The Pokémon Trading Card Game's latest expansion, Delta Reign, has officially launched, bringing Mega Rayquaza back to the forefront five years after its appearance in Evolving Skies. Collectors are already seeing significant shifts in the secondary market as they aim to complete the 141-card set and pull its most coveted cards.
According to data from third-party market TCGPlayer, the most valuable cards in the Delta Reign expansion have begun to emerge. Leading the pack is the Mega Rayquaza ex (141/103) Special Ultra Rare, illustrated by takuyoa. This card has seen significant price increases, with one reported sale on TCGPlayer at $349.34 and an average price of $500 on eBay. This set includes three different Rayquaza cards, with the Double Rare 084/103 also available.
Taking the second most valuable spot is another Mega Rayquaza ex card (138/103) Special Illustration Rare, illustrated by Kozuki Minami, the artist behind the 2024 Pokémon TCG Illustration contest winner. This card currently holds a market average of $334.82.
The third most expensive card is the Raikou Special Illustration Rare (136/103), illustrated by aky CG Works, depicting the Pokémon in a canyon landscape reminiscent of the Mystery Dungeon games. This card is fetching a significant price on the secondary market.
Other notable high-value cards include:
Notable High-Value Cards
Zinnia's Trust - 140/103
This Special Illustration Rare, illustrated by GIDORA, features Zinnia, the Lorekeeper of the Draconid people, and her connection to Rayquaza. It is currently priced at $49.49.
Mega Golurk ex - 137/103
This card from 5ban Graphics has seen a notable price increase since its launch, moving from $23.24 to $43.99, attributed to the popularity of Mega Evolutions.
Eevee - 114/103
Illustrated by Hideki Ishikawa, this Eevee card, depicted in a picnic scene, is available for $30.37.
Groudon - 111/103
This Illustration Rare from Ryota Murayama showcases Groudon and includes a competitive ability that deals extra damage when a Stadium card with "Legendary" is active. Its market average is $28.43.
Mega Golisopod ex - 135/103
This dynamic card from 5ban Graphics is listed as the eighth most expensive at a market average of $22.12.
Growlithe - 106/103
An Illustration Rare by Yoshimoto Yoshimon, this cozy depiction of Growlithe has a market price of $17.67.
Kecleon - 117/103
Illustrated by Tomokazu Komiya, this card features an Art Brut-esque style and is priced at $16.93.
For collectors looking to acquire these cards, purchasing Booster Boxes or Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs) is recommended for the most consistent pull rates. However, the article advises waiting for the market to stabilize for better value on individual card purchases. The Delta Reign expansion is noted as being one of the more affordable recent sets.