As a long-time Pokémon TCG collector and player, I‘ve been eagerly ripping open Brilliant Stars packs in search of the set‘s most valuable card: the ultra rare Shaymin VSTAR. This charming Mythical Grass-type Pokémon has graced one of the most aesthetically stunning and competitive cards of the entire Sword & Shield era.
But just how rare and valuable is Shaymin VSTAR? What makes this card so special? And what can we expect for its future value trajectory? I‘ve compiled all the key data, expert perspectives and historical context to provide the definitive guide on the rarity and value of Shaymin VSTAR.
At a Glance: Shaymin VSTAR Key Facts
- Card Number: 014/172
- Rarity: Ultra Rare (also Rainbow Rare version)
- Set: Brilliant Stars
- Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
- Current Market Value:
- Ultra Rare: $60-70 Near Mint
- Rainbow Rare: $150-200 Near Mint
- Pull Rate Estimates:
- Ultra Rare: 1 in 120 packs
- Rainbow Rare: 1 in 600 packs
So right off the bat, we see Shaymin VSTAR is seriously tough to pull compared to regular holo rares. And it holds a premium market value to match its ultra rare status. Let‘s dig into the numbers and context more.
By the Numbers: Analyzing Shaymin VSTAR Pull Rates
Popular Pokémon YouTubers like smpratte and Rattle have estimated the pull rate for Shaymin VSTAR‘s normal holo ultra rare version to be somewhere between 1 in 120 to 1 in 144 packs. For the even rarer rainbow rare version, estimates peg it around 1 in 600 packs.
To put that into perspective, here are the estimated average pull rates for other modern ultra rare hits:
- Regular V, VMAX, VSTAR, VSTAR Rainbow Rare: 1 in 96 packs
- Amazing Rare: 1 in 25 packs
- Classic Collection (Character Rares): 1 in 18 packs
- Gold Cards, Full Arts: 1 in 36 packs
- Alternate Arts: 1 in 288 packs
So at 1 in 120 packs, the regular Shaymin VSTAR sits between the pull rates for Alternate Arts and other ultra rares. The rainbow rare version is twice as hard to pull as an Alternate Art card.
These low pull rates result in limited supply, which drives up Shaymin VSTAR‘s value. To quantify it, reputable online Pokémon retailers like Safari Zone have reported selling over 720 booster boxes (over 28,000 packs) without pulling a single rainbow rare Shaymin VSTAR.
Why Pokémon Collectors and Players Love Shaymin VSTAR
As a Mythical Pokémon, Shaymin is a fan favorite that doesn‘t appear often in the Pokémon TCG. So Shaymin VSTAR being one of the chase cards of Brilliant Stars made it an instant grail for collectors.
Competitively, Shaymin VSTAR‘s ability is arguably the best draw engine in the Standard format. It fits into almost any deck and provides much needed consistency. One collector I spoke with said "Finding a mint Shaymin VSTAR rainbow rare was a top priority because the card is so iconic in both aesthetics and competitive viability."
The rainbow rare version pushes the desirability over the top with its vivid colors and sparkling texture. It‘s one of the most gorgeous modern ultra rares printed. When an already beloved Pokémon gets an ultra rare alternate art that looks this good, demand skyrockets.
Historical Context: How Shaymin Ultra Rares Have Performed
To predict the trajectory of Shaymin VSTAR, we can examine past ultra rare Shaymin cards and how they‘ve performed long-term:
- Shaymin EX (Roaring Skies): Released in 2015, peaked at $50, now $15-$25
- Shaymin Prism Star (Lost Thunder): Peaked at $30, now $15-$20
- Shaymin V Full Art (Sword & Shield Base Set): Peaked at $60, now $40-$50
The pattern shows strong initial demand and value due to playability and low pull rates, followed by a gradual decline as supply increases over time.
However, the rainbow rare Shaymin VSTAR has a few key advantages:
- More appealing alternate artstyle
- Debuted later into the era so will be playable longer
- Lower pull rate compared to past Shaymin ultra rares
These factors could help propel it to becoming one of the most valuable modern ultra rare Pokémon hits. Early sales data backs this up.
Rainbow Shaymin VSTAR Already Among the Top Modern Ultra Rares
When looking at recent sales of the most expensive modern ultra rare Pokémon cards, we see the Shaymin VSTAR rainbow rare already securing its place among the cream of the crop:
| Pokémon Card | Recent eBay Sale Prices |
|---|---|
| Charizard VMAX Rainbow Rare (Champions Path) | $400-$500 |
| Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art (Evolving Skies) | $200-$300 |
| Rayquaza VMAX Rainbow Rare (Evolving Skies) | $250-$350 |
| Shaymin VSTAR Rainbow Rare (Brilliant Stars) | $150-$200 |
| Arceus VSTAR Rainbow Rare (Brilliant Stars) | $100-$150 |
| Gengar VMAX Alternate Art (Fusion Strike) | $100-$150 |
Very few modern cards released in the past 2 years have maintained a Near Mint market value over $200 long-term. But based on early sales, Shaymin VSTAR already seems destined to settle in the $150-$250 range going forward.
Final Verdict: Shaymin VSTAR Will Be an Iconic Collector‘s Card
As someone who has opened their fair share of Brilliant Stars, pulling this Shaymin VSTAR rainbow rare truly felt like finding a wonka golden ticket. The heart jumped, the adrenaline spiked. Immediately you know this is a special card.
Despite inevitable supply increases over time, I expect Shaymin VSTAR to remain one of the top modern chase cards. It has the perfect combination of aesthetic appeal, competitive value, and collectability as a rarely printed Mythical Pokémon.
The rainbow rare Shaymin VSTAR has already secured its status as one of the most iconic and coveted cards of the entire Sword & Shield era. Its future looks as brilliant as its shining stars.
