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Crown Zenith isn’t just the final set of the Sword & Shield era—it’s a celebration of everything that made the era iconic. Released on January 20, 2023, Crown Zenith set itself apart with stunning artwork, innovative card designs, and an exclusive product distribution model that immediately captured collectors' attention.

Whether you're a seasoned TCG veteran or a newer enthusiast, Crown Zenith offers something special: unforgettable art, legendary Pokémon, and the thrill of the chase. Let’s dive into why this set stands out—and take a closer look at the Top 5 Crown Zenith cards every collector should know about in 2025.

What Makes Crown Zenith a Collector’s Favorite?

Before we jump into the rankings, here’s what makes Crown Zenith so unique:

Galarian Gallery: A 70-card subset showcasing breathtaking alternate art Pokémon and Trainers.
No Booster Boxes: Packs were only available through special products, like Elite Trainer Boxes and Premium Collections.
Art and Design Excellence: With dynamic, story-driven scenes and interconnected artwork, Crown Zenith raised the bar.
Sword & Shield’s Grand Finale: The set highlights beloved mechanics like VSTAR, Radiant Pokémon, and fan-favorite Trainers.
Collector-First Focus: Exclusive promos, premium packaging, and the absence of traditional booster boxes enhanced its collectability.

Top 5 Most Valuable Crown Zenith Cards (April 2025)

1. Giratina VSTAR (GG69)

Raw Value: ~$179–$182
Why It’s Special: Crown Zenith’s crown jewel, Giratina VSTAR, features surreal golden artwork that captures the Pokémon’s otherworldly nature. Inspired by the Japanese "God Pack" cards, it’s an intricate, swirling masterpiece.
Collector’s Note: With one of the lowest pull rates in the set, it remains fiercely sought after by collectors and fans of Legendary Pokémon.

2. Arceus VSTAR (GG70)

Raw Value: ~$106–$107
Why It’s Special: Arceus—the original creator Pokémon—is depicted in a celestial, almost divine aura. Its significance in Pokémon lore combined with the radiant golden illustration makes it a collector’s dream.
Collector’s Note: As another “God Card,” Arceus VSTAR attracts interest from both competitive players and lore enthusiasts.

3. Mewtwo VSTAR (GG44)

Raw Value: ~$93–$111
Why It’s Special: Featuring a dramatic battle against Charizard, Mewtwo VSTAR boasts one of the most dynamic scenes in the set. It’s the perfect storm of popularity: two iconic Pokémon, captured mid-battle.
Collector’s Note: Fans of either Mewtwo or Charizard won’t want to miss this card, and its unique crossover appeal keeps demand high.

4. Origin Forme Dialga VSTAR (GG68)

Raw Value: ~$75–$76
Why It’s Special: Dialga is beautifully illustrated manipulating time itself, with cosmic, golden flourishes highlighting the artwork. A spiritual companion to Giratina and Palkia, it rounds out the "God Quartet."
Collector’s Note: Difficult to pull and highly prized by fans of the Sinnoh region.

5. Origin Forme Palkia VSTAR (GG67)

Raw Value: ~$75
Why It’s Special: In a swirling depiction of space and cosmos, Palkia commands the environment in dazzling, golden tones. It mirrors Dialga’s energy, creating a must-have pairing.
Collector’s Note: A stunning addition to any collection, especially alongside Dialga VSTAR.

Honorable Mentions: Other Chase Cards in Crown Zenith

Secret Rare Pikachu (160/159): A playful, crowded illustration featuring Pikachu hidden among a sea of Pokémon—a truly special Secret Rare.
Radiant Charizard: Shiny Charizard variants always cause a stir, and this radiant form is no exception.
Full Art Trainers: Cards like Elesa’s Sparkle, Friends in Hisui, and Friends in Sinnoh offer collector and competitive appeal alike.
Radiant Pokémon: Radiant Eternatus and Radiant Charjabug add further depth to the set’s collectible roster.

Crown Zenith Product Highlights

Elite Trainer Box: Featuring a Lucario VSTAR promo.
Premium Figure Collections: Shiny Zacian and Zamazenta sets with figures and special cards.
Mini Tins and Special Art Tins: Featuring regional favorites and exclusive promos.
Regieleki V/Regidrago V Boxes: Offering additional Crown Zenith packs and playable promos

Final Thoughts

Crown Zenith is more than just the end of the Sword & Shield era—it's a masterpiece collection that honors everything the era brought to Pokémon TCG. With its breathtaking Galarian Gallery, exclusive release model, and unforgettable chase cards, it’s clear why Crown Zenith has become a modern collector’s classic.

Whether you're hunting the elusive Giratina VSTAR or building a full gallery of golden legends, Crown Zenith is a set you won't want to miss—today, and for years to come.