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Undervalued Scarlet & Violet 151 Cards (2026 Forecast)
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Undervalued Scarlet & Violet 151 Cards (2026 Forecast)
What’s up, Slab Fam! Your resident market tracker here, and today we’re diving deep into the set that brought back all the feels: Scarlet & Violet 151. I’ve been tracking these prices closely since launch, and while some cards exploded right out of the gate, I’m here to tell you that there are still some absolute gems lurking, just waiting for their moment in the sun. We’re talking undervalued cards that, by 2026, could see some serious appreciation, especially in their graded forms.
Let’s be real, the S&V 151 set is a love letter to the OG collectors, packed with stunning Alternative Art Rare (SAR) cards that just scream nostalgia. Everyone wants a piece of that Kanto magic, and that demand isn’t going anywhere. But with so much hype, how do you spot the sleepers? It’s all about looking at the data, understanding the market, and recognizing potential before everyone else catches on.
Prices as of March 2026.
Understanding “Undervalued” in a Hot Market
When a set is as universally beloved and highly sought-after as 151, nearly every desirable card trends “Hot.” So, how do we identify what’s undervalued? For me, it comes down to a few key metrics:
- Raw vs. PSA 10 Multiplier: This is crucial. A high multiplier (e.g., 6x or more) means there’s intense demand for pristine, gem mint copies, indicating scarcity or difficulty in grading perfectly. If the raw price is still relatively low compared to this multiplier, it’s a prime target for buying raw and grading.
- Sales Volume: More sales indicate sustained interest and liquidity. However, if a card with high sales volume still has a relatively “low” PSA 10 value compared to its potential, it might be undervalued.
- Iconic Status & Artwork: Some cards just resonate more. The Kanto starters, Pikachu, and legendary birds always command attention. If one of these is lagging in value compared to its peers, it’s a potential sleeper.
- Relative Market Position: Comparing cards within the set. Is the #2 chase card priced significantly lower than it should be, given its historical significance?
I believe the cards we’re about to discuss represent fantastic buying opportunities right now, both in raw and potentially even PSA 9 forms, with a clear path to significant gains by 2026, especially for those coveted PSA 10 slabs.
The Current Market Snapshot: S&V 151 Top Cards
Here’s a quick look at the top-tier cards we’ll be discussing, with their current market prices and graded values:
| # | Card | Set | Market | PSA 10 | PSA 9 | Raw | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charizard ex (199) | 151 | $429.80 | $1,875 | $475.00 | $400.00 | Hot |
| 2 | Blastoise ex (200) | 151 | $176.91 | $810.00 | $215.00 | $165.75 | Hot |
| 3 | Venusaur ex (198) | 151 | $157.35 | $599.99 | $165.00 | $136.25 | Hot |
| 4 | Charmander (168) | 151 | $129.34 | $700.00 | $172.50 | $117.50 | Hot |
| 5 | Zapdos ex (202) | 151 | $123.60 | $540.00 | $132.75 | $120.00 | Hot |
| 6 | Squirtle (170) | 151 | $113.72 | $519.20 | $149.00 | $102.50 | Hot |
| 7 | Bulbasaur (166) | 151 | $98.01 | $357.50 | $107.50 | $85.00 | Hot |
| 8 | Charmeleon (169) | 151 | $90.60 | $522.50 | $124.50 | $80.00 | Hot |
| 9 | Pikachu (173) | 151 | $87.88 | $430.00 | $93.44 | $79.00 | Hot |
Our Undervalued Picks for 2026
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. These are the cards that, despite their current “Hot” trend, I believe are still significantly undervalued and offer strong upside potential for collectors and investors alike.
1. Charizard ex (199)
Market: $429.80 | PSA 10: $1,875 (4.7x raw) (44 sales) | Raw: $400.00
I know what you’re thinking: Charizard, undervalued? Hear me out. Despite being the undisputed king of the set, the Charizard ex (199) has a PSA 10 multiplier of 4.7x raw. While substantial, this is relatively conservative compared to other high-demand Charizards from recent sets once their populations mature. With only 44 PSA 10 sales reported, there’s still significant room for population growth and price appreciation as more collectors chase this iconic slab. This Zard feels like a smart long-term hold, with its graded value likely to climb well past the current mark.
Charizard ex 199 | Charizard ex 199 on eBay
2. Blastoise ex (200)
Market: $176.91 | PSA 10: $810.00 (4.9x raw) (37 sales) | Raw: $165.75
Often living in Charizard’s shadow, the Blastoise ex (200) is, in my opinion, one of the most undervalued big hitters in the set. It boasts a slightly higher PSA 10 multiplier (4.9x) than Charizard, indicating strong demand for top-tier Blastoise, yet its raw price is nearly half that of its fire-breathing counterpart. With fewer reported PSA 10 sales (37) than Charizard and Venusaur, this card is ripe for growth as its iconic status and stunning art drive future demand for perfectly centered, gem mint slabs.
