dominating card – players could use easier-to-get versions, so the value here is in collectability. Affordability & Market Trend: Initially, this card was quite pricey (around $130 shortly after release, as collectors chased it) (reddit.com). Over time, when the initial alt-art craze cooled in late 2021–2022, its price dropped along with others. As of now, raw near-mint copies tend to hover near the $80–$100 mark, with fluctuations as the market changes. It’s one of the most popular cards from Battle Styles (thepokepresentstore.com) and has recently shown signs of uptick as collectors revisit Sword & Shield era gems. Long-Term Potential: The “Sleepy Tyranitar” has all the ingredients of a future classic – beloved Pokémon, unforgettable artwork, and a story behind the card. TCGplayer even remarked that it’s no surprise this alt-art is so popular (thepokepresentstore.com). Its graded population is growing, and high-grade copies fetch strong premiums, indicating investor interest. For under $100 raw, Tyranitar V alt offers an excellent blend of artistic appeal and investment potential, especially if future generations of collectors continue to seek out these famous alt arts.

4. Galarian Zapdos V (Alternate Art) – Chilling Reign (2021)

The Sword & Shield era brought back the Kanto Legendary birds in stunning new forms, and Galarian Zapdos V’s alternate art from Chilling Reign is a standout pick that remains surprisingly affordable. Artwork & Illustrator: Illustrated by Akira Komayama, this card features Galarian Zapdos (a Fighting-type roadrunner-like variant of Zapdos) in a dynamic scene literally running up the side of a rocky cliff. The art cleverly evokes the classic “Road Runner vs. Wile E. Coyote” vibes – Zapdos’s pose and the cliffside setting look straight out of a high-speed chase. The composition is energetic and memorable, making it a favorite for many art appreciators. Pokémon Popularity: Zapdos is one of the original Legendary trio, and while the Galarian version has a different look and type, it still carries that nostalgic weight. Among the three Galarian birds, Moltres got a lot of attention (for its dark, moody art), but Zapdos has its own fanbase who love its competitive edge and the playful artwork. Rarity & Scarcity: This card is an ultra-rare secret in Chilling Reign, a set that had many secret rares. Pull rates for any specific alt art were low. However, Chilling Reign booster boxes were not as hyped as some sets, and sealed product remained relatively cheap for a while – meaning not as much product was cracked in the secondary market compared to sets like Evolving Skies. That bodes well for relative scarcity long-term. Competitive Play: Interestingly, Galarian Zapdos V was very relevant in competitive play during 2021–2022. Its ability “Fighting Instinct” reduced its attack cost for each Pokémon V in play, making it a perfect tech counter to Arceus VSTAR and other popular V decks. Many top players teched a single Zapdos V into their lists to one-shot opposing Arceus, giving this card real utility. In fact, leading up to the 2022 World Championships, decks that included Zapdos V often had an edge against standard Arceus builds (pokemon.com). This competitive use meant a lot of players sought at least one copy (though not necessarily the alt art) – still, it raised the card’s profile. Current Value & Outlook: At present, Galarian Zapdos V alt can be found in the $40–$70 range raw, well under $100. It hasn’t spiked as dramatically as some other alt arts, partly because Chilling Reign had so many hits and partly because Zapdos is slightly less in-demand than, say, an Eeveelution. For investors, that’s exactly why it’s attractive: it’s an undervalued legendary Pokémon card. The card’s “wow factor” artwork and the lore of its competitive run give it narrative appeal. Over time, as Chilling Reign boxes dry up and collectors aim to complete the legendary bird trio, this Zapdos could see substantial appreciation. It’s a chance to snag a legendary alt art from the Sword & Shield era without breaking the bank.

