Top 10 Underrated Full Art Pokémon Cards to Collect from the Scarlet Violet Era
The Scarlet & Violet era of the Pokémon TCG (2023–2025) has delivered some stunning full-art cards – including gorgeous Pokémon ex alternate arts and vibrant Trainer supporter cards. Yet not all of these hits get the hype they deserve. In fact, there are hidden gem Pokémon cards from sets like Scarlet & Violet Base, Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames, Paradox Rift, Temporal Forces, and special releases (Crown Zenith, Scarlet & Violet 151) that remain underrated Pokémon full arts. From a collector’s perspective, these cards shine in artwork and appeal but are undervalued in today’s market. Below we count down the top 10 underrated full-art Pokémon and Trainer cards of the SV era – the best Scarlet & Violet full art cards you should consider collecting in 2025. (We’ll start at #10 and work our way to #1 – the most underrated of all!)
10. Iron Leaves ex (Temporal Forces) – Overlooked Paradox in Time
Set: Scarlet & Violet – Temporal Forces (SV05)
Card Type: Pokémon ex – Special Illustration Rare (Full-Art Alternate)
Iron Leaves ex is the Future Paradox form of Virizion, debuting in Temporal Forces. It boasts a dynamic full-art illustration (as a Special Illustration Rare) showcasing this cybernetic Grass/Psychic deer in a futuristic habitat. The card’s visual appeal is strong – vibrant greens and purples with a sleek, high-tech vibe – yet it’s often overshadowed by its flashier counterpart, Walking Wake (the Suicune paradox). Iron Leaves ex is actually quite hard to pull: data shows Temporal Forces had the toughest pull rates for SIRs in the SV block (roughly 1 in 86 packs)(pokebeach.com). Despite that rarity, Iron Leaves ex’s current value sits around $25–$30 (pricecharting.com), far less than one might expect. In contrast, the set’s marquee card (Walking Wake ex SIR) commands higher prices (over $40). For a card this scarce and tied to Pokémon lore (Paradox Pokémon introduced in Scarlet/Violet games), Iron Leaves ex feels undervalued. It has solid grading potential too – mint copies could fetch a premium given low supply. Collectors looking for future sleepers in the SV era should keep an eye on this paradoxical gem.
9. Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR (Crown Zenith) – Haunting Art, Hidden Value
Set: Crown Zenith (Galarian Gallery subset, SWSH special)
Card Type: Pokémon VSTAR – Full Art (Galarian Gallery Secret)
This Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR from Crown Zenith features one of the era’s most hauntingly beautiful artworks. The card portrays the Ghost/Normal-type Zoroark surrounded by crimson wisps, in a dynamic composition that fills the entire frame. It was part of the special Galarian Gallery (GG56/70) – essentially an alternate art secret rare. Visually, it’s a show-stopper, yet many collectors overlooked it as Crown Zenith was loaded with other big hits (gold legendaries, Charizard VS Mewtwo, etc.). One fan noted that “the Zoroark is super underrated” in Crown Zenith (reddit.com), and indeed its market price has remained quite modest (roughly $15 on average (mavin.io) compared to similar cards from earlier sets. The Pokémon itself has a cult following (especially this Hisuian form introduced in Legends: Arceus), and the card’s pull rate was not high given it’s a secret rare. In terms of future collector interest, Zoroark VSTAR GG could age well – it’s the kind of card people come to appreciate later for its artistic merit. Additionally, high-grade copies (PSA 10s have sold for ~$90 (sportscardinvestor.com) indicate that grading could substantially boost its value. Overall, Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR is a hidden gem from the Sword & Shield era’s final set that Scarlet & Violet collectors in 2025 shouldn’t forget.
8. Miriam (Scarlet & Violet Base) – Once Hyped, Now a Bargain
Set: Scarlet & Violet Base (SV01)
Card Type: Trainer Supporter – Special Illustration Rare (Full-Art Alternate)
When the SV era began, Miriam was the talk of the base set – her Special Illustration Rare card (251/198) depicts the academy nurse amid a flurry of books and Poké Balls in a dreamy pastel scene. This card’s visual appeal is undeniable; it’s a unique, storybook-like artwork that immediately stood out. Early on, Miriam’s SIR was insanely popular (fueled by “waifu” collector hype and playability), with prices soaring into triple digits. However, after the initial frenzy, Miriam’s English version has become surprisingly affordable – now around $30–$40 for an ungraded copy (pricecharting.com) (amazon.com). One collector recently remarked that this card is “super underrated and super underpriced” given its beauty (instagram.com). Indeed, it’s undervalued compared to comparable iconic full-art trainers (for example, older fan-favorite waifu cards often maintain much higher prices). From a collector’s standpoint, this dip is an opportunity: Miriam’s character is central in the game’s storyline and beloved by many players, suggesting strong future nostalgia. The card also has grading potential – its intricate holo and texture shine in a slab. While it might never hit the early crazy highs again, Miriam’s SIR stands as a gorgeous full art that is currently a bargain – a must-have hidden gem for Scarlet & Violet era collectors.
