The Pokémon Trading Card Game market is always an exciting place, full of unexpected twists! This week, we’re diving deep into the Sword and Shield: Lost Origin expansion to uncover which cards are making big moves. While reprints earlier this year initially affected values, the market is now reacting in fascinating ways. We’re seeing some surprising drops, especially among popular Trainer Gallery cards, which seem to be undergoing a market correction. Yet, amidst these shifts, certain powerhouses are soaring to new heights. Let’s explore the current state of the Lost Origin card market!
Crashers and Climbers: Lost Origin Overview
With ‘Pokémon Mania 2025’ still in full swing, everyone is eager to get their hands on new release sealed products at retail. This creates a prime opportunity to snag some overlooked cards from older sets before their values begin to tick up again. For instance, many of the cards we’ll discuss in our ‘Crashers’ section were acquired for around $5 each just twelve months ago. So, even though their prices are currently declining, they often still represent excellent long-term buys. Let’s get straight into the details!
Pokémon Card Crashers
It’s hard to believe, but some fan-favorite Trainer Gallery cards that were once considered ‘pocket money’ finds are now seeing significant price adjustments. While many of these are still fantastic additions to any collection, their market values have softened.
Gengar TG06/TG30: This Gengar card, with its unique artwork featuring Gengar playfully intrigued by a washing line, is a visual delight. Despite its fantastic aesthetics, it’s not particularly viable for in-game play, given its risks like the Netherworld Gate ability. After peaking, this card experienced a notable correction, dropping from $56 to $38. However, for collectors who appreciate its artistry, this might represent a perfect buying opportunity.
Pikachu TG05/TG30: Possessing an equally charming appeal, this Pikachu card captures a heartwarming moment of the Electric-type napping alongside the female trainer from Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It’s such a sweet image, and it’s easy to see why this card still holds a value of over $26. It has come down from its previous price of over $30, but I’m confident it will surpass that point within the next 12 months. While it’s not a card you’d typically include in a competitive deck, it’s an absolute gem for any collector’s binder.
Gold and black cards haven’t always resonated with me personally, which might contribute to why the value of Mew VMAX TG30/TG30 has gently dipped from $26.04 to $21.42. However, that’s beside the point—it’s still Mew! There are countless collectors who are dedicated to acquiring every Mew card they can find, so even at this adjusted price, it remains a worthwhile addition to many collections.
Charizard TG03/TG30: Surprisingly, this Charizard card, depicting the iconic Pokémon snuggling with Champion Leon, is among this week’s crashers. It’s a combination that screams ‘must-have’ for many fans, yet it has experienced a significant 25% drop, from $23.95 to $17.98, as part of the broader Trainer Gallery correction. Savvy collectors would be wise to consider picking this up before its price begins to climb again.
Pikachu VMAX TG29/TG30: This Pikachu VMAX also features the black and gold aesthetic. While visually striking, it’s arguably an underwhelming card given its rarity. It has seen a modest 9% drop in value. Despite this slight dip, it’s expected to see an increase in value over the coming years, though the black and gold cards could have offered more impactful designs overall.
Pokémon Card Climbers
Now for the thrilling part! While some cards are cooling off, others in the Lost Origin set are absolutely on fire, demonstrating incredible gains in value.
Giratina V 186/196: This card has not just climbed; it has launched into the stratosphere over the last month! Soaring from $570 to an astonishing $720+, this Giratina V is a breathtaking piece of art that perfectly illustrates the eerie beauty of the Distortion World. It’s a must-have for serious collectors, if you can get your hands on one!
Aerodactyl V Alt Art (180/196): It’s fantastic to see this Aerodactyl card gaining significant traction. Its Alt Art variant (180/196) showcases a stunning scene of the ancient Pokémon soaring majestically over a lush tropical landscape, brimming with exquisite detail and a lovely array of colors. It’s easy to understand why this visually rich card has jumped from $129 to over $180 in the span of a single month.
Pikachu V TG16/TG30: Pure Pokémon Generation One nostalgia! Featuring Red intently studying a map and Pikachu looking eagerly ready for a new adventure, this card epitomizes classic Pokémon charm. It was almost destined to significantly increase in value, and currently sitting at $99.07, astute trainers would be wise to add this gem to their collection sooner rather than later.
Pikachu VMAX TG17/TG30: This card takes that nostalgia and propels it into the Sword and Shield era of Pokémon, featuring Pikachu in its impressive Gigantamax form. The scene, with Red poised for another challenge and a wonderfully ‘chonky’ Pikachu happily standing upright, is truly captivating. This card, which once sold for $10-20 more than its Pikachu V counterpart, is now settling into the same ballpark at $96, making it an excellent pickup.
Rotom V 177/196: Rotom is a genuinely cool Pokémon, and I won’t hear otherwise! I’d love to have one inhabit my phone, making it fly around every day. And one day, I’d certainly love to add this Rotom V to my collection. It’s a cheap and cheerful card at $26, but it has steadily climbed from $22 in just a month, marking it as a promising low-risk investment.