5. Leafeon V (Alternate Art) – Evolving Skies (2021)

Evolving Skies is renowned as the definitive modern chase-card set – an expansion centered on Eevee evolutions (Eeveelutions) and Rayquaza that has sent collectors into a frenzy (bleedingcool.com). While some of its marquee cards (like Umbreon VMAX) have skyrocketed beyond $300, Leafeon V (Alternate Full Art) remains one of the more affordable Eeveelution alts, making it a fantastic under-$100 target. Artwork & Illustrator: The Leafeon V alt art, illustrated by the design team 5ban Graphics, is utterly charming (tcgplayer.com). It shows Leafeon in an idyllic farm setting, playfully gathering leaves into a pile. The colors are warm and autumnal, and the scene captures Leafeon’s Grass-type essence perfectly. You can almost feel the breeze and hear the rustling leaves in the artwork. It’s a whimsical snapshot of Pokémon in nature, which gives it broad appeal beyond just Eevee fans. Pokémon Popularity: Leafeon might not be as flashy as Umbreon or Sylveon, but it’s still an Eeveelution – and all Eeveelutions have a devoted following. Eevee and its evolutions benefit from both nostalgic fans and newer collectors (thanks to consistent appearances in games/merchandise). As part of the Evolving Skies Eeveelution lineup, Leafeon V alt also rides the coattails of the set’s overall popularity. Many collectors aim to assemble the full set of Eeveelution alt arts, which boosts long-term demand for each one. Rarity & Print Run: The card is a secret rare in Evolving Skies, which had notoriously tough pull rates for alt arts. Initially, supply was limited and just about every alt in this set gained value. The market saw massive hype around SWSH-era alternate arts (bleedingcool.com), and Evolving Skies was the epicenter of that craze. While Evolving Skies did get reprints, the booster boxes became so coveted that sealed product prices soared, meaning not all reprint supply actually got opened. With Leafeon V alt being slightly less “chased” than Umbreon or Rayquaza, its price didn’t explode as high, but that relative affordability could be temporary as sealed box prices put singles out of reach. Competitive Factor: Leafeon V/VSTAR had a niche in competitive play with a combo that accelerated Grass energy and did incremental damage. It wasn’t a dominant meta deck for long, but did see some tournament play in late 2021. The alt art was purely a bling choice for players since cheaper versions existed. Thus, competitive impact on price was minor compared to collector impact. Current Value & Future Potential: As of early 2025, Leafeon V alternate art typically sits around the $90-$100 mark in near-mint (it even dipped lower at times when supply was higher) (facebook.com). This is a bargain when you consider comparable cards: for example, Sylveon V alt (another Eeveelution from the set) is already above $120, and even Glaceon V alt was around $120 as of late 2024 (bleedingcool.com). Leafeon V alt’s relatively modest price likely won’t last if Evolving Skies continues to be viewed as a high-end collector set. The set’s Eeveelution-themed chase cards drove a huge surge of interest in the hobby (bleedingcool.com), and Leafeon’s card is a part of that legacy. Long-term, as collectors try to “catch ’em all” for Eeveelutions, the lower-population cards like Leafeon V (which was the lowest-priced Eeveelution alt for a while) could play catch-up. For under $100, you’re getting a gorgeous Eeveelution card from one of the most celebrated modern sets – a recipe for strong appreciation as the Sword & Shield era becomes “last generation” and nostalgia kicks in.

6. Machamp V (Alternate Art) – Astral Radiance (2022)

When Astral Radiance released, few would have predicted Machamp V’s alternate art to become its headlining card. But this quirky, beautifully illustrated Machamp stole the show and is now an excellent sub-$100 pickup with growth potential. Artwork & Scene: This card’s artwork (by illustrator Jiro Sasumo) is a masterclass in storytelling. It shows Machamp running through a bustling marketplace, arms overflowing with dishes, baskets, and even an umbrella – essentially acting as a multi-armed delivery person (bleedingcool.com). The scene is detailed and lively: you can spot other Pokémon and vendors in the background, giving it a rich slice-of-life feeling. It’s both hilarious and heartwarming – Machamp’s determined expression as it balances everything showcases its strength and helpful nature. This creative art instantly resonated with collectors, especially those who love when cards depict Pokémon in everyday human-like situations. Pokémon Popularity: Machamp is a classic Gen 1 Pokémon and a longtime fan favorite for many who remember it as a powerhouse on their Game Boy teams. While it’s not as universally adored as Pikachu or Charizard, Machamp has a nostalgic appeal. This card elevated Machamp’s profile significantly due to the art – even collectors who never paid attention to Machamp wanted this card for the artwork alone. Rarity & Scarcity: The card is a special illustration rare (alternate full art) in Astral Radiance. Surprisingly, Machamp V alt art ended up being the hardest card to pull and the most valuable card in the set, outperforming the origin-forme Dialga and Palkia alts that many assumed would lead. For a time, this Machamp was fetching well over $120 raw as supply struggled to meet demand. Competitive Play: Machamp V wasn’t heavily used in top-tier decks (and Machamp VMAX didn’t dominate either), so competitive demand was negligible. This is a case of pure collector-driven value. Affordability & Trend: After the initial rush, Astral Radiance got additional print waves and more singles hit the market, bringing Machamp V alt down to a more palatable price. As of 2024, it had settled around $85–$95 in raw NM and even led the set’s value chart at roughly $87 (bleedingcool.com). It’s still the #1 card of Astral Radiance, yet its price is under that $100 mark – a sign that it might be undervalued long-term. The card’s graded population is not huge, and high grades (PSA 10s) have sold for strong multiples of the raw price, indicating collectors see it as a future prize. Investment Outlook: Machamp V alt art has a lot going for it: unique artwork that tells a story (the kind of thing that in hindsight tends to become iconic), a beloved Kanto Pokémon, and the distinction of being an unexpected top chase card of its set. Bleeding Cool’s review of the card called it “a hilarious and interesting scene” of Machamp juggling goods with its four arms (bleedingcool.com) – in other words, a modern classic in the making. If history repeats, cards that are both scarce and memorable tend to appreciate as the era ages. At well under $100 now, “Delivery Machamp” could punch well above its weight in the years to come.

