The Most Rare and Valuable Vmax Pokémon Card is Umbreon Vmax - 33rd Square (2024)

If you‘re a Pokémon TCG collector interested in the crème de la crème of Vmax cards, look no further than the elusive Umbreon Vmax from 2021‘s Eevee Heroes set in Japan. With recent sale prices over $600 for PSA 10 graded copies, the Umbreon Vmax stands alone as the most rare and expensive Vmax card in circulation right now.

Let‘s dive deeper into why certain Vmax Pokémon cards like Umbreon command such staggering prices compared to their regular V and Vmax counterparts. By understanding the key factors that make a card rare and desirable, we can uncover the top contenders for every collector‘s want list.

Why Are Some Vmax Cards So Valuable?

Since their debut in 2019‘s Sword & Shield base set, Vmax cards have become the pinnacle for showcasing beloved Pokémon at the peak of their power. They build upon the V mechanic that generatesSpecialized Evolution Pokémon with extra abilities.

But make no mistake, not all Vmax cards are created equal. Several key characteristics determine a Vmax card‘s rarity and value:

Low Print Runs

Vmax cards with intentionally limited print runs will be much harder to come by than widely available ones. For example, the Skytree Rayquaza Vmax promo only had 600 copies released exclusively in Japan, making it far more scarce versus a main set Vmax.

Special Artwork

Alternate arts and full arts featuring unique illustrations or poses tend to command higher prices than regular Vmax cards using the default artwork. The artwork quality and appeal itself plays a role in demand.

Competitive Viability

Vmax cards that make a major splash in tournaments and gameplay thanks to strong attacks or abilities see greater demand from players looking to improve their decks.

Popular Pokémon

Let‘s be honest, some Pokémon are simply more beloved than others. Cards featuring fan favorites like Charizard, Pikachu, Umbreon, and Mewtwo in their Vmax form will always generate interest, especially if supply is limited.

Grading & Condition

Like most collectibles, the PSA or BGS grade and condition of a Vmax card significantly impacts its value. Pristine 10 grades sell for exponential premiums over raw copies or cards grading at 9 or below.

The Top 10 Most Valuable Vmax Cards

Which ultra rare Vmax Pokémon cards top the list for highest sale prices? Let‘s count down the 10 most expensive Vmax cards to date based on actual sales data:

1. Umbreon Vmax (Eevee Heroes)

• PSA 10 Price: $600+
• Why It‘s Valuable: Insanely popular Pokémon, iconic artwork, very limited supply. Part of a special set in Japan showcasing Eevee and its evolutions.
• Notable Sale: PSA 10 sold for $642 on eBay in October 2022.

2. Rayquaza Vmax (Skytree Promo)

• PSA 10 Price: $500+
• Why It‘s Valuable: Exclusive shiny Rayquaza promo with just 600 copies. Low population.
• Notable Sale: PSA 10 sold for $510 on eBay in September 2022.

3. Charizard Vmax (Champion‘s Path)

• PSA 10 Price: $400+
• Why It‘s Valuable: Flagship Pokémon with amazing rainbow rare artwork. Strong competitive playability.
• Notable Sale: PSA 10 sold for $480 on eBay in November 2022.

4. Pikachu Vmax (VMAX Climax)

• PSA 10 Price: $300+
• Why It‘s Valuable: Adorable card of beloved mascot Pikachu in Ash‘s hat. Japanese exclusive set.
• Notable Sale: PSA 10 sold for $330 on eBay in October 2022.

5. Eevee Vmax (VMAX Climax)

• PSA 10 Price: $250+
• Why It‘s Valuable: Eevee‘s popularity and many evolutions make this a masterpiece. Japanese VMAX Climax set.
• Notable Sale: PSA 10 sold for $255 on eBay in September 2022.

6. Mew Vmax (Fusion Arts)

• PSA 10 Price: $200+
• Why It‘s Valuable: Mew‘s mystery and mythic status drive interest. Stunning alternate art.
• Notable Sale: PSA 10 sold for $210 on eBay in August 2022.

