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Obsidian Flames: Best Cards Under $25 (2023 Budget Picks)

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Obsidian Flames: Best Cards Under $25 (2023 Budget Picks)

Hey Slab Hunters!

It’s been a wild ride since Obsidian Flames dropped back in August 2023. As a fellow collector who’s constantly chasing that next gem mint slab and tracking market trends, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly prices can fluctuate. Everyone remembers the initial hype, dominated by a certain fiery dragon, but what about the hidden gems? What about those incredible artworks and potential sleepers that won’t break the bank?

Today, we’re diving deep into the Obsidian Flames set, not for the obvious titans, but for the fantastic budget picks you can still snag for under $25. That’s right, we’re talking about building an impressive collection, finding grade-worthy contenders, and enjoying the thrill of the hunt without having to remortgage your house. While Obsidian Flames was released in 2023, the market prices we’re discussing today reflect values as of March 2026, giving us a solid, current look at what’s truly affordable and holds potential.

For many collectors, especially those just starting out or working within a budget, focusing on cards under $25 is where the real fun begins. It allows for broader collecting, gives you more shots at pulling and grading potential PSA 10s, and lets you appreciate the incredible artistry that often gets overshadowed by the chase cards. Let the numbers tell the story, and let’s find some value!

Obsidian Flames: Market Snapshot (Top Cards)

Before we jump into our budget beauties, let’s briefly acknowledge the heavy hitters of Obsidian Flames. While these are outside our budget focus, they provide context for the set’s overall market performance and demonstrate the kind of exponential value increases that are possible when you hit a highly sought-after card, especially when graded.

As you can see, the alternative art Charizard ex (223) remains the undisputed king of Obsidian Flames, with its PSA 10 fetching a stunning $600.00 - a phenomenal 5.5x multiplier on its raw price. Even the more common Charizard ex (228) shows a robust 6.3x multiplier for a PSA 10. These cards are fantastic long-term holds if you pulled them, but today, we’re looking elsewhere for immediate value and collecting satisfaction.

Our Top Budget Picks Under $25

Now, for the main event! We’ve scoured the current market for Obsidian Flames cards that deliver stunning artwork, solid collector appeal, and perhaps even some grading upside, all while keeping that market price firmly below the $25 threshold. These are the cards that prove you don’t need to empty your wallet to find treasures.

Cleffa (202) - Market: $24.16

Kicking off our budget list, we have the adorable Special Illustration Rare Cleffa. With a current market price of $24.16, it just scrapes into our under-$25 category, making it one of the absolute best values in the set if you’re looking for high-tier alternate art on a budget. The most exciting data point here is its PSA 10 value: $229.16, which is an incredible 9.3x multiplier on its raw price, based on 44 sales! This tells us that collectors are actively seeking out gem mint copies, and the pop report suggests that finding a perfectly centered, clean Cleffa is worth the effort. The artwork by Jerky is simply delightful, capturing Cleffa in a whimsical, starry environment, making it a highly desirable card for both art enthusiasts and graders alike. Don’t sleep on this little fairy Pokémon - its grading upside is clear. Cleffa (202) Cleffa (202) Obsidian Flames PSA 10 on eBay

Pidgeot ex (225) - Market: $19.51

Next up, we have the Special Illustration Rare Pidgeot ex (225) with a market price of $19.51. This card, featuring artwork by Shibuzoh., presents a majestic Pidgeot ex soaring above a city skyline, a truly iconic image for any fan of the classic Kanto bird. While we don’t have extensive PSA 10 or 9 sales data available for this specific card yet, its raw price of $18.00 and strong market demand suggest it’s a prime candidate for future grading bumps. Pidgeot is a fan-favorite, and high-quality alternate arts for popular Pokémon tend to perform well over time. If you can find a clean copy with good centering, this could be a fantastic long-term hold that you acquired for a steal. Pidgeot ex (225)

Charizard ex (215) - Market: $18.40

Yes, you read that right - a Charizard ex on a budget list! This full-art Charizard ex (215) offers an incredible opportunity to own a stunning Zard without breaking the bank, currently sitting at a market price of $18.40. While it’s not the coveted special illustration rare, this full-art version still features powerful artwork by Naochiyo that captures Charizard’s fierce presence. With its raw price slightly higher at $20.00, it shows that raw copies are holding their value, and the overall demand for Charizard remains evergreen. For collectors who want a solid Charizard ex in their binder or even a potential grading candidate, this card offers fantastic value. Charizard ex (215)