7. Mewtwo VSTAR (Secret Illustration Rare) – Crown Zenith (2023)

Closing out the Sword & Shield era, Crown Zenith delivered a treasure trove of special art cards in its Galarian Gallery, and Mewtwo VSTAR emerged as one of the set’s most coveted pulls. This card is a special illustration rare featuring Mewtwo in an epic moment – and it’s currently an absolute steal around the $40–$60 range. Artwork & Concept: The Mewtwo VSTAR card is particularly famous for its perspective. The illustration by Akira Egawa (who also did the Charizard VSTAR promo art) depicts the iconic battle between Mewtwo and Charizard from Mewtwo’s point of view. In fact, this card pairs with the Charizard VSTAR promo from the 2022 Ultra Premium Collection – that Charizard card showed Charizard fighting Mewtwo from Charizard’s perspective, whereas Crown Zenith’s Mewtwo VSTAR shows the same battle from the opposite angle. In Mewtwo’s card, you see Charizard charging an attack head-on. It’s an incredibly cool nod to continuity and got collectors excited to complete the two-card panorama. Beyond that gimmick, the artwork is stunning on its own: Mewtwo looks fierce, surrounded by crackling energy and debris from the fight. It captures the power of a legendary Pokémon in action. Pokémon Popularity: Mewtwo is a top-tier fan-favorite, arguably the most popular Legendary Pokémon of all time. It has decades of fandom behind it (from the original movies, games, etc.). Any high-end Mewtwo card tends to draw interest, and this being one of the few Mewtwo special arts in the modern era makes it extra significant. Rarity & Set Context: As part of the Galarian Gallery in Crown Zenith, this Mewtwo VSTAR was a secret rare pull. Crown Zenith was a special set (no booster boxes, only released via special products), which often means distribution is a bit more limited and unpredictable. Pull rates for any given GG card could vary, but Mewtwo VSTAR was one of the top 2–3 chases. In fact, it is the top-valued Pokémon card (non-Trainer) in Crown Zenith’s Galarian Gallery, only outranked overall by a couple of the ultra-rare gold cards (bleedingcool.com). That means collectors opening CZ were very often aiming for this card. Despite that, the sheer volume of Crown Zenith products opened (the set was popular and printed well) has kept its price relatively low. Competitive Play: Mewtwo VSTAR (from the Pokémon GO set originally) had a solid attack and a niche in some decks, but it wasn’t a dominant meta card. Players who wanted to use Mewtwo VSTAR could opt for the regular version, so competitive demand for the illustration rare was purely for “bling.” Thus, collectability is the main driver here. Current Price & Potential: Right now, raw Mewtwo VSTAR SIR goes for around $50 (pricecharting.com) – a remarkably low price given its character and artwork. It’s a case where supply (from all the Crown Zenith being opened) has kept the price in check. But long-term, Crown Zenith will likely go out of print, and this Mewtwo stands out as the card to have from the set alongside the gold Giratina. It’s already noted as the top non-gold card in the set (bleedingcool.com) and has a high desirability ranking. As copies get absorbed into collections, I expect upward pressure on price. Additionally, the connection with Charizard VSTAR promo gives it a unique story – many collectors will want the pair, and the Charizard promo is widely owned, which could drive people to acquire the Mewtwo. For under $100 (in fact, under $60) you get an elite Pokémon, incredible art, and a centerpiece from the Sword & Shield finale set. This feels like a strong investment, as Mewtwo will always have a following. When the dust settles, don’t be surprised if this card ascends in value and stature as one of the great modern Mewtwo collectibles.

