Black Bolt officially launched in English this past Friday alongside White Flare, and as always, we’re diving into the top 10 most valuable cards from the set. While many of the standout cards align with our early expectations, a few surprises have emerged as the market begins to settle. Keep in mind, we’re still in the early days of release, so prices remain highly volatile as the secondary market adjusts.
Below, you'll find the top 10 most expensive cards from Black Bolt, along with 5 noteworthy runner-ups that just missed the cut.
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Join Discord#10. Excadrill ex Special Illustration Rare #168
Special Illustration Rare#10. Excadrill ex Special Illustration Rare #168
Special Illustration RareKicking off the list at number 10 is Excadrill ex (Special Illustration Rare). Both Black Bolt and White Flare feature a strong lineup of SIR cards, as well as a new rarity type known as BWR (Black and White Rare). While this Excadrill currently carries a respectable premium in the market, its relatively plain artwork may limit long-term appeal. We would not be surprised to see prices soften as additional copies become available.
#9. Serperior ex Special Illustration Rare #164
Special Illustration Rare#9. Serperior ex Special Illustration Rare #164
Special Illustration RareComing in at number 9 is Serperior ex (Special Illustration Rare) #164. As a beloved Generation V starter, Serperior was a strong contender for this list—especially given that its Japanese counterpart consistently held a top 10 spot throughout release. While the artwork is relatively understated, it carries a graceful elegance that earns its place among the set’s most valuable cards.
#8. Meloetta ex Special Illustration Rare #167
Special Illustration Rare#8. Meloetta ex Special Illustration Rare #167
Special Illustration RareAt number 8 on the list is Meloetta ex (Special Illustration Rare) #167. This Generation V Pokémon hasn’t received many notable cards in recent sets, but this SIR version stands out as one of its best to date. The artwork is clean and colorful, which has contributed to its current value in the market. As more copies enter circulation, it will be worth watching whether it maintains its position among the top-priced cards in the set.
#7. Genesect ex Special Illustration Rare #169
Special Illustration Rare#7. Genesect ex Special Illustration Rare #169
Special Illustration RareThe 7th most expensive card from Black Bolt is the Genesect ex SIR #169. Genesect is a dual bug/steel type Pokemon introduced in generation V. What's not to love about a cool metal bug cyborg Pokemon? We saw the Genesect V Alternate Art in Fusion Strike be something of a fan-favorite, so it's no surprise the Genesect fans came out to support this one.
#6. Seismitoad Illustration Rare #105
Illustration Rare#6. Seismitoad Illustration Rare #105
Illustration RareReady for an upset? The Seismitoad Illustration Rare (IR) #105 never cracked the top 10 on the combined Japanese side, but it’s had no trouble pushing past several SIRs to claim a top spot here. While it did manage a respectable premium in Japan, this placement is a bit surprising when you consider the SIRs it's edging out. It’s a cool card with a great artwork, but keep in mind - so was the Articuno IR from Journey Together. The reality is, once more copies hit the secondary market, it’s tough for an IR to hold onto such a high price tag.
#5. N's Plan Special Illustration Rare #170
Special Illustration Rare#5. N's Plan Special Illustration Rare #170
Special Illustration RareNow we arrive at a more predictable placement. Sitting right in the middle of the list is N's Plan Special Illustration Rare #170. There’s been a clear preference for N among English collectors—unlike the Japanese side, where male Trainers are often overshadowed by their female counterparts. Looking back at Journey Together, it’s clear that N has no trouble commanding a premium in SIR form, and this release is no exception.
#4. Kyurem ex Special Illustration Rare #165
Special Illustration Rare#4. Kyurem ex Special Illustration Rare #165
Special Illustration RareWe’re glad to see Kyurem ex Special Illustration Rare #165 performing well on the English side, especially after a relatively underwhelming showing in Japan. As a Generation V Legendary, Kyurem felt like a strong candidate to rise alongside the other Legendary Pokémon in the set, and its placement in the top 4 feels well-earned.
