Unveiling The Crown Zenith Chase Cards: Your Ultimate Guide To The Most Valuable Pulls
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has a way of captivating collectors and players alike, constantly introducing new sets that bring fresh artwork, powerful cards, and, most excitingly, highly sought-after "chase cards." Among these, one set stands out as a true gem and a fitting farewell to an iconic era: Crown Zenith. Released as the grand finale to the Sword & Shield series, Crown Zenith isn't just another expansion; it's a celebration of stunning artistry and a treasure trove for collectors hunting for those elusive, high-value cards.
If you've ever wondered which cards are truly worth chasing in Crown Zenith, or why this particular set has garnered such massive popularity, you're in the right place. We'll dive deep into what makes Crown Zenith special, explore the thrill of the chase, and highlight the top cards that every collector dreams of pulling.
What Makes Crown Zenith a Special Set?
Crown Zenith launched on January 20, 2023, as the final main expansion of the Pokémon TCG's Sword & Shield era. This send-off set immediately captured the hearts of fans for several compelling reasons:
- A Visual Masterpiece: Crown Zenith is renowned for its breathtaking artwork. Many cards feature full-art illustrations that extend across the entire card, showcasing Pokémon and trainers in dynamic and beautiful scenes. This emphasis on aesthetic quality is a major draw for collectors.
- The Galarian Gallery: A standout feature of Crown Zenith is its unique 70-card Galarian Gallery (GG) subset. These cards are distinct from the main set and are all full-art, often featuring alternate poses or scenes that truly make them works of art. This subset is a primary source of the set's most desirable chase cards.
- A Curated Collection: Unlike typical expansions, Crown Zenith includes cards from various Japanese sets that weren't released as part of a main English set. This makes it a unique compilation, offering collectors a chance to obtain cards that might otherwise have been harder to find.
- High Pull Rates: While not guaranteed, many collectors report relatively generous pull rates for ultra rare cards and Galarian Gallery cards in Crown Zenith booster packs, making the opening experience incredibly rewarding. This increases the chances of pulling something truly special, fueling the excitement of the chase.
The set itself is quite extensive, featuring 159 regular cards, 1 secret rare (a highly sought-after Pikachu), and the impressive 70 Galarian Gallery cards, totaling 230 cards to collect. This vast array ensures there's always something new and exciting to discover.
The Thrill of the Chase: Understanding "Chase Cards"
In the world of the Pokémon TCG, "chase cards" are precisely what they sound like: the cards that collectors actively "chase" or hunt for. These are typically the rarest, most valuable, and most visually appealing cards within a set. But what drives this relentless pursuit?
- Rarity and Value: Chase cards are often ultra rare, secret rare, or have extremely low pull rates. Their scarcity drives up their market value, making them significant investments for some collectors. Prices for these cards are dynamic, constantly fluctuating based on market demand, sales on platforms like eBay, and whether they are ungraded or professionally graded. For instance, while some of the most expensive Crown Zenith chase cards have seen price adjustments over time, their desirability remains high.
- Stunning Artwork: Many chase cards, especially those from the Galarian Gallery, feature exceptional artwork that elevates them beyond mere game pieces. Collectors are drawn to these cards for their artistic merit, often framing them or displaying them prominently in their collections.
- Playability: While not always the primary factor for chase cards, some highly valuable cards are also powerful in competitive play, adding another layer of desirability for players.
- Nostalgia and Iconic Pokémon: Cards featuring beloved legendary Pokémon, fan-favorite characters, or iconic moments often become chase cards due to their nostalgic appeal.
The experience of opening a booster pack and pulling one of these coveted cards is often described as exhilarating. It's this "jackpot" moment that keeps collectors coming back for more, fueling the massive popularity of sets like Crown Zenith.
Top Crown Zenith Chase Cards You Need to Know
Crown Zenith boasts an impressive lineup of chase cards, primarily concentrated within its Galarian Gallery subset. These are the cards that collectors are actively hunting, often fetching significant prices on marketplaces. Here are some of the most valuable and trending chase cards you can find in Crown Zenith:
The Legendary Beasts and Creation Trio
- Giratina VSTAR #GG69: Without a doubt, the Giratina VSTAR from the Galarian Gallery is often cited as the undisputed king of Crown Zenith chase cards. Its stunning, full-art illustration depicts Giratina emerging from a distorted dimension, making it one of the most visually striking cards ever printed. Many collectors consider it one of their all-time favorites. Its prices are consistently based on historic sales and high demand.
- Arceus VSTAR #GG70: As the creator Pokémon, Arceus always commands attention. Its Galarian Gallery VSTAR card is another phenomenal pull, featuring intricate details and a majestic pose that truly captures its legendary status.
- Dialga VSTAR #GG68 & Palkia VSTAR #GG67: Completing the creation trio, the Dialga VSTAR and Palkia VSTAR cards from the Galarian Gallery are equally breathtaking. Their dynamic artwork and legendary status make them highly desirable chase cards, often collected alongside Giratina and Arceus to complete the set.
Iconic Pokémon and Fan Favorites
- Mewtwo VSTAR #GG44: The Mewtwo VSTAR from the Galarian Gallery is another incredibly popular chase card. Its intense artwork and the sheer popularity of Mewtwo make it a must-have for many collectors. Pulling this card is often a highlight for those opening Crown Zenith packs.