8. Arceus V (Alternate Art) – Brilliant Stars (2022)

Brilliant Stars introduced the world to VSTAR Pokémon and featured Arceus – the mythical “Original One” – prominently. While Charizard V from the same set often gets the spotlight, Arceus V’s alternate art is a sleeper hit that deserves attention as an investment card below $100. Artwork & Illustration: The alt art Arceus V is breathtaking. It shows Arceus, the god-like creator Pokémon, in a radiant pose high above the clouds with a glowing aura. The perspective and composition truly depict Arceus as a divine being watching over the world. In fact, commentators have noted that the illustration speaks to Arceus’s lore, portraying it as a true deity of the Pokémon world (bleedingcool.com). The color palette is ethereal – golds, pinks, and purples that emphasize Arceus’s otherworldly nature. It’s easily one of the most beautiful Pokémon cards of the SWSH era, and it was done by artist nagimiso, known for vibrant, celestial art. Pokémon Popularity: Arceus gained a surge in popularity with the release of the Pokémon Legends: Arceus video game in 2022, and as the “God of Pokémon,” it has a unique appeal to fans of the series’ mythology. While Arceus isn’t as universally adored as Pikachu/Charizard, it holds a special status and plenty of fans consider it a must-have, especially after starring in its own game. Rarity & Scarcity: This card was a secret rare in Brilliant Stars, which had four alt arts. Charizard’s alt art overshadowed it initially (and absorbed more of the chase attention), meaning Arceus V alt could often be found for cheaper in the immediate release window. However, Brilliant Stars got heavily opened for Charizards, and Arceus V alt still remained somewhat elusive. There was a period in 2022 where Arceus V alt was undervalued relative to its pull rarity. Now, with Brilliant Stars a couple years old, supplies of singles are slowing down. Competitive Play: One big factor: Arceus V (and VSTAR) were extremely impactful in the TCG meta. Arceus VSTAR decks became a dominant force in 2022, given Arceus’s Trinity Nova/Charge attack that accelerates energy and its generally strong stats. Because every Arceus deck needed multiple Arceus V, the demand for Arceus V was huge. Of course, players mostly used the regular V or full art, but some whales foiled out their decks with the alt arts. TCGplayer even highlighted that Arceus V’s combination of “big damage with easy energy management” made it a perfect deck engine (tcgplayer.com). In short, this card was both gorgeous and the foundation of a meta deck. That crossover of competitive and collectible appeal is potent. Value & Trends: At present, Arceus V alternate art is comfortably under $100 – often in the $40–$60 range raw, which is remarkably low given its characteristics (getcardbase.com). It’s likely underpriced because the set had multiple chase cards and because Charizard stole some thunder. Historically, we saw it sell for more when Brilliant Stars was fresh, and interestingly graded Gem Mint copies still fetch a premium (indicating collector demand). As time goes on, the gap between Charizard V alt and Arceus V alt may narrow – Arceus’s card has equal if not greater aesthetic appeal and features a legendary central to Pokémon lore. Additionally, the Arceus VSTAR gold card in this set has risen in price, drawing attention back to Arceus cards overall. Long-Term Outlook: Arceus V alt art checks many boxes: stunning artwork that ties into Pokémon lore, a role in one of the era’s best decks, and relative scarcity (it wasn’t as hoarded as some other alts). It’s a card that could easily double in value when supply diminishes and collectors realize an A-tier legendary was lurking in Charizard’s shadow. For now, it’s a divine bargain – one of the best modern Pokémon cards to buy now if you’re looking for value under $100.

