Market outlook
Stable Outlook 7/10
Recent market data shows the raw card trading around the low $50 range, with graded copies commanding more depending on condition. The card’s popularity is supported by the Pikachu character, but Crown Zenith’s relatively large modern supply tempers rapid price acceleration.
Next months. Likely to remain range-bound with modest fluctuations, with graded 10 and other high-grade copies retaining a premium.
Long term. Over 1-3 years, the card is likely to drift upward gradually if broader Pokémon demand stays strong, with the best performance expected from pristine graded copies rather than raws.
History
Pikachu is the franchise mascot of Pokémon, originally introduced in the 1996 Pokémon video games as an Electric-type species known for its yellow appearance, cheek pouches that store electricity, and strong association with Ash Ketchum in the animated series. In the trading card game, Pikachu cards are consistently among the most collectible and recognizable Pokémon cards because the character is globally iconic and central to the brand.
This card was first released in the English-language Crown Zenith set in 2023, which is the final main English release of the Sword & Shield era. It was numbered 160/159 and appears as the only Secret Rare in the main Crown Zenith set, distinct from the Galarian Gallery subset.
- It is the only Secret Rare in the main Crown Zenith set, making it unusually important within that set structure.
- The card is a textured Full Art Secret Rare featuring artwork by You Iribi.
- Market listings and price trackers show strong demand for both raw and graded copies, with graded 10 examples selling above $100 in recent listings.
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Secret Rare
- Print run
- High
- First printed in
- Crown Zenith
- Demand
- Very High
- Supply
- Medium
- It is the only Secret Rare in the main Crown Zenith set.
- Pikachu is one of the most collected Pokémon characters in the hobby.
- Textured Full Art presentation increases collector appeal.
- High-grade population is constrained by centering and surface-sensitive grading.
Collector notes
Condition. Check centering carefully, especially on the front borders and corners. Inspect for edge whitening, surface scratches, print lines, texture wear, and any scuffs on the full-art holofoil surface. Because this is a modern textured card, visible surface flaws and corner wear are the most common grade-limiting issues.
Storage. Store in a penny sleeve and rigid top loader or semi-rigid card saver for raw copies. Keep away from humidity, heat, and direct light, and use a graded slab if professionally authenticated and graded. Avoid repeated handling because full-art textured surfaces can show fingerprints and micro-scratches.
Authenticity. Authentic copies should have sharp print quality, correct texture, and proper set numbering 160/159. Fake cards often show blurry text, incorrect texture patterns, weak holo effect, or poor color balance. Compare the font, energy symbol, and card back against a known authentic Pokémon card; for higher-value copies, third-party grading is the safest authentication route.