Gloom (198) - Market: $17.21

The Special Illustration Rare Gloom (198) is a fantastic, underrated pick with a market price of $17.21. The art by sowsow is incredibly charming, depicting Gloom in a cozy, somewhat melancholic setting that perfectly captures its essence. While PSA 10 data is limited at this time, its raw price of $16.37 indicates steady demand for such an aesthetically pleasing card. Collectors are increasingly appreciating these unique, character-focused alt arts, and Gloom’s artwork makes it a strong contender for future appreciation, especially in a high grade. Gloom (198)

Scizor (205) - Market: $13.46

The Special Illustration Rare Scizor (205) is a standout for metal-type fans, with its aggressive and dynamic artwork by Akira Egawa. At a market price of $13.46, it’s a steal for an alt art card of a popular Pokémon. Its raw price of $13.99 further confirms its desirability among collectors. While specific PSA 10 data isn’t readily available, cards with such striking visuals and a strong Pokémon fan base often perform very well when graded perfectly. This Scizor is a fantastic pickup for its sheer artistic merit and potential as a future slab. Scizor (205)

Pidgey (207) - Market: $13.38

The Special Illustration Rare Pidgey (207) is a surprisingly strong performer for a common Pokémon, boasting a market price of $13.38. Its raw price of $10.99 also shows good demand. The artwork is by Kouki Saitou, and it perfectly captures the essence of Pidgey in a vibrant, natural setting, often evoking a sense of nostalgia for older collectors. The “baby Pokémon” alt arts frequently become sleeper hits, especially when they precede more valuable evolutions (like our Pidgeot ex mentioned earlier!). It’s a low-cost, high-charm addition to any collection. Pidgey (207)

Pidgeotto (208) - Market: $9.72

Rounding out our list is the Special Illustration Rare Pidgeotto (208), making it a complete Pidgey evolution line of alt arts! With a market price of just $9.72, this card is incredibly affordable, and its raw price sits at $8.50. The artwork by Sanosuke Sakuma depicts Pidgeotto in a dynamic pose, ready for flight. Collecting the entire evolutionary line in alternate art is a popular goal for many, and this Pidgeotto offers an accessible way to complete that set from Obsidian Flames. For less than ten dollars, it’s an undeniable budget gem. Pidgeotto (208) Pidgeotto (208) Obsidian Flames on eBay

Pro Tip: The Power of the Pop Report & Centering

When evaluating a raw card for grading, always check the current PSA population report (pop report) for that specific card. A low pop count for PSA 10s on a desirable card can indicate significant upside if you find a gem mint candidate. Pay extreme attention to centering, print lines, and surface imperfections. Even a tiny speck can drop you from a 10 to a 9, dramatically affecting value, especially on cards with high PSA 10 multipliers like our Cleffa. Sometimes, a well-centered raw card with a few minor flaws is still a better buy for a binder than a poorly centered one, even if both are “raw.”

Protecting Your Slabs and Raw Gems

Whether you’re holding onto raw cards hoping for a future grade, or proudly displaying your newly acquired budget slabs, protection is paramount. Don’t let your investment or your cherished collection degrade!

• For Raw Cards: Sleeving and top-loading immediately is essential. For long-term storage or preparing for grading, I highly recommend using a combination of inner sleeves and rigid card savers.

  • KMC Perfect Fit Sleeves for that snug inner fit.

  • Ultra Pro Regular Toploaders for solid protection.

  • BCW 35pt Card Savers I for grading submissions.

• For Graded Slabs: Displaying your slabs is half the fun! But even slabs need a little love. Consider display stands and protective sleeves for your graded cases.

  • Ultra Pro One-Touch 35pt Magnetic Card Holder for showing off your best raw cards safely.

  • Vault X PSA Graded Card Sleeves to keep those slabs scratch-free.

Final Thoughts: Collecting Smart in Obsidian Flames

Obsidian Flames truly offers something for every collector, not just those chasing the top-tier Charizards. By focusing on these budget-friendly alternate art cards, you can build a stunning collection that’s rich in artistry and holds genuine long-term potential. The exponential multipliers on PSA 10s like Cleffa (202) prove that finding clean copies of these more accessible cards can lead to significant value gains down the line.

So, get out there, scour those local card shops, dive into online marketplaces, and hunt for these Obsidian Flames gems. Happy collecting, and may your pulls be gem mint!

What are your favorite budget picks from Obsidian Flames? Let us know in the comments below!