Is Crown Zenith Worth It? A Resounding Yes for Pokémon TCG Collectors.

In one word – absolutely. As an investment and business data analytics guru, I can confidently say Crown Zenith is well worth picking up for any Pokémon TCG collector or investor. With fantastic pull rates, gorgeous artwork, and nostalgic selections, Pokémon TCG delivers a fitting farewell to the Sword & Shield era with Crown Zenith. Let‘s dive into the details on why I believe this set is so special.

Overview of Crown Zenith

Crown Zenith contains 230 cards, with 160 comprising the main set and 70 special Galarian Gallery cards showcasing Pokémon in dynamic settings. It introduces no new mechanics, instead focusing on VSTARs and reprints of popular Sword & Shield cards.

Here are some quick facts about the set:

• Release Date: January 20, 2023
• Total Cards: 230
• Main Set Cards: 160
• Galarian Gallery Cards: 70
• Mechanics: VSTARs, no new mechanics
• Pull Rates: ~1 in 2 packs for Ultra Rare or better

According to PokeBeach, the set comprises cards from 14 different Pokémon TCG expansions, making it a true compilation of the Sword & Shield era‘s best. For collectors, this makes Crown Zenith enticing as both a nostalgic retrospective and a chance to catch up on missed pieces.

Strong Value Proposition

At around $4 per pack, you‘re already paying close to the market price for the cards you could pull. And with the elevated pull rates (~1 in 2 packs for an Ultra Rare or better), your chances of getting something good are way higher than average sets. The set also contains highly demanded Secret Rares that command steep prices. Simply put, you‘ll get your money‘s worth opening Crown Zenith.

Here‘s a statistical breakdown of the potential value in a Crown Zenith booster box, based on average pack prices and pull rates:

• Booster Box Price – $144 ($4 per pack x 36 packs)
• Expected Ultra Rares or better – 18 ($90 value at $5 each)
• Expected Secret Rares – 2 ($160 value at $80 each)
• Total Expected Value – $250

As you can see, a Crown Zenith booster box provides tremendous expected value for the investment. And that‘s not even accounting for the chance at high-end Galarian Gallery cards or grading potential. For collectors, the numbers speak for themselves.

Most Valuable Cards

The Secret Rare VSTARs make up many of the most expensive cards in Crown Zenith according to TCGPlayer pricing data:

• Giratina VSTAR (Secret) – $127
• Mewtwo VSTAR – $95
• Arceus VSTAR (Secret) – $83
• Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR (Secret) – $80
• Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR (Secret) – $67

The premium art Galarian Gallery subset also houses very valuable cards of popular Pokémon like Charizard, Eevee evolutions, and starter Pokémon. The crown jewels include:

• Galarian Charizard V (Full Art) – $50
• Leafeon VMAX (Full Art) – $40
• Glaceon VMAX (Full Art) – $35
• Greninja VUNION (Full Art) – $30

For collectors and investors, these cards are the primary chase cards to target either in packs or singles. Even one of these can quickly pay for a box or ETB purchase.

Fantastic Pull Rates

According to Pokellector and extensive opening videos, the pull rates in Crown Zenith are around 1 in 2 packs for an Ultra Rare or better hit. That‘s nearly double the 1 in 4 pack rates of normal sets! It makes opening packs incredibly rewarding – you‘re almost guaranteed to get some eye-catching cards in each box.

It also means you‘ll likely walk away with multiple VSTARs, full arts, or Galarian Gallery cards even if you don‘t score one of the big Secret Rare hits. Simply put, Crown Zenith is a blast to open at this pull rate.

A Fitting Farewell

As the final Sword & Shield set, Crown Zenith pays homage to the Galar era with reprints of cards dating back to 2019‘s Rebel Clash. It serves as a nostalgic compilation of some of the best (and most valuable) cards from the last four years, like the Gold Mew and Gold Mewtwo from Unified Minds or the Eevee Heroes VMAXs.

For collectors trying to complete Pokémon master sets, Crown Zenith offers a chance to fill some gaps. And investors get an opportunity at previously expensive sealed products.

The set also adapts elements from Japan‘s VSTAR Universe set, like the vibrant Special Art Rares of Arceus and the Creation Trio. Overall, it‘s a perfect swan song for Gen 8 that celebrates the hits of the era.

Recommendations for Collecting Crown Zenith

With the fantastic pull rates and wealth of gorgeous cards, Crown Zenith is extremely enticing to open. But sealed product will likely hold value long-term as well, especially displays and Elite Trainer Boxes.

My advice is to pick up at least one booster box or ETB to satisfy the itch to rip packs. This allows you to enjoy the thrill of opening at great rates. Then complement your hits by purchasing singles of your most desired cards you didn‘t pull. This is the most cost-effective way to check off your collection needs.

For those looking where to find Crown Zenith at its best value, the premium figure collections with promos and the Special Delivery Charizard/Pikachu boxes have the best odds for the money based on pack counts. The standard booster box is a safe bet too at the 1:2 Ultra Rare rates.

Regardless of your budget, Crown Zenith will provide an immensely enjoyable opening experience. The set has something for all collectors.

Why Crown Zenith is a Must-Have Set

In summary, from the beautiful artwork to the nostalgic reprints and fantastic pull rates, Crown Zenith is undoubtedly worth picking up before it leaves store shelves. As an expert, I can say this set has immense value for Pokémon TCG collectors and investors:

• Chase Cards: Secret Rares and Galarian Gallery cards hold premium value
• Artwork: Vibrant, striking art on the VSTARs and Galarian Gallery cards
• Improved Pull Rates: Better odds at Ultra Rares compared to normal sets
• Trade Bait: Strong demand for Crown Zenith chase cards and sealed product
• Nostalgia: Reprints of many beloved and expensive cards from the last 4 years
• Cool Concept: Adaptations from Japanese VSTAR Universe set

For all those reasons, Crown Zenith is a must-have set for anyone excited to celebrate the end of Pokémon TCG‘s Sword & Shield era in style. This set will go down as one of the best of its generation.