×

Image sourced from eBay listings

Is Romance Dawn One Piece Worth Collecting? 2026 Investment Review

This post contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Romance Dawn is a WATCH for collectors in 2026, particularly for those targeting its high-value chase cards like Roronoa Zoro and Shanks. The top 8 cards alone represent a significant investment floor of $16,387 raw, with the PSA 10 Roronoa Zoro commanding $12,300, indicating strong long-term potential for graded specimens.

The median price of the top chase cards in the Romance Dawn One Piece TCG set has seen fluctuations over the last 30 days. This initial set, crucial for establishing the foundation of any One Piece card collection, features characters that have resonated deeply with fans and collectors alike. With a sum of its top 8 chase cards’ raw prices reaching $16,387, Romance Dawn sets a high bar for investment consideration. The Monkey.D.Luffy [Alt Art] OP01-003 offers a remarkable grading ROI of 94.7%, showcasing the potential for profit through professional grading. However, the full cost to acquire a complete set, including commons and unlisted parallels, is estimated to be 1.0–1.2 times this figure, placing a complete raw set acquisition in the range of $19,664 to $23,550. This review will break down the investment potential for collectors looking to acquire this pivotal set in 2026. Last updated: October 2026.

In This Article

• About Romance Dawn

• The Top Chase Cards

• 1. Roronoa Zoro [Top 8] (OP01-025)

• 2. Shanks [Serial] (OP01-120)

• 3. Nami [Manga] (OP01-016)

• 4. Monkey.D.Luffy [Alt Art] (OP01-003)

• 5. Yamato [Top 64] (OP01-121)

• 6. Shanks [Manga Alternate Art] (OP01-120)

• 7. Shanks [Manga PRB01] (OP01-120)

• 8. Kaido [Top 8] (OP01-094)

• Investment Analysis

• Grading ROI Across the Set

• Complete-Set Cost Considerations

• Short-Term vs. Long-Term Outlook

• Potential Risks for Collectors

• Worth Collecting? The Verdict

• Pro Tip: Grading Strategy for Romance Dawn

• Frequently Asked Questions

About Romance Dawn

The Romance Dawn set represents the inaugural release for the One Piece Trading Card Game, marking its grand entrance into the competitive TCG collectibles market. While the exact release year and card count for this foundational set are not specified, its significance cannot be overstated. As the first wave of One Piece cards, it holds a unique position, introducing iconic characters and pivotal moments from the beloved manga and anime series to card collectors. Sets like this, especially from a globally recognized franchise like One Piece, often become highly sought after due to their status as the initial offering. The scarcity and demand for these early printings can contribute to sustained value, making them prime targets for collectors looking to secure a piece of One Piece TCG history. Its place in the TCG landscape is defined by its role as the genesis of the One Piece card game’s journey.

The Top Chase Cards

The value within the Romance Dawn set is heavily concentrated in its chase cards, featuring some of the most popular and powerful characters from the series. These cards are the primary drivers of market interest and investment potential.

Data sources: What The Slab checks eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices, and PSA public-API pop reports. All figures as of October 2026.

1. Roronoa Zoro [Top 8] (OP01-025)

The Roronoa Zoro [Top 8] card stands as a formidable presence in the Romance Dawn set. With a raw price of $3,586 and a PSA 10 median of $12,300, this card highlights the significant premium placed on iconic characters in peak condition. The 3.4× multiplier between raw and PSA 10 suggests that achieving a gem mint grade can substantially increase a card’s value. For collectors, securing a high-grade Zoro is a primary objective, and its price point reflects its status as a top-tier collectible within the set. This card is a strong indicator of the set’s overall market strength, driven by both gameplay demand and collector desire for iconic art.

Buy Roronoa Zoro [Top 8] on eBay Buy Roronoa Zoro [Top 8] on TCGPlayer

2. Shanks [Serial] (OP01-120)

Shanks, with his enigmatic presence and canonical importance, commands immense respect and value in the One Piece TCG. The Shanks [Serial] OP01-120 variant is a prime example, listed at a raw price of $3,109 and reaching a PSA 10 median of $12,101. This represents a substantial 3.9× multiplier, the highest among the top 8 cards, indicating that graded serial numbered Shanks cards are exceptionally desirable and rare. Acquiring this card represents a significant investment, but its potential for appreciation, especially in gem mint condition, is substantial. Its rarity and the character’s status make it a centerpiece for any serious One Piece collector.

Buy Shanks [Serial] on eBay Buy Shanks [Serial] on TCGPlayer

3. Nami [Manga] (OP01-016)

Nami’s [Manga] OP01-016 card offers a different investment profile within the Romance Dawn set. While its raw price of $1,935 and PSA 10 median of $2,950 show a more modest 1.5× multiplier, it still presents a clear avenue for grading profit with an 11.8% Grading ROI. This suggests that while the jump in value from raw to PSA 10 is not as dramatic as some other chase cards, the potential for a positive return on investment through grading is present. For collectors interested in a balance between immediate value and potential grading upside, this Nami card is an attractive option.