7. Birthday Pikachu (SWSH Black Star Promo)

• PSA 10 Price: $150+
• Why It‘s Valuable: Celebrating 25 years of Pikachu. Special promo release.
• Notable Sale: PSA 10 sold for $160 on eBay in June 2022.

8. Gengar Vmax (Fusion Strike)

• PSA 10 Price: $100+
• Why It‘s Valuable: Gengar‘s popularity combined with amazing alternate art.
• Notable Sale: PSA 10 sold for $120 on eBay in May 2022.

9. Mewtwo Vmax (Blue Sky Stream)

• PSA 10 Price: $100+
• Why It‘s Valuable: Classic legendary psychic-type. Fantastic full-art treatment.
• Notable Sale: PSA 10 sold for $110 on eBay in December 2022.

10. Suicune Vmax (Fusion Strike)

• PSA 10 Price: $100+
• Why It‘s Valuable: Water-type legendaries perform well. Gorgeous alternate art with painting feel.
• Notable Sale: PSA 10 sold for $105 on eBay in November 2022.

As you can see, collectibility and nostalgia combine with rarity to make these Vmax cards so desirable and pricey. But this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to insanely expensive Vmax cards. Let‘s explore other factors that separate the good from the great.

Vmax Pricing Beyond PSA 10 Grades

The PSA and Beckett BGS grading scale ranges from 10 (gem mint) to 1 (poor). Where do Vmax card values fall at various grade tiers?

• PSA 9 – Expect to pay 25-50% less than a PSA 10
• PSA 8 – Expect to pay 50-75% less than a PSA 10
• Raw Mint – Ungraded mint condition cards sell for 50-80% less than a PSA 10 depending on eye appeal.
• Raw Played – Heavily played raw copies can sell for 90% less than a PSA 10. Damaged cards have little value.

Clearly condition is king when maximizing your investment in ultra rare Vmax cards. Let‘s explore tips for keeping your cards protected.

Storing and Displaying Your Vmax Cards

So you‘ve secured that coveted Umbreon Vmax for your collection. Now it requires your utmost care and protection:

• Store cards in sleeves then top loaders or card savers to prevent wear and scratches.
• Avoid exposing cards to moisture, sunlight or extreme temperatures.
• Consider using grading company slabs like PSA or BGS to encapsulate high-end cards.
• Display your cards in secure cabinets away from drinks, food and clutter.
• Never touch the actual card surface, hold gently from the edges and sleeves.
• Be mindful of fraud by only purchasing graded cards from reputable sellers.

Where To Buy Rare Vmax Cards

Outside of hoping to pull that 1 in 100 ultra rare Vmax from packs, collectors turn to the following places to buy singles:

• eBay – Massive selection of cards but beware fakes and fraud. Vet sellers carefully.

• TCGPlayer – Reliable marketplace with seller feedback and ratings. Confirm authenticity.

• Troll & Toad – Established retailer with reasonable prices and mint guarantees.

• Forums & Groups – Connect with the community to arrange trades and sales.

• Card Shows – In-person events to meet sellers and find deals on cards.

  See Also

  Umbreon VMAX #95 Prices | Pokemon Japanese Eevee Heroes

• Facebook Groups – Many niche groups for buying/selling specific cards or sets.

• WhatNot App – Livestreams focused on showing and auctioning collectibles.

Vmax Investing: The Future of Pokémon Cards

Since COVID, interest and prices in Pokémon cards have surged dramatically. But will it last?

• The 25th anniversary in 2021 fueled demand – future celebrations could spike interest again.

• Nostalgia for those who collected as kids won‘t go away. Cards remind us of simpler times.

• Generational interest is strong as parents introduce kids to the hobby.

• Pop culture and celebrity interest shines a mainstream light on collecting.

• Cards have shown to appreciate as scarce items unlike mass produced toys.

While prices and demand ebb and flow, rare Vmax cards should remain blue chip investments. But collect what you love rather than chasing money. The journey is the real reward.

Conclusion

Thanks for learning about the amazing world of Vmax chasing with me! My DMs are open if you need any collecting advice or just want to chat about our Pokémon passions. Stay curious and keep building that perfect Vmax collection one card at a time.

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