The Iconic Rainbow Rare Charizard VMAX Originates from Champion‘s Path
The stunning rainbow rare Charizard VMAX shines as the undisputed chase card from the Pokémon Trading Card Game‘s Champion‘s Path expansion, first released on September 25, 2020. I still remember the palpable excitement as collectors rushed to find this card which now easily sells for $300+ in flawless condition.
Behind Champion‘s Path – The Set That Reignited Pokémon TCG Hype
Champion‘s Path arrived at the onset of the pandemic in 2020, just as interest in Pokémon cards explosively reignited. The eye-catching set logo depicting popular Galar region champion Leon alongside flagship mascot Charizard foreshadowed the set‘s importer role accelerating the hobby‘s growth.
Leveraging the hype from 2019‘s Hidden Fates Shiny Vault subset, Champion‘s Path similarly focused on shining alternate arts and reprints of sought-after cards like Ho-Oh EX. But as the lovable Leon‘s debut TCG appearance, the set also introduced highly playable VMAXs of his ace, Charizard. Fans relished this long overdue pairing.
However, the standard Charizard VMAX took a backseat once collectors uncovered the set‘s radiant secret – the rainbow rare 073/073 Charizard VMAX.
Demand and Value: When Will Prices for the Rainbow Rare Charizard VMAX Cool Off?
| Date | Rainbow Charizard VMAX Value |
|---|---|
| Sept 2020 | ~$700+ |
| June 2022 | ~$400-$500 |
Despite some decline from its initial $700 peak, the rainbow Charizard VMAX commands strong triple-digit prices close to $500 for pristine GEM MINT copies as of summer 2022 with no signs of cooling off further.
What factors continue to drive such crazy demand? As my fellow investor Bill told me:
"It‘s the pinnacle Charizard chase card from Champion‘s Path, and modern chase Charizards rarely go down long-term since the organic interest never fades."
Bill expects further gradual value increases over the next 3 years. And according to renowned grading expert PGCSteve:
"Population reports indicate only a few hundred PSA 10 copies exist with sub 3 centering. Yet thousands of collectors remain vigilant in their quest to pack fresh Champion‘s Path hoping for their own rainbow Charizard VMAX 10,"
Steve predicts prices could double in 5 years as new supply dwindles.
How Does This Card Compare to Other Grail Charizards?
Charizard‘s enduring popularity spanning over two decades ensures collectability for many cards bearing his orange visage. Let‘s see how the CP rainbow Charizard compares to past grails:
Base Set 1st Edition Holo
- Current PSA 10 Value: ~$750k
- Key Fact: Only about 120 grade flawlessly from the 1999 run. Ultimate status symbol Charizard likely forever.
Shining Charizard (Neo Destiny)
- Current PSA 10 Value: ~$10k
- Key Fact: One of vintage‘s most stunning arts with intricate full foil backgrounds, but not Charizard‘s actual rarest card from the early era surprisingly.
Overall the rainbow rare Champion‘s Path Charizard VMAX showcases much stronger upside potential than these already established vintage options.
Its also superior to…
Burning Shadows Rainbow Rare GX
- Current PSA 10 Value: ~$650
- Key Fact: Modern rainbow rare predecessor but affected by nonspecial VMAX power creep.
We can expect the CP rainbow VMAX to continue outpacing its V era kin over the next decade.
Looking Ahead – Long Term Holding?
So early collectors who‘ve held the Champion‘s Path rainbow rare Charizard VMAX already netted 5x returns or more. Should we continue keeping it sealed away in our safety deposit boxes?
In my opinion – absolutely! All evidence suggests this iconic trophy asset still hasn‘t realized its eventual ceiling. Not to mention it sure looks spectacular gracing any serious collector‘s binder.
2027 could see prices crossing into four digits for gems. Again production caps limit supply, keeping prices stable against even heavy demand.
And as leading TCG investor garyha explained during my interview with him:
"There‘s so many new collectors trying to play catch-up by acquiring modern grail cards. The Champion‘s Path Charizard checks all the boxes – amazing art, supremely powerful mon, exclusive full rainbow sheen. It‘ll be sought after forever."
I have to agree. This card encapsulates the pinnacle and passion of Pokémon card collecting. We‘ll be the ones laughing last enjoying our sparkling Charizards decades down the road.
I‘d grade my own at a 9.5 which I refuse to part with after 22 agonizing Champion‘s Path booster boxes opened to achieve during the height of 2020‘s scarcity. Tales of woe and eventual triumph really personalize and strengthen the meaning of these cards to us as collectors. Own the journey and memories right alongside the valuables!
