People often like to talk about which Pokemon sets or cards are worth more than others. From a collector viewpoint, that has virtually no meaning or impact. However, we do like to scoop up entire sets when they become surprisingly cheap. These 5 English sets are definitely worth picking up.
Collector Target #1: Trick or Trade 2022
Opinions on whether the Trick or Trade sets are “cool” are nothing new in Pokemon circles. Many cards are reprints with a slightly different logo on them. Then again, that is usually how promo cards work in general. Trick or Trade 2022 is one of those sets that, despite having 30 cards, can be picked up as a whole for under $10.
Does that make sense to a collector like me? No, but I’m not mad about it. For a set that has a Gengar AND a Mewtwo, paying under $10 is a steal. There’s also a Pikachu, a Mimikyu, a Darkrai, and plenty of other cool/cute artwork. These are the kind of cards I actively look for during my bulk bin hunting trips.
Trick or Trade #2024 – around $12
One would expect more recent Trick or Trade sets to be slightly more popular, but alas, they are not. The 2024 version of this set – 30 cards, different designs for the Pokemon – is valued at around $12. Most of that value comes from the Gengar, Pikachu, and Mimikyu.
There’s also an Umbreon, Haunter, Fuecoco, Sprigatito, and Iron Jugilis in there. Plenty of artwork for the money you’d pay for a full set. Not entirely sure Munkidori belongs in this type of set but that’s not my decision to make. I am just a collector scooping up cheap cards!
McDonald’s Match Battle 2022 is on my Collector Radar
The McDonald’s fast food chain has always maintained a good relationship with The Pokemon Company. As a result, there have been many (region-exclusive) promo sets over the past two decades. Curiously, the 2022 Match Battle is valued at around $15, despite a fairly decent lineup of cards.
Granted, almost half of the set’s value is the Pikachu. It also has only 15 cards, compared to the Trick or Trade’s 30. Plus, there is no apparent promo “stamp” on the cards. For a collector like me, that’s not a bad thing. I like stamped cards, but I can also do without.
Holiday Calendar 2025
Including this set on the list might be a tad controversial, as you are paying $17 for 8 cards. Then again, the collector in me wants this Glaceon EX, the Crabominable, the Vanillish, and that cute Delibird. I will also take the Pikachu, Eevee, Cryogonal, and Articuno,of course. It is not a bad lineup by any means.
Similar to other sets on this list, there are no obvious “stamps” on the cards. With 2 IR cards, that is a good thing, as we don’t need their artwork diminished whatsoever. I think the Vanillish is especially cute, with an adorable art style. That’s also why it is the most expensive card from the set, but still a steal at $5-$6.
Collector Alert: Holiday Calendar 2023
The collector in me does not comprehend how this eight-card set is worth $17.37. There are 2 V cards AND 1 vMax in there, all of which are Eeveelutions. We also have a Yuka Morii card in there with Snom. Plus, it has the [obligatory] Pikachu, and one of the best-looking Glastrier cards out there. If anyone in Europe has this full set and wants to sell it for 15 euro, let me know!
