The 10 Most Expensive Cards in Scarlet & Violet: Phantasmal Flames
Table of Contents
Scarlet & Violet — Phantasmal Flames has quickly become one of the standout sets in the modern Pokémon TCG era. Featuring the long-awaited return of Mega Evolutions, a strong lineup of Special Illustration Rares, and multiple high-value Trainer cards, the set has dominated early market demand and collector hype. As with any premium set, certain cards rise far above the rest in terms of desirability, price, scarcity, and long-term potential.
Below is a complete, SEO-optimized deep-dive into the Top 10 most expensive cards in Phantasmal Flames, including price behavior, pull-rate expectations, market reasoning, and investment rankings for collectors looking to buy now or hold for the future.
1. Mega Charizard X ex — Special Illustration Rare (Best in Phantasmal Flames)
The unquestioned king of Phantasmal Flames is the Mega Charizard X ex Special Illustration Rare. This card combines fan-favorite nostalgia and modern art direction in a way that no other card in the set can rival. The bold, cinematic artwork highlights Charizard’s iconic Mega X form with glowing blue flames, intense shading, and motion-packed effects that make the card feel alive.
Why It’s #1:
No Pokémon in TCG history matches Charizard’s power in the secondary market. Whether vintage, EX era, or modern, Charizard cards consistently perform better than nearly any other species. Add the ultra-low pull rates of a Special Illustration Rare, and you get a card that feels like a true chase piece rather than a mere collectible.
Current Price Trend:
Steady at the top—raw copies already command high prices, and PSA 10 specimens are selling at premium levels. Many collectors are buying multiple with the expectation of long-term price appreciation.
Pull-Rate Estimate:
SIRs typically appear around 1 in every 30–40 packs, but specific featured Pokémon like Charizard may be closer to 1 in 200+ packs based on box studies.
Investment Recommendation:
This is a must-hold. Mega Charizard X ex SIR is the long-term anchor of the entire set.
2. Mega Charizard X ex — Mega Hyper Rare / Gold (#130/094)
The gold Mega Hyper Rare version serves as a “trophy card” for the set. While the SIR is more beloved for its illustration, the Gold Charizard holds a special place due to its visual identity and extremely low pull rate.
Why It’s #2:
Hyper Rares are printed significantly less often than most rarity tiers, and Charizard Hyper Rares have a history of remaining among the most expensive cards in their respective sets. The gold texture, metallic styling, and rarity combine to push this card far above almost all other non-SIR cards in Phantasmal Flames.
Price Trend:
Slightly below the SIR version, but still one of the set’s most expensive raw and graded cards. These prices also remain very stable, a sign of strong ongoing demand.
Pull-Rate Estimate:
Average Mega Hyper Rare appearance: 1 in 60–70 packs—but Charizard variants are typically even rarer.
Investment Recommendation:
Excellent for long-term holding of Phantasmal Flames. A true “trophy” card.
3. Dawn — Special Illustration Rare (#129/094)
In third place is not a Pokémon, but a Trainer. Dawn is one of the most iconic characters in the franchise thanks to Diamond & Pearl and her longstanding connection with Piplup. The Special Illustration Rare captures her with vibrant detail, expressive artwork, and a scene that resonates strongly with both game fans and anime viewers.
Why It’s #3:
Trainer SIRs have become major value drivers in the Scarlet & Violet era. Their artwork, narrative direction, and fan-favorite characters create long-lasting demand. Dawn’s SIR is extremely low in pull rate and features some of the most polished art in the entire set.
Price Trend:
Stable and strong. Dawn SIR remains one of the top-selling SIR Trainers across the entire Scarlet & Violet block.
Pull-Rate Estimate:
Roughly 1 per 150–250 packs, depending on case variance.
Investment Recommendation:
Excellent long-term card in Phantasmal Flames. Comparable to premium Trainer SIRs like Iono and Miriam.
4. Mega Charizard X ex — Ultra Rare (#109/094)
The Ultra Rare version of Mega Charizard X might not be as artistic or rare as its SIR and MHR counterparts, but demand remains exceptionally high simply because it’s Charizard.
Why It’s #4:
Even the “basic” version of Charizard cards often outsell higher rarity Pokémon from the same set. This UR Charizard provides an affordable point of entry for collectors who can’t spend on the top-tier SIR or Gold Charizard, which keeps demand high.
Price Trend:
Consistently trending upward. Because it’s more attainable, it sells in higher volume than the SIR or MHR versions.
Pull-Rate Estimate:
Ultra Rares occur roughly once every 7–10 packs.
Investment Recommendation:
A safe, liquid investment. Easy to sell, easy to hold, unlikely to drop heavily.