7. Tyranitar ex (Obsidian Flames) – Fan Favorite at $5
Set: Obsidian Flames (SV03)
Card Type: Pokémon ex – Ultra Rare Full Art
It’s not often you can snag a full-art Tyranitar for the price of a latte. In Obsidian Flames, Tyranitar ex appeared as a Tera Pokémon (Electric-type Tera) with a striking golden-yellow full art background. Tyranitar is a perennial fan-favorite Pokémon – a powerful Gen II pseudo-legendary with lots of nostalgic and competitive appeal. Yet this Ultra Rare full-art card is shockingly cheap: recent sales show it around $5 in near-mint condition (pricecharting.com). Why the low value? Likely because it’s overshadowed by the set’s Charizard focus (Obsidian Flames was Charizard-heavy) and because this Tyranitar’s artwork, while cool, isn’t an alternate “scene” art – it’s the classic full art style with textured background. However, that doesn’t diminish its collector merit. The card is still relatively hard to pull (as a secret rare in the set numbering) and Tyranitar’s popularity endures. Long-term, undervalued species like this often climb once supply dries up. Additionally, grading can be rewarding: a gem-mint Tyranitar ex full art could fetch significantly more from dedicated T-tar collectors. If you’re a fan of the dark armor Pokémon or just hunting Pokémon cards to collect in 2025 that won’t break the bank, Tyranitar ex from Obsidian Flames is a sleeper. It’s a gorgeous card of an iconic Pokémon – and right now, it’s wildly undervalued for what it is.
6. Erika’s Invitation (Scarlet & Violet 151) – Kanto Classic, Steal of a Deal
Set: Scarlet & Violet 151 (special)
Card Type: Trainer Supporter – Ultra Rare Full Art
Kanto nostalgia meets modern card design in Erika’s Invitation, a full-art supporter from the special SV 151 set. This card features Erika, the beloved Celadon City Gym Leader, depicted in a gentle pose with her hand extended (as if inviting you to battle). The artwork is elegant and true to her character’s graceful, nature-loving aesthetic. Given Erika’s popularity in Pokémon lore (and the fact that older Erika’s cards from the 1990s are considered classics), one would expect her first modern full-art to be quite valuable. Surprisingly, it’s not – the Ultra Rare full-art Erika’s Invitation can be found for under $10 in near-mint form (pricecharting.com) (pricecharting.com). In recent sales, raw copies have sold for as low as $6–8. This is remarkably low considering many lesser-known trainers’ full arts go for more. Why is it underrated? Likely because SV 151 also introduced a Special Illustration Rare (SAR) version of Erika’s Invitation with even more elaborate artwork, which stole the spotlight (and a higher price tag). Thus, the regular full art flies under the radar. For collectors, this is a big opportunity: Erika’s Invitation (UR) offers high visual appeal and nostalgia at a bargain price. Its grading potential is decent – plenty of mint copies are available, and in PSA 10 it’s a lovely piece for any Kanto gym leader fan. Comparable iconic trainers (like Misty or Cynthia full arts) tend to appreciate over time, so Erika might follow suit. This card is truly a hidden gem Pokémon card for 2025 – a classic character’s full art that’s way cheaper than it should be.
5. Iron Valiant ex (Paradox Rift) – Sci-Fi Stunner Under the Radar
Set: Paradox Rift (SV04)
Card Type: Pokémon ex – Special Illustration Rare (Full-Art Alternate)
Iron Valiant ex is a fascinating Pokémon – a future Paradox that melds Gardevoir and Gallade’s traits into one sleek mech-like Fairy/Fighting type. Its Special Illustration Rare from Paradox Rift captures this concept brilliantly: Iron Valiant is shown in a neon-lit futuristic city, blades extended, with dynamic perspective. Visually, it’s a sci-fi fan’s dream and one of the most detailed arts in the set. However, Paradox Rift had another superstar – Roaring Moon ex (the Salamence paradox) – which became the set’s chase card. As a result, Iron Valiant ex’s alt art remained underrated. Its price hovers around $20–$25 raw (pricecharting.com), whereas Roaring Moon’s SIR was hitting three times that (over $65 at one point (bleedingcool.com). Considering Iron Valiant’s popularity (Gardevoir/Gallade have plenty of fans) and the card’s rarity as a secret illustration, it feels undervalued relative to its peers. Collectors may not have paid it much attention initially, but over time many come to realize how gorgeous this card is (it’s often compared favorably to Roaring Moon’s art in forums). Pull rates for these Paradox alts were tough, so supply isn’t huge. If you can find a well-centered copy, grading could be worthwhile – a PSA 10 would appeal to both collectors of beautiful art and those who love the Pokémon’s lore. In the long run, Iron Valiant ex SIR is poised as a hidden gem: a stunning full-art Pokémon that slipped under the radar but has all the ingredients of a future favorite.
