Will Evolving Skies Appreciate in Value? A Comprehensive Collector‘s Guide
The short answer is: yes, Evolving Skies has excellent potential to steadily increase in value over the next 5-10 years. As both a Pokémon collector and investor myself, I believe this set is one of the strongest modern era investments available right now.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll explain the key factors that drive appreciation for Pokémon cards, perform an in-depth analysis of Evolving Skies and its growth prospects, and provide data-driven predictions you can use to make informed investment decisions. Let‘s dive in!
Why Pokémon Cards Gain Value Over Time
Before looking specifically at Evolving Skies, it‘s important to understand the underlying factors that cause Pokémon cards to accrue value over decades:
Popularity and Nostalgia
Cards depicting perennially popular Pokémon from nostalgic eras almost always go up in value. Charizard and Pikachu are prime examples. Evolving Skies banks heavily on Eevee nostalgia.
Rarity
Scarcity drives up prices. This includes 1st Edition prints, limited runs, errors, and ultra rare Secret Rares or alternate arts. Evolving Skies has 34 Secret Rares.
Card Condition
Mint condition cards skyrocket in value. A PSA 10 1st Ed. Charizard sold for $350,000 in 2020.
Playability
Competitively viable cards hold value. Rayquaza VMAX from Evolving Skies sees heavy tournament play.
Sealed Product Scarcity
Out of print booster boxes gain value over time. Evolving Skies print run was smaller than typical SwSh sets.
Evolving Skies Set Overview
As a quick refresher, Evolving Skies contains 237 total cards:
- 8 Prism Stars
- 17 Vs
- 12 VMAXs
- 24 Full Art Vs
- 8 Full Art VMAXs
- 2 Full Art Trainers
- 34 Secret Rares
It focuses heavily on Eevee and Eeveelutions, while also having strong Dragon support including Rayquaza VMAX. The stunning alternate art VMAX Eeveelutions are the crown jewels of the set.
Now let‘s analyze why Evolving Skies is poised for steady growth.
Factors That Suggest Strong Appreciation Potential
Here are the key reasons why Evolving Skies has excellent investment upside:
Immense Popularity of Eevee and Eeveelutions
Eevee has been one of the most beloved Pokémon since the original Red/Blue games. Values of cards depicting Eevee and its evolved forms have exploded in recent years.
The Eeveelution focus makes Evolving Skies extra nostalgic for 90s era fans who remember the classic Eevee Brothers episode.
Gorgeous Alternate Art Chase Cards
Alt arts drive prices, and Evolving Skies‘ Eeveelution alternate art VMAXes are extraordinarily stunning:
These vivid, vibrant paintings by Pokémon‘s best artists are highly coveted by collectors and investors alike. Their aesthetics provoke immense nostalgia.
More Secret Rares Than Any Previous Set
With 34 Secret Rares, including 14 Alternate Arts, Evolving Skies has an abnormally high ratio of scarce chase cards.
Low supply plus high demand equals rising values. The Rainbow Rare VMAXes in particular will likely see large gains.
Playability of Cards Like Rayquaza VMAX
Rayquaza VMAX is arguably the best Dragon type attacker in the Pokémon TCG right now. We‘re already seeing it get heavy tournament usage that helps prop up its value.
Competitive viability provides a base level of demand for cards like this even as new sets release.
Limited Print Run Relative to Other Modern Sets
While print runs are never disclosed, retail data and product availability suggests Evolving Skies had a lower run than sets like Chilling Reign and Battle Styles. Lower supply catalyzes price increases.
Elite Trainer Boxes Already Command Over 2X MSRP
Sealed ETBs are a bellwether for set appreciation, as they give collectors easy access to booster packs. Evolving Skies ETBs now sell for $150+ just months post-release, compared to $50 MSRP.
This shows extremely high demand from investors and collectors alike.
Strong Nostalgia Factor
As one of the most beloved SwSh era sets, Evolving Skies prompts nostalgia for the entire VMAX format as we head toward the Scarlet/Violet era.
Collectors value sets that marked high points or endings of eras. This nostalgia will grow over time.
Predicting Evolving Skies Growth Trajectory
Now let‘s get into price predictions. Based on market analysis as both a trader and investor, I expect steady, sustained growth in sealed product and key cards in the 8-12% per year range.
Here are my 5 year price forecasts:
Evolving Skies Booster Box
| Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $180 |
| 2023 | $195-210 |
| 2024 | $210-230 |
| 2025 | $230-260 |
| 2026 | $250-290 |
Umbreon VMAX Alt Art PSA 10
| Year | Price |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $350 |
| 2023 | $380-420 |
| 2024 | $420-480 |
| 2025 | $480-550 |
| 2026 | $550-650 |
Long Term Outlook Is Very Strong
As nostalgia accumulates and supply dwindles years later, growth may accelerate further.
I expect Evolving Skies to be considered a modern vintage set in 10+ years, with sealed booster boxes possibly exceeding $1000 and PSA 10 Alt Arts valued in the thousands.
Now is an excellent time to invest in Evolving Skies at the ground floor.
The Verdict: An Excellent Investment Set With High Upside
Evolving Skies stands out as having tremendous investment upside potential even relative to other modern era sets.
Stunning alternate arts, Secret Rare scarcity, beloved Eeveelutions, and nostalgia combine into a perfect collecting and investing storm. If you buy and hold Evolving Skies sealed booster boxes, ETBs, and PSA 10 Alt Arts long term, the payoff could be very substantial.
As both a long time Pokémon collector and investor myself, Evolving Skies is a set I‘m heavily allocated in. I hope this guide gave you great insights into the growth drivers and appreciation potential. Let me know if you have any other questions!