5. Mega Sharpedo ex — Special Illustration Rare (#127/094)
Mega Sharpedo’s SIR shows a dynamic underwater scene with extreme detail. Sharpedo has always had a niche but strong fanbase, and this SIR amplifies that with premium artwork.
Why It’s #5:
Because Mega Evolutions are rarely printed now, any Mega Pokémon SIR commands immediate collector attention. Sharpedo’s design also lends itself to dramatic compositions, making this card visually appealing.
Price Trend:
Steady, with potential for long-term growth as Mega Evolution collectors continue building full sets.
Pull-Rate Estimate:
Around 1 in 150–200 packs (standard SIR rate).
Investment Recommendation:
Good secondary chase card. Undervalued compared to its rarity in Phantasmal Flames.
6. Mega Lopunny ex — Special Illustration Rare (#128/094)
Mega Lopunny has a massive fandom, and its SIR capitalizes on the character’s charm and kinetic pose.
Why It’s #6:
Cute Pokémon consistently sell well in both Japanese and English markets. Combine that with a Mega form and SIR rarity, and you get a high-demand chase card that appeals to a wide variety of collectors.
Price Trend:
High and stable, with potential upside due to strong character popularity.
Pull-Rate Estimate:
Similar to other SIRs: 1 in 150–200 packs.
Investment Recommendation:
Great mid-tier investment. High fan appeal ensures steady resale value of Phantasmal Flames.
7. Rotom ex — Special Illustration Rare (#126/094)
Rotom’s quirky personality in Phantasmal Flames has always made it a fan favorite, and this SIR fully embraces that by depicting Rotom amidst electronics and energy effects.
Why It’s #7:
Rotom collectors are devoted, and SIR versions of quirky Pokémon tend to perform extremely well. The artwork is also fun, which increases its appeal for binder collectors.
Price Trend:
Moderate but consistently rising.
Pull-Rate Estimate:
Standard SIR rate: 1 in 150–200 packs.
Investment Recommendation:
A strong “fun collector” card. Less investment-heavy but high appeal.
8. Meowth — Illustration Rare (#106/094)
Meowth’s IR features a warm, storybook-style composition in Phantasmal Flames that stands out from the high-action SIR cards. IR cards tend to rely heavily on artwork—and Meowth delivers.
Why It’s #8:
Nostalgia is a powerful market force, and Meowth is one of the most iconic Pokémon due to its presence in the anime. IRs also have wide collector appeal.
Price Trend:
Top IR performer in the entire set.
Pull-Rate Estimate:
IRs appear approximately once per 8–12 packs.
Investment Recommendation:
Low-risk, high-appeal buy. Likely to age well.
9. Piplup — Illustration Rare (#098/094)
Piplup IR cards often rise in value in Phantasmal Flames due to the Pokémon’s popularity among starter collectors and its connection to Dawn.
Why It’s #9:
Starter Pokémon always maintain demand regardless of rarity tier. The adorable illustration helps cement its position as one of the most desirable IRs in Phantasmal Flames.
Price Trend:
Stable, with potential upside as Dawn collectors seek matching cards.
Pull-Rate Estimate:
Standard IR rate: 1 in 8–12 packs.
Investment Recommendation:
Excellent entry-level collectible with strong long-term fandom support.
10. Dawn — Ultra Rare (#118/094)
Dawn appears again in the Top 10 in Phantasmal Flames this time as a standard Ultra Rare Full Art. While not as rare as the SIR version, it benefits from the same character popularity.
Why It’s #10:
Trainer collectors are loyal, and Dawn is one of the most popular female characters in the Pokémon franchise. Full Art Trainers also age particularly well.
Price Trend:
Healthy and stable, outperforming most Ultra Rares in the set.
Pull-Rate Estimate:
Ultra Rare frequency: 1 in 7–10 packs.
Investment Recommendation:
Strong for graded collections. High appeal, manageable price.
Final Investment Ranking for Collectors
Top 3 Long-Term Holds
- Mega Charizard X ex (SIR)
- Mega Charizard X ex (MHR Gold)
- Dawn SIR
Best Affordable Buys
- Piplup IR
- Meowth IR
- Dawn Full Art
High Upside, Medium Risk
- Mega Sharpedo SIR
- Mega Lopunny SIR
Final Thoughts
Phantasmal Flames is shaping up to be one of the most collectible sets of the Scarlet & Violet era. With its powerful lineup of Mega Evolutions, fan-favorite characters, and beautifully illustrated cards, it offers long-term value across multiple rarity tiers. Whether you’re a binder collector, a grader, or an investor, the top 10 cards offer opportunities at every level.