4. Chi-Yu ex (Paldea Evolved) – Legendary Beauty in Flames
Set: Paldea Evolved (SV02)
Card Type: Pokémon ex – Special Illustration Rare (Full-Art Alternate)
The Treasures of Ruin (Legendaries from Paldea) each got special art cards, and Chi-Yu ex might be the most beautiful of the bunch. This card’s illustration rare presents the diminutive goldfish-like Chi-Yu amidst a scene of flickering flames and scattered books – a nod to its lore of burning libraries. The art, by illustrator AKIRA EGAWA (bleedingcool.com), is richly colored and painterly, making Chi-Yu look simultaneously serene and destructive. Collectors who notice this card tend to fall in love with it; one user even said “It’s a beautiful card and is undervalued… I’m opening Paldea Evolved and this is my chase card.”(reddit.com). Despite such praise, popularity for Chi-Yu’s card didn’t explode, likely because Chi-Yu (a newer legendary) isn’t as widely known as, say, Charizard or Mew. As a result, the price has remained quite reasonable – roughly $15 give or take (pricecharting.com). For an alt art ex with this level of detail and a pull rate of only about 1 in 50–60 packs, that’s a steal. The card is arguably undervalued compared to comparable cards (for example, earlier generations’ legendary Pokémon alt arts often cost much more). From a collector perspective, Chi-Yu ex has strong upside: it’s part of a notable legendary quartet, features top-tier artwork, and has a story to tell (which fans of the game will appreciate). Its grading prospects are decent as well – the SV print quality has been good, and a gem mint Chi-Yu ex SAR would make a stunning display. Don’t sleep on this fiery koi – it’s a hidden gem full art that could gain recognition in the years to come.
3. Dendra (Paldea Evolved) – Waifu Grail Turned Hidden Gem
Set: Paldea Evolved (SV02)
Card Type: Trainer Supporter – Special Illustration Rare (Full-Art Alternate)
The story of Dendra’s card is a rollercoaster. When this academy teacher trainer debuted in Japan’s Triplet Beat as an alt art, speculators sent her price into the stratosphere (at one point, Japanese Dendra SAR was hundreds of dollars due to “waifu” hype). In English Paldea Evolved, however, the spotlight shifted to the Iono craze, and Dendra’s Special Illustration Rare quietly slipped through the cracks. Today, English Dendra SAR (266/193) is incredibly affordable – averaging around $10 raw (mavin.io). That’s a massive contrast to the initial hype and far less than other comparable waifu cards. Visual appeal: Dendra’s artwork shows her in a lively pose teaching a class, with vibrant colors and personality that captures her character’s charm. It’s a fun, dynamic scene that stands out from more static trainer cards. Popularity or lore: While Dendra isn’t a main storyline character, she has her fan following (especially after all the buzz). Now she’s essentially an undervalued fan-service card. For collectors, this is an opportunity to pick up a former “grail” at a bargain. The card’s pack pull difficulty was on par with other SAR trainers (~1 in 80 packs), so supply isn’t huge; it’s just that demand cooled off. Such situations often correct over time – as collectors circle back to complete their full-art trainer collections or new fans discover the card. In terms of grading, many Dendra cards in circulation are pack-fresh and could earn PSA 9s or 10s, which might fetch higher premiums (a recent PSA 10 sold for about $51 (sportscardinvestor.com), already more than 5× raw value). Dendra is a prime example of a Scarlet & Violet full art card that was overhyped then overlooked – making it a hidden gem now.