#3. Zekrom ex Special Illustration Rare #166
Special Illustration Rare#3. Zekrom ex Special Illustration Rare #166
Special Illustration RareThis is where we take a big leap, in terms of artwork, price, and rarity. The top 3 cards from Black Bolt stand well above the rest as the major chase cards of the set, and leading the charge is none other than Zekrom, the face of Black Bolt. Zekrom ex Special Illustration Rare #166 is absolutely stunning. Rarity aside, it might just be the coolest artwork from both Black Bolt and White Flare combined. The striking illustration comes from Danciao, a rising artist who began contributing to the Pokemon TCG around the time of Twilight Masquerade. With fewer than ten cards to their name so far, this Zekrom SAR is quickly shaping up to be a standout early work in what could become a very impressive portfolio.
#2. Victini BWR Black White Rare #171
BWR Black White Rare#2. Victini BWR Black White Rare #171
BWR Black White RareNow here’s a twist! Coming in at the #2 spot on the list of most expensive cards from Black Bolt is Victini Black and White Rare #171. Why is this a twist, you ask? Because before the set’s release, we could only speculate whether this card would be included at all. In Japan, this Victini was distributed exclusively as a tournament promo—earned only by participating in official events—leading many to believe it wouldn’t be part of the English set. Not only did it make the cut, but it actually appears in both Black Bolt and White Flare. That’s right: there are two BWR Victini cards, one in each set!
#1. Zekrom ex BWR Black White Rare #172
BWR Black White Rare#1. Zekrom ex BWR Black White Rare #172
BWR Black White RareAt last, we arrive at the most expensive card from Black Bolt, and as many expected, it’s Zekrom ex Black and White Rare #172. This new BWR rarity is commanding a premium well beyond the familiar SIR tier. Early pull rate data suggests that SIR cards in Black Bolt appear roughly once every 60 packs, while BWR cards are hitting at an astonishing rate of just 1 in 500 packs. Given the rarity, the artwork's call back from early Black & White sets, and the fact that it features the set’s mascot, it’s no surprise to see Zekrom BWR leading the pack in both value and demand.
Try your luck at pulling these cards from Black Bolt English:
Black Bolt English Elite Trainer Box
Includes: 9 booster packs, Thundurus full art promo, 65 card sleeves, TCG accessories.Black Bolt English Elite Trainer Box
Includes: 9 booster packs, Thundurus full art promo, 65 card sleeves, TCG accessories.Black Bolt English Binder Collection
Includes: 5 booster packs, 9 pocket binder, collector's card list.Black Bolt English Binder Collection
Includes: 5 booster packs, 9 pocket binder, collector's card list.Black Bolt English Tech Sticker Collection
Includes: 3 booster packs, 1 full art Reuniclus promo, 1 tech sticker sheet.Black Bolt English Tech Sticker Collection
Includes: 3 booster packs, 1 full art Reuniclus promo, 1 tech sticker sheet.Black Bolt English Booster Bundle
Includes: 6 booster packs.Black Bolt English Booster Bundle
Includes: 6 booster packs.Or, check out the Japanese counterparts to Black Bolt English:
Black Bolt Booster Box
Includes: 20 booster packs.Black Bolt Booster Box
Includes: 20 booster packs.White Flare Booster Box
Includes: 20 booster packs.White Flare Booster Box
Includes: 20 booster packs.That’s it for the current top 10 most expensive cards from Black Bolt English. If you enjoy this content, then be sure to join our Discord community to connect with other people in the hobby and get notified about restocks of your favorite sets!
Want to see more cards from the set? Check out these runner-ups, or check out our Visual Set List for Black Bolt English.
#11. Haxorus Illustration Rare #147
Illustration Rare#11. Haxorus Illustration Rare #147
Illustration Rare#12. Krookodile Illustration Rare #137
Illustration Rare#12. Krookodile Illustration Rare #137
Illustration Rare#13. Volcarona Illustration Rare #100
Illustration Rare#13. Volcarona Illustration Rare #100
Illustration Rare#14. Scolipede Illustration Rare #134
Illustration Rare#14. Scolipede Illustration Rare #134
Illustration Rare#15. Conkeldurr Illustration Rare #127
Illustration Rare#15. Conkeldurr Illustration Rare #127
Illustration Rare...
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