Buy Nami [Manga] on eBay Buy Nami [Manga] on TCGPlayer

4. Monkey.D.Luffy [Alt Art] (OP01-003)

The Monkey.D.Luffy [Alt Art] OP01-003 is a critical card, embodying the spirit of the protagonist. With a raw price of $1,700 and a PSA 10 median of $5,165, this card offers an impressive 3.0× multiplier. Furthermore, its standout feature is a remarkable Grading ROI of 94.7%, making it one of the most compelling cards for a buy-raw-and-grade strategy. The demand for the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, especially in a visually striking alternate art, is immense. This card is not only a key piece for set completion but also a strong contender for significant appreciation through professional grading.

Buy Monkey.D.Luffy [Alt Art] on eBay Buy Monkey.D.Luffy [Alt Art] on TCGPlayer

5. Yamato [Top 64] (OP01-121)

Yamato, a fan-favorite character, is represented strongly in the Romance Dawn set with the [Top 64] OP01-121 card. Valued at $1,700 raw and reaching $3,625 in PSA 10 condition, it shows a 2.1× multiplier. The card also boasts an attractive Grading ROI of 53.2%, positioning it as another excellent candidate for collectors looking to leverage grading for profit. The demand for Yamato is consistently high, and this card’s prominent art and number within the set contribute to its desirability. It offers a solid blend of character appeal and investment potential through grading.

Buy Yamato [Top 64] on eBay Buy Yamato [Top 64] on TCGPlayer

6. Shanks [Manga Alternate Art] (OP01-120)

This particular Shanks variant, the [Manga Alternate Art] OP01-120, presents an exceptional investment opportunity. With a raw price of $1,529 and a PSA 10 median of $4,451, it achieves an outstanding 2.9× multiplier. Crucially, its Grading ROI stands at a remarkable 105.3%, the highest among the listed chase cards. This indicates that submitting this raw card for grading could nearly double the initial investment upon achieving a PSA 10 grade. Given Shanks’s status, this alternate art card is highly sought after and represents a prime target for grading flips.

Buy Shanks [Manga Alternate Art] on eBay Buy Shanks [Manga Alternate Art] on TCGPlayer

7. Shanks [Manga PRB01] (OP01-120)

Another Shanks card, the [Manga PRB01] OP01-120, is also a notable entry, priced at $1,417 raw with a PSA 10 median of $2,075. It exhibits a 1.5× multiplier, similar to the Nami [Manga] card, and provides a Grading ROI of 11.0%. While not as high as some other Shanks variants or Luffy’s alternate art, this card still offers a positive return on grading investment. For collectors aiming to complete their Shanks lineup or seeking more accessible graded cards from the set, this variant is a sensible choice, balancing cost with potential appreciation.

Buy Shanks [Manga PRB01] on eBay Buy Shanks [Manga PRB01] on TCGPlayer

8. Kaido [Top 8] (OP01-094)

Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, is a powerhouse character, and his [Top 8] OP01-094 card reflects that strength in the market. With a raw price of $1,411 and a PSA 10 median of $3,850, this card yields a 2.7× multiplier. Its Grading ROI is an impressive 89.5%, making it another prime candidate for collectors interested in maximizing profit through grading. The raw power and intimidating presence of Kaido translate directly into collector demand, solidifying this card as a significant asset within the Romance Dawn set.

Buy Kaido [Top 8] on eBay Buy Kaido [Top 8] on TCGPlayer

Investment Analysis

Grading ROI Across the Set

The Romance Dawn set presents significant opportunities for collectors focused on grading as an investment strategy. The Shanks [Manga Alternate Art] OP01-120 stands out with a remarkable 105.3% Grading ROI, meaning that raw copies, when graded to PSA 10, can nearly double in value. Following closely, the Kaido [Top 8] OP01-094 at 89.5% and the Monkey.D.Luffy [Alt Art] OP01-003 at 94.7% also offer substantial returns. These figures suggest that acquiring raw copies of these key cards and submitting them for grading is a financially viable strategy, provided careful attention is paid to card condition and grading fees. Even cards like Yamato [Top 64] OP01-121 with a 53.2% ROI present a strong case for this approach.

Complete-Set Cost Considerations

The sum of the top 8 chase cards’ raw prices stands at $16,387. However, this figure represents only the pinnacle of the set’s value. To acquire a complete raw set of Romance Dawn, collectors must account for the cost of commons, uncommons, rares, and any unlisted parallel versions. For TCGs like One Piece, it’s reasonable to estimate the complete-set cost as 1.0–1.2 times the floor price of the top cards, as bulk and commons are generally less impactful on the overall market value compared to Pokemon TCGs. Therefore, a conservative estimate for acquiring a complete raw set would range from approximately $16,387 to $19,664 (using the 1.0–1.2 multiplier). This does not include the cost of grading or any premium for cards in already graded condition.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Outlook

Romance Dawn, as the foundational set for the One Piece TCG, is positioned for long-term value appreciation. Its status as the inaugural release ensures inherent collector interest. The current market data shows strong demand for its top chase cards, particularly the serialized Shanks and high-rarity alternate arts. While short-term price fluctuations are always possible due to market trends or new set releases, the long-term outlook appears positive. Collectors investing in this set are likely looking for sustained growth, driven by the enduring popularity of One Piece and the increasing scarcity of early-print-run cards. This makes it an attractive option for those with a patient investment horizon.

