Best Pokémon TCG investing deal: Unova Victini Illustration Collection value is climbing

CATCH AT MARKET VALUE: As of Sept. 23, the Pokémon TCG Unova Victini Illustration Collection is $47.94 at Amazon, with the Victini Illustration Rare card soaring by over 67% in value.

It’s hard trying to spot and get in on a trend before it takes off, especially when it comes to Pokémon TCG. Luckily for readers, I’ve got a hunch that I’m running with here. It’s no secret that the Victini Illustration Rare from Black Bolt and White Flare is a gorgeous card, and it’s a very popular mythical Pokémon to boot.

Amazon have Unova Victini Illustration Collection for $47.94. Yes, it’s over list price, but it’s only a dollar or so over TCGplayer’s market value. Another tell for me is the value history of Victini Illustration Rare as a single card. At the back end of last month, trainers could pick up the promo for just over $7, now it’s near the $17 mark. That’s a 71% climb in a month and it’s not slowing down.

So what’s my point? I’m putting my money where my mouth is and snapping up one of these collections before the price shoots up. It’s in demand, it’s in print, and you don’t want to be looking for one of these when the print run dries up in 2026. I’m not here to give financial advice and I certainly can’t predict the future, but grabbing the Victini Illustration Collection now is a solid place to park your money for the price of taking the family out for a burger.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards

Looking at the other end of the scale in Black Bolt and White Flare, we’re seeing some of the most expensive chase cards from the Scarlet and Violet era. Here’s the top 5, which would probably work out cheaper to buy outright instead of ripping open backs long term:

1. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $425
   Market price: $455.32
   Most recent sale: $400

2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $395
   Market price: $422.12
   Most recent sale: $420

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $401.63
   Market price: $388.18
   Most recent sale: $390

4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $349.00
   Market price: $373.68
   Most recent sale: $385

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $214.99
   Market price: $212.56
   Most recent sale: $215

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $194
   Market price: $192.33
   Most recent sale: $179.99