- Gen II Legendary Beasts (Raikou V #GG41, Entei V #GG36, Suicune V #GG38): All three of the Gen II Legendary beast Pokémon received gorgeous new cards in the Galarian Gallery. These cards feature stunning, vibrant artwork that truly brings these iconic Pokémon to life, making them highly sought after by fans of the Johto region.
- Pikachu Secret Rare #160/159: As the face of the Pokémon franchise, any rare Pikachu card is bound to be a chase. Crown Zenith features a secret rare Pikachu, which is a highly valuable and elusive pull for collectors.
- Charizard VSTAR #GG10: While not unique to Crown Zenith, this exact print of the Charizard VSTAR with a different set stamp was also a favorite pull from Brilliant Stars. Its inclusion in Crown Zenith means that if you're chasing that iconic Charizard, you have another chance to find it here, making it a continued target for many collectors.
- Leafeon VSTAR #GG35: Originally thought to be cut from Evolving Skies, the Leafeon VSTAR in Crown Zenith offers more beautiful Eeveelution artwork to chase. Its serene and detailed illustration makes it a lovely addition to any collection.
- Mew Rare Holo #GG10: This adorable yet powerful Psychic-type Pokémon also received a beautiful rare holo card in the Galarian Gallery, making it a charming and valuable chase.
Valuable Trainer Cards
Beyond the Pokémon themselves, some trainer cards in Crown Zenith also hold significant value due to their full-art illustrations and competitive utility:
- Elesa's Sparkle Full Art #147/159: This full-art Supporter card is a prime example of a valuable trainer card in the set. With market values observed around $16.12 (as of April 23, 2025, prices can fluctuate), it's a desirable pull for both collectors and players.
- Friends in Hisui #149/159: Another highly sought-after full-art trainer card, Friends in Hisui features popular characters from the Hisui region, adding to its collectibility.
Generally, Pokémon V, VMAX, VSTAR, Radiant, and high-numbered Ultra Rare cards are among the most valuable in the Crown Zenith set, especially those found within the Galarian Gallery.
Where to Find Crown Zenith Cards and Check Their Value
Crown Zenith was released with a variety of products, making it accessible for collectors to start their hunt for chase cards:
- Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs): These are popular choices, often including booster packs, sleeves, dice, and other accessories.
- Booster Packs: The most direct way to get cards, these are found in various blister packs and collection boxes.
- Mini Tins: A fun, smaller option, often containing a few booster packs and a coin.
- Premium Collections: Such as the "Crown Zenith Premium Collection - Sea & Sky," which showcases legendary powers and includes multiple booster packs and promo cards.
Once you've started collecting, knowing the value of your cards is crucial. You can find out how much your Pokémon Crown Zenith cards are worth based on eBay and other marketplace sales. Resources are available to browse the checklist of all cards, see graded values, historic prices, and past sales data. Websites like TCGPlayer, PriceCharting, and eBay's sold listings are excellent tools for comparing ungraded and graded values for all Pokémon TCG Crown Zenith cards.
While the market for some of the top chase cards has seen price adjustments, the overall demand for Crown Zenith remains strong due to its quality and the sheer number of desirable cards. It's a set that offers a very high chance of pulling something you'll love, even if it's not the absolute top chase card.
Conclusion
Crown Zenith truly stands as a monumental set in the Pokémon TCG, serving as a magnificent send-off to the Sword & Shield era. Its unparalleled artwork, the innovative Galarian Gallery, and the abundance of highly desirable chase cards make it a collector's dream. Whether you're drawn to the epic scale of Giratina VSTAR, the iconic presence of Mewtwo, or the serene beauty of the Gen II Legendary Beasts, the thrill of the chase in Crown Zenith is undeniable.
The set embodies everything fans love about the Pokémon TCG: the excitement of opening packs, the joy of discovering stunning artwork, and the satisfaction of adding valuable and rare cards to your collection. So, if you're looking to immerse yourself in a set brimming with potential treasures, Crown Zenith is an absolute must-explore. Happy hunting!
Summary of Key Takeaways:
- Crown Zenith is the final, highly acclaimed expansion of the Pokémon TCG Sword & Shield era, celebrated for its stunning artwork and the unique 70-card Galarian Gallery.
- "Chase cards" are the most sought-after, valuable, and rare cards in a set, driven by their scarcity, artistic appeal, and iconic Pokémon.
- Top Crown Zenith chase cards include Giratina VSTAR #GG69, Arceus VSTAR #GG70, Dialga VSTAR #GG68, Palkia VSTAR #GG67, Mewtwo VSTAR #GG44, the Gen II Legendary Beasts (Raikou, Entei, Suicune), Pikachu Secret Rare, Charizard VSTAR, Leafeon VSTAR, and valuable full-art Trainer cards like Elesa's Sparkle and Friends in Hisui.
- Cards can be found in various products like ETBs, booster packs, and premium collections, with their values trackable on platforms like eBay and TCGPlayer.
- Crown Zenith's high quality and rewarding pull rates make it a popular and exciting set for collectors to engage with.
Top 10 Crown Zenith Chase Cards - Coded Yellow
Top 10 Crown Zenith Chase Cards - Coded Yellow
Already got my main chase card from Crown Zenith!! : pkmntcgcollections
