As a long-time Pokémon collector and investment analyst, I‘m often asked – just how rare are the highly coveted Charizard VMAX cards?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll analyze the rarity, valuation, and collecting prospects for Pokémon‘s most iconic VMAX card. Strap yourself in for a detailed data-driven assessment of the Charizard VMAX market.
Introducing VMAX – The Next Evolution in Pokémon Cards
First, let‘s understand the history. VMAX cards were introduced in 2019‘s Sword & Shield base set, taking the new V mechanic to the next level. VMAX feature higher HP and more powerful attacks than regular V, with only 1 VMAX allowed per deck.
Charizard received his first VMAX treatment as the cover star of Sword & Shield – Darkness Ablaze in August 2020. Featuring scorching 300HP and a devastating G-Max Wildfire attack, the card perfectly matched Charizard‘s fiery persona.
Let‘s analyze the different Charizard VMAX variants released so far:
Rainbow Rare Charizard VMAX – Darkness Ablaze
The stunning secret rare Rainbow Charizard VMAX became the undisputed chase card of Darkness Ablaze. With a textured rainbow finish and powerful stats, it was coveted by collectors and competitive players alike.
But just how hard is it to pull? Of the 189 cards in the Darkness Ablaze set, the Rainbow VMAX was classified as an Ultra Rare, meaning roughly 1 in 9 booster boxes should contain a copy.
However, based on actual pack opening data, the pull rate appears to be around 1 in 500 packs – suggesting a short print run for this secret rare beauty.
Full Art Charizard VMAX – Champion‘s Path
Champion‘s Path doubled down on Charizard VMAX, releasing both a Full Art and Rainbow Rare version. The non-textured Full Art featured vivid coloring of Galar‘s fiery mascot.
As 1 of just 73 cards in the set, and classified as an Ultra Rare, the Full Art VMAX is somewhat more common than its rainbow counterpart. The estimated pull rate is around 1 in 130 packs – still no guarantee, but reasonable odds for persistent collectors.
Rainbow Rare Charizard VMAX – Champion‘s Path
Matching the previous set‘s secret rainbow rare, this card pushed even more eye-catching color and texture. As a Secret Rare in the Champion‘s Path set, it is extremely elusive.
Actual pack opening data suggests the pull rate for this beauty is roughly 1 in 273 packs. That makes it over twice as rare as the non-rainbow Full Art version from the same set!
By The Numbers – How Rare Are These Cards Really?
Now let‘s quantify precisely how scarce these coveted Charizard VMAX cards are:
Rainbow Rare VMAX (Darkness Ablaze)
- 1 per ~500 packs
- ~2 per booster box (36 packs)
- ~4 per booster case (6 boxes)
Full Art VMAX (Champion‘s Path)
- 1 per ~130 packs
- 3-4 per booster box (36 packs)
- 18-24 per booster case (6 boxes)
Rainbow Rare VMAX (Champion‘s Path)
- 1 per ~273 packs
- 1-2 per booster box (36 packs)
- 6-12 per booster case (6 boxes)
For the rainbow rares in particular, we‘re talking hyper scarce pull rates of 1 per few hundred packs, or just a few per booster case. Even the more common Full Art clocks in at only 3-4 per booster box.
These numbers quantify the elusiveness that makes Charizard VMAX cards so coveted. Let‘s analyze how that rarity translates into monetary value.
Current Market Pricing Across Conditions
Rarity alone doesn‘t drive value – demand does. And for Charizard VMAX, off-the-charts collector demand combines explosively with miniscule supply:
Rainbow Rare VMAX (Darkness Ablaze)
- Raw NM/M copies: $700 – $900+
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $2500+
Full Art VMAX (Champion‘s Path)
- Raw NM/M copies: ~$200
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $600+
Rainbow Rare VMAX (Champion‘s Path)
- Raw NM/M copies: $400 – $500+
- PSA 10 Gem Mint: $1000+
These are current market rates at time of writing. Notably, a PSA 10 grade more than triples the price vs raw NM copies. Perfect centering, edges, corners and surface are indispensable for the premium collectors are willing to pay.
Future Price Trajectory and Investment Outlook
Where are Charizard VMAX prices headed in future? As a collectibles investment analyst, I expect continued upside for the short to mid term:
- Popularity of Pokémon and Charizard shows no signs of declining, sustaining demand from a growing collector base
- Nostalgia for vintage-inspired chase cards like Rainbow Rare Charizard VMAX should support prices
- Limited supply and population of pristine graded copies means room for growth as demand increases
- Some minor price correction is possible if reprints are announced, but upside likely remains
Long term, iconic chase cards like these should perform well as blue chip collectibles, with cultural significance carrying future generations. While risks like reprints and changing consumer preferences exist, the cards seem poised for steady gains for years to come.
In summary, Charizard VMAX represents the pinnacle of coveted modern Pokémon chase cards, with stunning artwork matched by extreme rarity. For collectors and investors alike, they are about as good as it gets within the current TCG landscape.
I hope this data-driven expert analysis has provided a comprehensive view of just how rare and valuable these prized Charizards truly are! Please don‘t hesitate to reach out if you need any other collectible investing insights.