2. Great Tusk ex (Scarlet & Violet Base) – Prehistoric Power, Underpriced
Set: Scarlet & Violet Base (SV01)
Card Type: Pokémon ex – Special Illustration Rare (Full-Art Alternate)
Among the very first alt arts of the SV era was Great Tusk ex – the ancient Paradox form of Donphan. And it is gorgeous. The artwork portrays Great Tusk rampaging across a desert crater, with a primal ferocity that leaps off the card. The perspective and detail (notice the sand and ruined pillars flying up) make it a miniature masterpiece. When SV Base launched, this card was often overshadowed by the more famous chase cards like Miraidon, Koraidon, and Gardevoir, but those who pulled it knew its worth. In fact, a community poll of underrated SIRs had one top comment: “Great Tusk ex from SV base set is amazing.” (reddit.com). Despite such acclaim from art aficionados, Great Tusk ex SIR remains highly affordable – roughly $7–$10 on the market (tcgplayer.com). For context, that’s a fraction of what the marquee SV base alts cost, even though Great Tusk was equally rare (card #246/198 secret rare). This undervaluation is striking because Great Tusk is not only visually striking but also a prominent new Pokémon from Scarlet/Violet games. From a collector’s angle, this is low-hanging fruit: a beautiful full-art of a cool Pokémon that is cheap. It also has grading upside – many raw copies can grade PSA 10 (prices for 10s have hit $60+ (sportscardinvestor.com), well above raw). As time goes on, more collectors will likely seek out the early SV era special illustrations they missed, and Great Tusk could see a surge in interest. Its counterpart Iron Treads ex (future Donphan) is similarly inexpensive, but Great Tusk’s art and higher fan appeal put it a cut above. Simply put, Great Tusk ex is one of the best Scarlet & Violet full art cards hiding in plain sight for collectors.
1. Ninetales (Obsidian Flames) – A Stunning “Alt Art” for $10
Set: Obsidian Flames (SV03)
Card Type: Pokémon – Illustration Rare (Full-Art Alternate Art)
Taking the top spot is a card many collectors call the prettiest card in Obsidian Flames: Ninetales Illustration Rare. This card isn’t an ex or a V – it’s an alternate art of a regular Ninetales, and it is absolutely breathtaking. The artwork depicts Ninetales in a mystical forest setting, surrounded by swirling autumn leaves and ethereal lighting. Each of its nine tails is illustrated with elegant detail, and the overall composition is like a scene from a fairy tale. In short, the visual and artistic appeal is off the charts for a “simple” Stage 1 Pokémon. So why is it underrated? Mainly because it’s not a hyper-rare ex or legendary – it’s an Illustration Rare of a non-ex, which some casual buyers overlook. But make no mistake: this card is beloved by those who have noticed it. One Instagram collector wrote, “I’ve been obsessed with this Ninetales from Obsidian Flames since it came out. It is still only a $10-$15 card, I’m so surprised it’s not worth more…”(instagram.com). Indeed, market prices have been around $10–$15, which feels like a steal given the card’s beauty and character popularity. Ninetales is a classic Kanto Pokémon with a longtime fanbase, and this might be one of its finest TCG portrayals ever. The card’s relative pull rate isn’t super high either – Obsidian Flames contained 12 Illustration Rares (tcgplayer.com), roughly 1 per 3–4 packs on average, and any specific one like Ninetales was much harder to hit. With such an attractive artwork at a low price, collectors can also consider grading it: notably, perfect grade copies have fetched $130+ on the market (pricecharting.com) (pricecharting.com) (several CGC 10s sold for over $135 recently), reflecting how stunning it looks in a slab. Over time, as more people complete their Obsidian Flames sets or chase gorgeous art, Ninetales IR could easily rise in value. For now, it stands as the epitome of an underrated full art: highly affordable, exceptionally beautiful, with a popular Pokémon to boot. If you’re curating a collection of the era’s best art, this Ninetales is a must-have hidden gem.
Closing Thoughts: The Scarlet & Violet era has introduced a fresh wave of artistic direction in the Pokémon TCG – and with it, opportunities for collectors. These “underrated” full art Pokémon and Trainer cards might not have the buzz or price tag of the chase cards, but they offer incredible visual appeal, lore significance, and future potential at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re looking for Pokémon cards to collect in 2025 that could appreciate in value, or you simply want to enjoy some of the era’s best artwork, don’t overlook these hidden gems. As history has shown, today’s underappreciated pulls can become tomorrow’s sought-after collectibles. Happy collecting, and may your pulls be ever in your favor!
Sources: Each card’s analysis is supported by pricing and pull-rate data from recent market sales and community insights. For example, see price references and collector comments for undervalued cards like Ninetales (instagram.com), Great Tusk (reddit.com) (tcgplayer.com), Dendra (mavin.io), Chi-Yu (reddit.com), Erika’s Invitation (pricecharting.com), Tyranitar ex (pricecharting.com), Miriam (instagram.com), Zoroark VSTAR (reddit.com), Iron Valiant (pricecharting.com), and the pull-rate info for Temporal Forces (pokebeach.com). These illustrate the current undervaluation and future promise of the cards above.