9. Aerodactyl V (Alternate Art) – Lost Origin (2022)

If you’re a fan of Pokémon lore and prehistoric vibes, Aerodactyl V’s alternate art from Lost Origin is a must-have – and it happens to be under $100 while packing serious long-term potential. Artwork & Theme: This card’s artwork is often lauded as one of the best scenic illustrations in the TCG. It features Aerodactyl soaring over an ancient primitive landscape, and “shows us a piece of the Pokémon world we rarely see: its ancient past.” (tcgplayer.com) In the lush jungle below, you can spot prehistoric Pokémon like Bastiodon, Tropius, and others roaming free. The level of detail draws you in – it’s basically a window into the Jurassic period of Pokémon. The artist, Komiya, is known for distinctive, almost storybook-like scenes, and this card is a masterpiece of that style. For many collectors, pulling this card felt like discovering a lost world. Pokémon Popularity: Aerodactyl is a Fossil Pokémon from Gen 1, which gives it nostalgic appeal. It might not be as universally popular as Dragonite or Gengar from that era, but it has its fanbase – especially among those who love fossil and Rock-type Pokémon. The uniqueness of the card’s art has actually made Aerodactyl more popular; even collectors who never thought about Aerodactyl found themselves in love with this card because of the overall scene. Rarity & Scarcity: In Lost Origin, this was the second-most sought secret rare (only behind the Giratina V alternate art). Early on, Giratina’s astronomical price stole headlines, but Aerodactyl V alt quietly climbed as well. It was not an easy pull by any means. Plenty of Lost Origin boxes yielded no alts at all, let alone one of the top two. The price trajectory saw Aerodactyl go from ~$60 up toward $100 as people realized how gorgeous it was. Even now, in a somewhat cooled market, it hovers near the borderline of our $100 cutoff – often around $90–$110 depending on condition and availability (pricecharting.commavin.io). With raw prices in that zone, it’s essentially an under-$100 card if you hunt a bit. Competitive Use: Aerodactyl VSTAR (evolved from this V) had a very interesting niche ability that could shut down other Pokémon’s abilities (particularly to counter certain meta decks). That led a few competitive players to include Aerodactyl V/VSTAR as a tech in some decks during 2022. However, it was never a widespread staple, so the alt art’s price wasn’t significantly driven by players needing it (and they could use normal versions anyway). This card’s value is almost entirely from collectability and art. Investment Case: The alternate-art Aerodactyl V captures a unique scene that no other card offers (tcgplayer.com), and that uniqueness bodes well for its future desirability. It effectively combines nostalgia (fossil Pokémon, a prehistoric tableau) with modern card aesthetics. Already, graded copies in PSA 10 command high prices (often several times the raw value), indicating that high-end collectors are socking them away. As Lost Origin ages, Giratina V alt (now a several-hundred-dollar card) may become out of reach for many, and Aerodactyl V alt will stand as the attainable trophy card from the set. It’s easy to imagine a scenario in a few years where Aerodactyl’s price catches people by surprise – much like how certain Sun & Moon era alt arts became expensive once they dried up. At under $100 today, this card is a fossil-fueled rocket waiting to take off. If you want a card that offers both aesthetic joy and investment upside, Aerodactyl V alt art is flying high in that category.

10. Gardevoir ex (Special Illustration Rare) – Scarlet & Violet Base (2023)

Rounding out our list is a card from the current Scarlet & Violet era that has captured hearts from the moment it was revealed: the Gardevoir ex illustration rare in SV Base set. This card is not only affordable (around $40–$50 raw) (pricecharting.com), but it also packs a rare combination of narrative artwork, competitive relevance, and fan-favorite Pokémon status – making it a prime modern investment. Artwork & Story: The Gardevoir ex SIR is part of a three-card evolutionary storyline (with Ralts and Kirlia) that portrays the life of a Gardevoir alongside its trainers. On the Ralts card, we see a young couple starting out in a new home with Ralts; on Kirlia’s card, time has passed – the home is furnished, a baby’s toys are around, Kirlia watches over the family; finally, on Gardevoir ex’s card, the scene shows an older Gardevoir in a room where the child has grown and the original couple has aged. It’s a powerful, emotional narrative about a Pokémon and its trainers growing old together. “It tells such a beautiful story of a family and Pokémon growing up as time goes on,” one reviewer praised, noting “Jiro Sasumo did a wonderful job with this evolution line!” (pkmncards.com). Indeed, the illustrator Jiro Sasumo imbued each stage with life and detail, and the Gardevoir ex is the culmination – Gardevoir gently standing by the now-elderly trainer in a cozy living room, radiating calm and loyalty. This kind of storytelling in a card’s art is exceptionally rare and has made the Gardevoir ex SIR an instant classic in terms of artwork. Pokémon Popularity: Gardevoir has long been a popular Pokémon (often topping fan-favorite lists for its elegant design and Psychic/Fairy typing). It appeals across demographics – longtime fans remember it from Gen 3, and newer fans know it from Pokémon GO and recent games. Having a beautiful card like this only amplifies Gardevoir’s popularity. Some even compare this card’s emotional impact to the famous “Nurse Joy’s Chansey” card from early Pokémon, as it tugs at the heartstrings. Rarity & Pull Rate: As a Special Illustration Rare, this Gardevoir was one of the hardest pulls in the Scarlet & Violet base set (aside from the Maraidon/Koraidon SARs and the Miriam trainer SAR). Many cases of product would yield only a couple of these, if that. However, SV Base was printed generously to meet demand for the new era, so plenty of singles have hit the market, keeping the price reasonable for now. Competitive Aspect: Uniquely, Gardevoir ex has also been hugely relevant in competitive play. The Gardevoir ex deck (often paired with Psychic-type allies) became a tier-1 strategy in 2023, thanks to Gardevoir’s ability to accelerate energy from the discard (at the cost of some self-damage). This means that not only did collectors want this card, but competitive players did too – sometimes even blinging out their deck with one or two copies of the SAR for their key attacker. The card’s usability ensures it won’t be forgotten anytime soon, since it’s tied to the early meta of the SV era. Current Value & Future Outlook: At roughly $50 or less for near-mint (pricecharting.com), Gardevoir ex SIR is very accessible. It hasn’t spiked wildly because supply from openings is still coming and Miriam’s card drew a lot of the “chase” attention in SV01. But looking ahead, this card has everything going for it: phenomenal artwork with emotional depth, a top-tier Pokémon, and significance in gameplay. It’s the kind of card that could easily double or triple in price in a few years once it’s out-of-print and people reflect on the best cards of the Scarlet & Violet era. Moreover, as a first set of a new era, SV Base and its key cards will have a special place in collectors’ minds (much like how Base Set or BW Base secrets became iconic). Some investors are already quietly grading copies – for instance, PSA 10s have been selling at a premium, indicating that the top-conditioned ones are being locked away. In summary, Gardevoir ex’s illustration rare is arguably the best modern Pokémon card under $100 you can buy right now in terms of art-to-value ratio. It’s a piece that appeals emotionally and has solid fundamentals to appreciate over time.

