The Most Expensive Pokemon TCG Cards In Brilliant Stars

This Pokemon Trading Card Game’s Sword and Shield expansion has been out on the market for a while now, and Brilliant Stars is shaping up to be quite special. Between the introduction of VSTAR cards, a larger percentage of cute Trainer Gallery cards to pull, and some of the best art the game has ever had.

With people opening their packs, booster boxes, and Elite Trainer Boxes, it’s time to look at which cards are the most valuable. Prices can sometimes fluctuate after launch, but we have a great idea of which cards are the big ones by now. No prizes for guessing Charizard will still be super valuable, though.

Updated January 13, 2025, by Andrew Scariati: The best Brilliant Stars chase cards are holding strong in their hierarchy, but two newcomers join the list. Although many of the best Brilliant Stars cards feature repeated appearances of traditionally popular Pokemon, the varied scenes offer unique art to appreciate.

12

Lumineon V (Alternate Full Art) – $15.17

Swimming Upstream

Lumineon experienced rough waters in 2024, as it saw a massive uptick during the alternate art hype that took the Pokemon TCG by storm around May 2024. However, its massive spike was followed by an equally impressive downturn, as it tumbled from $20 to roughly half that value.

Despite losing all of its momentum, Lumineon looks poised to regain its footing as the Pokemon TCG rises is prominence among new and longtime collectors. Its current market value is an indication that it won’t fade quietly into obscurity, as its art is worth the price.

11

Mimikyu V (Trainer Gallery) – $19.40

Back To Back With Acerola

Mimikyu and Acerola return, this time in a room where Mimikyu is presumably watching a gruesome horror movie – much to Acerola’s despair. While this scene itself is slightly terrifying, Acerola’s shocked expression is contrasted by Mimikyu’s blank stare.

The Trainer Gallery subset has had a long road to desirability, but the collection of scenes, particularly those involving Acerola, are incredible examples of the many cards that have art worth getting excited about. Even if you’ve never seen Acerola before, her actions in these scenes portray an accurate depiction of her personality.

10

Mimikyu VMAX (Trainer Gallery) – $20.50

March Of The Trainer Gallery

Mimikyu is renowned for trying to steal the love that Pikachu gets by dressing up as the Pokemon series mascot, but Acerola doesn’t need a reason to love this goofy Ghost-type. The VMAX cards always offer funny examples of just how big Pokemon can be using Galar’s signature mechanic.

While Mimikyu itself looks pretty standard here (aside from its size), Acerola’s usage of the Pokemon as a pillow makes this art stand out. While it’s not the most valuable Mimikyu in Brilliant Stars, it certainly earns a spot among the top ten.

9

Charizard V (Full Art) – $21.49

The Most Affordable Charizard

Charizard remains the most popular Pokemon in the history of the TCG, and seeing it claim multiple places in the sets that feature it is commonplace these days.

Modern sets tend to feature multiple rarities, like full arts, alternate full arts, and secret rares.

With so many stunning versions to enjoy, Charizard claims a few places among the best Brilliant Stars chase cards. While this card shared a similar spike, then dip as cards like Lumineon, the dropoff wasn’t nearly as severe, but this card’s meteoric rise that began at the end of 2024 sets it on an incredible path to be one of the top Brilliant Stars chase cards.

8

Sylveon V (Trainer Gallery) – $24.46

Kickstarting The Eeveelution Party

Much like the wonderful (and valuable) Trainer Gallery cards in Astral Radiance, Brilliant Stars boasts a bunch of beautiful scenes between Pokemon and their trainers. These are certainly among the best Brilliant Stars cards on cuteness alone, but Eevee fans have plenty more to enjoy.

There are two Eeveelutions that appear among the most expensive Brilliant Stars cards.

Whether you’re pining for some sweet Sylveon moments or you enjoy the adorable exchanges between humans and Pokemon, the Trainer Gallery has something for you.