Potential Risks for Collectors

Despite the strong prospects, collectors should be aware of potential risks. The primary concern for any TCG is the risk of reprints. If Bandai Namco decides to re-release Romance Dawn or heavily introduce similar chase cards in future sets, it could dilute the scarcity of the original print run, potentially impacting prices. Another factor is the evolving nature of the TCG meta; while chase cards hold value regardless of playability, significant shifts in the game’s competitive landscape could indirectly influence demand. Furthermore, changes in grading standards or the emergence of new grading companies could alter the premium associated with PSA 10 grades. Finally, the market for One Piece TCG is still relatively new compared to more established TCGs, meaning it may be more susceptible to larger market corrections.

Pro Tip: Grading Strategy for Romance Dawn

When considering grading for Romance Dawn, prioritize cards with high PSA 10 multipliers and strong Grading ROIs. For instance, the Shanks [Manga Alternate Art] OP01-120, with its 105.3% ROI, is a prime candidate. Factor in current grading fees (PSA Standard is $59.99, taking 90-100 business days) when calculating your potential profit. Aim for cards with excellent centering and minimal surface flaws to maximize your chances of achieving a PSA 10 grade, which is crucial for realizing the highest returns. Remember, the cost of grading and the time it takes to receive your slabs are significant considerations in your investment strategy.

Worth Collecting? The Verdict

Verdict: WATCH

For the TCG collectibles completionist, Romance Dawn is a WATCH. As the inaugural set, it’s essential for historical completeness. While acquiring the entire set raw is estimated to cost between $16,387 and $19,664, the value proposition is in owning the beginning of the One Piece TCG saga. Prioritize key chase cards like the serialized Shanks and the high-ROI graded candidates first.

For the ROI-focused investor, Romance Dawn is a WATCH. The exceptional Grading ROIs on cards like Shanks [Manga Alternate Art] (105.3%) and Monkey.D.Luffy [Alt Art] (94.7%) make a strong case for acquiring raw copies for grading. The potential for nearly doubling investment through a PSA 10 grade is significant, especially given the character popularity. Long-term appreciation is also a strong factor for this foundational set.

For the new collector with $8,193 to spend (half of the lower-bound complete-set estimate), Romance Dawn is a WATCH. This budget allows for targeted acquisition of several key chase cards. Focus on cards with the highest PSA 10 multipliers and demonstrable grading ROI, such as the Roronoa Zoro [Top 8] or Monkey.D.Luffy [Alt Art]. Aiming for graded versions of these cards within this budget is a more prudent approach than attempting a partial raw set.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Romance Dawn worth collecting in 2026?

Yes, Romance Dawn is worth collecting in 2026, especially for its foundational status and high-value chase cards. The top 8 cards alone represent a significant investment floor, with the Roronoa Zoro [Top 8] commanding $12,300 in PSA 10. Its long-term potential is strong due to being the first set released.

What is the estimated cost of a complete Romance Dawn set?

The estimated cost for acquiring a complete raw set of Romance Dawn is between $16,387 and $19,664. This figure is based on the sum of the top 8 chase cards’ raw prices ($16,387) and factoring in the cost of commons and other unlisted cards at a 1.0–1.2x multiplier.

Which Romance Dawn cards offer the best grading ROI?

The Shanks [Manga Alternate Art] OP01-120 leads with an impressive 105.3% Grading ROI. Other strong contenders include the Monkey.D.Luffy [Alt Art] OP01-003 at 94.7% and the Kaido [Top 8] OP01-094 at 89.5%, making them excellent targets for a buy-raw-and-grade strategy.

How does the PSA 10 multiplier for Romance Dawn chase cards compare?

The PSA 10 multipliers vary significantly. The Shanks [Serial] OP01-120 shows the highest at 3.9x, followed by Roronoa Zoro [Top 8] at 3.4x, and Monkey.D.Luffy [Alt Art] at 3.0x. Cards like Nami [Manga] OP01-016 and Shanks [Manga PRB01] OP01-120 have lower multipliers at 1.5x.

Should I buy raw or graded Romance Dawn cards in 2026?

For investment, buying raw copies of cards with high Grading ROI, like the Shanks [Manga Alternate Art] or Kaido [Top 8], and grading them yourself can be highly profitable. For immediate collection completion or to secure a pristine piece, buying graded PSA 10 versions of top chase cards is advisable, though more expensive.

This set is a cornerstone for any serious One Piece TCG collection. For more insights into the TCG collectibles market, explore our guides on TCG Collectibles and Pokemon Card Investing.