Why is Umbreon VMAX so expensive in 2024?
The alternate art Umbreon VMAX from Pokémon TCG‘s Sword & Shield – Evolving Skies commands steep four-figure prices in today‘s booming secondary market. As one of the rarest Pokémon cards in circulation, this Umbreon‘s valuation reflects a convergence of factors elevating it into the upper echelon of must-have collector‘s items.
Pull Rates: Quantifying an Ultra Rare Chase Card
Across Evolving Skies‘ main set and revered Special Art subset, Umbreon VMAX exists in just three primary print runs:
| Print Run | Odds of Pulling (1 in x packs) | PSA 10 Populations |
|---|---|---|
| Normal VMAX | 144 packs | 767 |
| Rainbow Rare VMAX | 864 packs | 247 |
| Alternate Art VMAX | 2,400+ packs | 183 |
At just 183 copies graded PSA 10 thus far with pull odds exceeding 1 in 2,400 packs, the Alternate Art Umbreon VMAX showcases extreme rarity even against Rainbow Rares and basic VMAX versions. Its minuscule circulation is the foremost reason behind lofty price levels.
Why Evolving Skies Resonates With Fans
As the Pokémon TCG‘s 9th largest set by cards printed, Evolving Skies parlays sheer popularity into driving demand for its rarest Chase card. Evolving Skies strikes a chord with its emphasis on dragon Pokémon and fan-favorite Eeveelutions like Umbreon, cementing its status as modern era darling.
The set also pioneered Special Art cards combining VMAX power with stunning original artwork. As just the 2nd ever Special Art print run, Umbreon VMAX holds an early mover advantage over even newer Special Art marquees like the Pikachu VMAX from 2022‘s special set Celebrations.
Grading Frenzy: Mint Umbreon VMAX Cards Break Records
The wave of grading that propelled Pokémon investments into the mainstream significantly impacts prices for gems like Umbreon VMAX. PSA 10 copies in particular command extremes.
A PSA 10 Umbreon VMAX recently sold at auction for over $50,000, crushing previous records for the card. CGC 9.5s also moved for upward of $20,000 in 2022:
| Grade | Recent Sale Price |
|---|---|
| PSA 10 | $50,400 |
| CGC 9.5 | $22,000 |
Cards encapsulated and protected by authorities like PSA and CGC provide the peace of mind serious investors need to commit huge sums.
Analyzing Recent High-Dollar Auction Outcomes
Public auctions provide real-time price discovery reflecting where the market values this prized Possession.
A PWCC May 2022 auction saw an Umbreon VMAX PSA 10 condemn for $50,400. Just months later, a CGC 9.5 copy bested $20,000. These outcomes showcase the card solidifying new price thresholds befitting its elite standing.
Shooting way above the typical $1,000 to $3,000 range even for PSA 10 Chase cards, Umbreon VMAX enters the true "blue chip" realm reserved only for the hobby‘s peak rarities.
Comparisons to Other Top Chase Cards
The Umbreon VMAX growth trajectory also impresses when measured against peers. Its 330% explosive gains over the past 18 months easily surpass even Charizard‘s VMAX between late 2020 and 2022:
| Card | Value Growth |
|---|---|
| Umbreon VMAX PSA 10 | +330% |
| Charizard VMAX PSA 10 | +150% |
This astonishing premium growth places the Umbreon VMAX among modern hobby apex predator cards like the Charizard VMAX and shining Pokémon V alt arts.
Artwork & Character Popularity
As a content creator enamored with compelling Pokémon backstories and card artwork, I believe Umbreon VMAX also draws power from captivating visual design.
The moonlight colors perfectly capture Umbreon‘s Dark typing and nocturnal vibes. The art radiates mystique and dynamism befitting one of Eevee‘s most elegant evolutions.
Umbreon‘s character popularity as the Dark-type Eeveelution rounds out the card‘s intense desirability among collectors curating their chase card portfolios around beloved Pokémon.
In Closing: A Convergence of Factors
Like an eclipse, the Umbreon VMAX brings together several critical forces at once: peque supply, speculation upside, stunning aesthetics, Evolving Skies nostalgia, and competitive utility. This super-rare card sits at the intersection of dynamics, new and old, fueling the continued stratospheric rise of Pokémon‘s investment collecting scene. As market authorities and content creators, we expect Umbreon VMAX to remain an apex collector‘s item for years to come both the strength of its unique attributes and the passion of fans eager to own a true modern crown jewel.