Closing Thoughts: Investing in modern Pokémon cards requires balancing popularity, scarcity, and timing. The ten cards above exemplify opportunities where current prices don’t fully reflect the cards’ long-term appeal. Many were once the chase cards of their sets or have stories of past highs (for example, Pikachu VMAX once topped $300 before the market settled (bleedingcool.com). In today’s cooler market, these singles are undervalued Pokémon cards in 2025 that could yield significant returns as conditions change. A few trends to note:

• Alternate Art Ascendancy: The Sword & Shield era’s defining feature was the rise of alternate-art Pokémon cards with unique illustrations. Collectors now covet these for their artwork as much as their characters. As time goes on, alt arts (like Tyranitar, Zapdos, Leafeon, etc.) are poised to become the generation’s most nostalgic and valuable artifacts, much like how vintage holos define the WOTC era. We’re already seeing the most iconic alts soar, and the second-tier (under $100) alts listed here may follow suit as supplies dwindle.

• Promos and Special Set Cards: While our list focused on pullable set cards, don’t overlook modern promos. Cards like Special Delivery Charizard or the UPC Charizard VMAX promo are very cheap now due to high supply, but given Charizard’s evergreen demand, they could creep up later. Similarly, Crown Zenith and Celebrations special set cards (e.g. Gold Mew from Celebrations, or the Secret Rare Pikachu in Crown Zenith) are currently easy to obtain but have long-term fan appeal.

• Competitive Card Tie-Ins: Some cards here had competitive relevance (Arceus V, Gardevoir ex, even Zapdos V as a tech). Historically, when such cards rotate out of Standard play, their prices dip and then later recover based on collector value. We may see buying opportunities at rotation – for example, when Gardevoir ex eventually rotates from Standard, any price dip could be a great time to snag more before it rebounds as a pure collectible.

• Graded vs. Raw: Many of these picks have a notable spread between raw and graded (PSA 10) values. That suggests the market values them, but condition sensitivity or grading costs keep raw prices lower. Carefully selecting mint/NM copies and grading them can amplify returns if that’s within your strategy. For instance, a raw $80 Machamp V alt might fetch several times that in a PSA 10. This graded premium is a strong indicator of collector demand and can be a lever for investment gains.

In conclusion, building a position in these under-$100 cards now could pay dividends as the Sword & Shield and early Scarlet & Violet eras mature. Focus on iconic Pokémon, standout art, and cards with stories, as those tend to be the ones collectors come back for. By targeting the likes of Charizard, Pikachu, Mewtwo, fan-favorite Eeveelutions, and others in their most compelling modern forms, you’re essentially investing in the future nostalgia of today’s generation. Keep an eye on market trends, but remember that the best time to buy a great card is often when few others realize its potential. These ten cards are undervalued today, but they might not stay that way for long – so if they fit your collection or investment goals, now is the time to catch ’em all!