3. Venusaur ex (198)
Market: $157.35 | PSA 10: $599.99 (4.4x raw) (41 sales) | Raw: $136.25
The often-underappreciated Kanto starter, Venusaur ex (198), presents a compelling case for undervaluation. Its PSA 10 multiplier (4.4x) is the lowest among the three starters, despite its beautiful, serene artwork and equally iconic status. With 41 sales, demand is solid, but its current raw price of $136.25 offers an incredibly attractive entry point. Don’t sleep on Venusaur; it will undoubtedly play catch-up with its peers as the set continues to age and nostalgia ramps up.
4. Charmander (168)
Market: $129.34 | PSA 10: $700.00 (6.0x raw) (50 sales) | Raw: $117.50
This Charmander (168) is a showstopper, and the numbers don’t lie: a massive 6.0x raw to PSA 10 multiplier and the highest sales volume (50) on our list. This indicates intense desire for gem mint copies. Given its crucial role in the Charizard evolution line, its current raw market price of $117.50 feels incredibly low for a card with such explosive graded potential. Scoop up any clean raw copies you find!
5. Zapdos ex (202)
Market: $123.60 | PSA 10: $540.00 (4.5x raw) (42 sales) | Raw: $120.00
The legendary Zapdos ex (202) offers a solid 4.5x multiplier for its PSA 10, comparable to the main starters. What’s intriguing is that its raw price of $120.00 is almost identical to its market price, suggesting a stable floor but a significant opportunity. This card is waiting for its moment to pop in value once more collectors realize the potential in grading this iconic bird.
6. Squirtle (170)
Market: $113.72 | PSA 10: $519.20 (5.1x raw) (47 sales) | Raw: $102.50
Much like its fiery counterpart, Charmander, this Squirtle (170) boasts a very strong PSA 10 multiplier (5.1x) with high sales volume (47). The art is simply fantastic, and its current raw price is lagging slightly behind its clear graded potential, making it an excellent candidate for a raw pickup to send off to PSA.
7. Bulbasaur (166)
Market: $98.01 | PSA 10: $357.50 (4.2x raw) (52 sales) | Raw: $85.00
With the highest sales volume (52) on this list, Bulbasaur (166) is clearly a fan favorite, yet its 4.2x PSA 10 multiplier and raw price of $85.00 are among the lowest of the iconic cards. This disparity positions it as a prime candidate for future growth as more collectors decide to complete their graded Kanto starter sets.
8. Charmeleon (169)
Market: $90.60 | PSA 10: $522.50 (6.5x raw) (50 sales) | Raw: $80.00
This Charmeleon (169) is truly something special. It boasts an incredible 6.5x raw to PSA 10 multiplier, the highest on our entire list, indicating extreme demand for pristine copies. With 50 sales, this is a clear gem, and its $80 raw price is a massive disconnect from its graded potential, making it a screaming buy-and-grade opportunity.
Charmeleon 169 | Charmeleon 169 on eBay
9. Pikachu (173)
Market: $87.88 | PSA 10: $430.00 (5.4x raw) (42 sales) | Raw: $79.00
It’s Pikachu! Enough said, right? The iconic mascot, Pikachu (173), features a solid 5.4x multiplier for its PSA 10, combined with its universally adored status and a raw price sitting just under $80. This makes it an absolute no-brainer for long-term hold and grading potential. You can never go wrong with a classic Pikachu, especially one with such fantastic artwork.
Pro Tip: The Centering Advantage
When targeting these undervalued raw cards for grading, pay extreme attention to centering. S&V 151 had its fair share of print issues, and perfectly centered copies are scarcer than you might think. A well-centered card significantly boosts your chances for a PSA 10, which, as we’ve seen, often yields 4x to 6x (or more!) the raw price. Don’t be afraid to pass on a raw copy if the centering isn’t pristine; the premium for gem mint is worth the hunt. Check close-up photos or inspect in person if possible!
Protecting Your Investments
As you pick up these future grails, remember to protect them properly. Quality storage is key to maintaining condition and value. Here are a few recommendations:
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Sleeves: Keep your raw cards safe from scratches. KMC Perfect Size Soft Sleeves are my go-to for snug inner protection, and Dragon Shield Matte Standard Sleeves for outer sleeves.
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Toploaders/One-Touches: For those raw cards you’re sending off or holding onto, these are essential. Ultra Pro 3” x 4” Toploaders offer classic protection, while BCW 35PT Magnetic One Touch Holder provide a premium, semi-rigid display for your best pulls.
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Binders: To keep your collection organized and safe, a high-quality binder is a must. Vault X Premium Exo-Tec Zip Binder are excellent for both protection and presentation.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
The Scarlet & Violet 151 set is more than just a modern release; it’s a direct link to the very origins of our hobby, packed with stunning artwork and the most iconic Pokémon. While the initial frenzy might have stabilized some prices, the long-term trajectory for these original 151 Pokémon, especially in their highly-sought-after Alternative Art Rare forms, is undoubtedly upwards.
By focusing on these “undervalued” picks - cards with strong multipliers for graded copies, high sales volume, and undeniable iconic status - you’re positioning yourself for significant gains by 2026 and beyond. Keep hunting for those clean raw copies, master your grading eye, and let the numbers work in your favor.
What do you think, Slab Fam? Are there any other 151 cards you’re eyeing as undervalued sleepers? Drop your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Let’s discuss where the market is heading!