The Scarlet & Violet base set has been a wild ride. As the market settled over the past year, a few cards pulled ahead, and not always the ones people predicted. We’ve watched prices across our marketplace and weekly auctions, and the story is pretty clear: special art treatments win hearts, nostalgia still moves the needle, and a handful of sleepers refused to stay “sleepers” for long.
Here's a countdown of the ten cards driving the most action right now, ranked by current market value. Whether you’re rebuilding a binder or hunting your next big pull, these are the cards you're chasing.
Looking to add one of these to your collection? Search Rare Candy's listings to see cards for sale and keep an eye on our auctions where new cards are made available all the time.
10) Armarouge ex (Illustration Rare) — $11.99
A friendly entry point into the top 10. The medieval armor motif and bright flame work look great in a sleeve, and it’s been a steady mover without the premium tax of special art treatments. If you’re dipping a toe into Scarlet & Violet chases, this is a low-stress win for the binder.
Card Number: #203/198
Rarity: Illustration Rare
9) Koraidon ex (Illustration Rare) — $18.42
Koraidon ex channels raw prehistoric power in its special art. The ancient legendary has a strong following, and the artwork highlights its primal strength in a way that really stands out. Collectors also love comparing it to Miraidon, making the two a natural pair in any binder.
Card Number: #247/198
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
8) Miriam (Special Illustration Rare) — $22.02
Trainer collectors have been popular since base set. The character work pops...expression, pose, styling, everything feels deliberate. It’s the kind of card that anchors a page and quietly climbs because people actually want to own it.
Card Number: #251/198
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
7) Slowpoke (Illustration Rare) — $24.40
This card might be a top chase for anyone that likes collecting cute cards. Nostalgia plus genuinely lovely illustration is a cheat code, and Slowpoke nails it. Not a meta staple, just a card people enjoy seeing, trading, and keeping.
Card Number: #204/198
Rarity: Illustration Rare
6) Kirlia (Illustration Rare) — $25.25
Kirlia’s illustration rare feels soft and dreamlike, almost like it’s floating off the card. The artwork captures its graceful nature beautifully, and it’s the kind of pull that makes you stop and admire it for a moment. Collectors love the premium feel without being out of reach price-wise.
Card Number: #212/198
Rarity: Illustration Rare
5. Riolu (Illustration Rare) — $26.91
Riolu’s Illustration Rare has a ton of energy, and this artwork shows a cuter and more mischievous side of the mon. It is the kind of card you notice when flipping through a binder, with strong demand that keeps it firmly in the chase tier.
Market Value: #215/198
Rarity: Illustration Rare
4. Miraidon ex (Special Illustration Rare) – $209.02
Miraidon ex takes the futuristic side of the Scarlet and Violet story and runs with it. The special illustration rare artwork brings out its sleek, technological design, making it stand out on the page. Collectors often display it with Koraidon for the perfect past-versus-future pair.
Card Number: #244/198
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
3) Ralts (Illustration Rare) — $29.86
Ralts has been one of the biggest surprises in the set. The Illustration Rare artwork is dreamy and artistic, and it has attracted collectors who may not have paid much attention to Ralts before. This is a clear example of how strong artwork can elevate a Pokémon beyond its usual popularity.
Card Number: #211/198
Rarity: Illustration Rare
2) Drowzee (Illustration Rare) — $33.73
Drowzee’s Illustration Rare has become a standout thanks to its incredibly unique artwork. Collectors who focus on the artistic side of the hobby have been quick to pick this one up, and the market reflects that demand. It is proof that even an overlooked Pokémon can turn into a chase when the art hits the right note.
Card Number: #210/198
Rarity: Illustration Rare
1) Gardevoir ex (Special Illustration Rare) — $55.10
The crown jewel of the base set is Gardevoir ex. Its special illustration rare is elegant, powerful, and beautifully detailed, making it one of the most desirable cards from the Scarlet and Violet era. It consistently performs well in auctions and often ends up as the centerpiece of a collection. This is the card that gets sleeved instantly and shown off proudly.
Card Number: #245/198
Rarity: Special Illustration Rare
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Final Thoughts
Scarlet and Violet base has proven that collectors respond to more than just playability. Art-driven designs, nostalgic picks, and even surprising underdogs like Drowzee have all found their place. The set balances premium content with accessibility, giving casual fans and dedicated collectors plenty to chase.
If you are exploring more from this era, check out our writeups on Obsidian Flames and Stellar Crown. For a look at one of the biggest modern sets, don’t miss our Evolving Skies top 10.
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