7

Ultra Ball (Gold Secret Rare) – $25.78

Ultra Balls Never Go Out Of Style

One of this expansion’s handful of Golden Rares is Ultra Ball, a staple in the game that lets you discard two cards from your hand to search your deck for a Pokemon.

Ultra Ball has been reprinted lots and lots of times since it first debuted in Black & White: Dark Explorers, but this is the first time it’s appeared in the current Sword & Shield era, finding itself among some incredibly valuable cards.

6

Umbreon V (Trainer Gallery) – $26.99

Umbreon’s Turn In The Spotlight

The Umbreon V Trainer Gallery features some exceptionally stiff competition from another Umbreon variant, but this V version commands a strong price. While it’s technically inferior in strength to its VMAX version, this card’s art goes toe-to-toe with its alleged upgrade.

While the biggest difference between the V and VMAX cards is usually the size of the Pokemon, it all comes down to preference when choosing between the V and VMAX Trainer Gallery cards. That said, Umbreon and Karen shine brightly in both arts, so you can’t go wrong.

5

Sylveon VMAX (Trainer Gallery) – $31.22

Another Adorable Eeveelution Moment

This Sylveon VMAX mimics the whimsical tone that we saw in the Mimikyu VMAX, this time with Fairy-type trainer Valerie floating fabulously next to her beloved Sylveon. This card has grown on us, and many others, given the increase in price over time.

While some top-tier Pokemon like Arceus have fallen from the most expensive cards in Brilliant Stars, they’ve been replaced by some worthy challengers like Sylveon, alongside its fellow Eeveelution, Umbreon.

4

Arceus V (Alternate Full Art) – $34.76

The Last Remaining Arceus

Arceus V’s alternate art is simply incredible, showcasing Arceus flying high above the Sinnoh Region. Arceus is one of the most prominently featured Pokemon in Brilliant Stars, though its other versions have fallen off in value.

The Trainer Gallery’s variety of superb trainer and Pokemon combinations have largely replaced the multiple Arceus cards that used to be among Brilliant Stars’ most valuable.

Arceus has the double whammy of being the mascot for the expansion and a popular Pokemon for collectors anyway.

3

Umbreon VMAX (Trainer Gallery) – $48.41

Another Massive Hit From The Trainer Gallery

Umbreon VMAX is among the ever-growing number of Trainer Gallery cards on this list, a subset of cards in Brilliant Stars to showcase Pokemon alongside trainers famously associated with them. Karen’s cool demeanor is mirrored in the massive Umbreon behind her.

This is the same card introduced in Evolving Skies, but this time shows Umbreon with the Johto Elite Four member Karen in a nighttime cityscape. Although it looks fantastic, it isn’t as valuable as the Evolving Skies Alternate Secret Rare.

2

Charizard VSTAR (Rainbow Secret Rare) – $58.77

A Roaring Rainbow Rare

Of course, any expansion with Charizard is going to have it as among its most valuable cards. Charizard is so highly sought-after that it pumps up the value of not just itself, but of the entire expansion, as its presence commands a hefty price.

Brilliant Stars continues to soar in value as a set, in large part due to the draw of Charizard and the fabulous Trainer Gallery cards.

Charizard VSTAR also has the Star Blaze VSTAR Power, which deals 320 damage to your opponent’s Active Pokemon. It’s a big, flashy move on an immensely popular Pokemon, but its fall from the top spot is yet another casualty of the ever-changing and unpredictable Pokemon market.

1

Charizard V (Alternate Full Art) – $192.85

Flying To The Stars

Brilliant Stars is full of awesome art, but easily one of the best is Charizard V’s alternate full art. A dramatic fight between a Charizard and a Venusaur, with a cinematic angle and slightly muted coloring, is potentially one of the most visually impressive Charizard cards to launch in the Sword and Shield era.

It’s the same card as the standard full-art, but the new art helps pump up the value, and Venusaur’s appearance in it. While this card has had a tumultuous trip to the top of Brilliant Stars’ most valuable cards, there’s no denying the hype that comes along with a well-designed Charizard.