XY Black Star Promos Pokemon Cards Value: Comprehensive Price Guide

Estimated reading time: 15 min

Key Takeaways

• The XY Black Star Promos set contains over 200 unique cards released in 2013 tied to the XY series.
• Notable valuable promos include Charizard EX, Pikachu-EX, Gyarados, and Champions Festival cards, with PSA 10 values that can exceed several hundred dollars.
• Grading can significantly impact value; PSA 10 cards often command premiums over raw prices, especially for rare chase cards.
• Condition, centering, holofoil variants, and alternate printings affect individual card worth and grading outcomes.
• Using tools like Midpoint’s AI grading estimates can help collectors decide which XY Black Star Promos cards may be worth grading.

Card values — live data from Midpoint's card database, as of 2026-09-21. Prices move; Midpoint refreshes these daily.

	Card	Raw	PSA 10	Gem premium
	Pikachu-EX #XY124 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$501.20	$79,356	158.3×
	Rayquaza-EX #XY69 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$213.62	$49,926	233.7×
	Regigigas #XY82 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$47.28	$30,000	634.5×
	Black Kyurem #XY80 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$54.32	$18,498	340.5×
	Rayquaza #XY141 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$49.88	$16,274	326.3×
	Giratina #XY184 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$18.13	$15,975	881.2×
	Reshiram #XY74 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$76.32	$15,500	203.1×
	Blastoise-EX #XY122 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$301.13	$12,552	41.7×
	Latios #XY79 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$134.21	$12,000	89.4×
	Shaymin-EX #XY148 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$82.93	$11,655	140.5×
	Mewtwo-EX #XY125 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$148.23	$11,263	76×
	Rayquaza-EX #XY73 XY Black Star Promos (2013)	$42.64	$9,036	211.9×

Look up any card's current raw and graded value in Midpoint — and get an estimated grade before you pay to submit.

Table of Contents

• Section 1: Overview of the XY Black Star Promos Set
• Section 2: Complete Set List and Card Count
• Section 3: Most Valuable XY Black Star Promos Cards
• Section 4: Price Guide and Market Value Trends
• Section 5: Graded Card Values and PSA 10 Premiums
• Section 6: Condition, Variants, and Special Printings Impact on Value
• Section 7: Which XY Black Star Promos Cards Are Worth Grading?
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Section 1: Overview of the XY Black Star Promos Set

Release and Background

The XY Black Star Promos are a subset of Pokémon promotional cards released throughout 2013, coinciding with the launch and rise of the XY series in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. These promos feature popular Pokémon and special event cards, designed to celebrate various releases, tournaments, and special occasions within the XY era.

The set includes a range of cards—spanning from fan-favorites like Charizard and Pikachu to promos tied to Champions Festival and other unique events. The designs often feature alternate artworks and holofoil treatments that differ from the main XY expansion sets, making them visually distinctive and collectible.

Significance in Collecting

Collectors prize the XY Black Star Promos due to their limited print runs, event exclusivity, and unique artwork. Many of these promos are collectibles and some hold competitive play value. This dual appeal contributes to varying demand and price fluctuations, making understanding their value important for buyers, sellers, and investors.

Their release alongside the XY series marked a transition in the Pokémon TCG, introducing new mechanics and card styles that collectors often view with nostalgia. The promos often commemorate milestones such as tournament wins or promotional campaigns, adding to their historical interest.

Set Identification and Numbering

The cards are typically numbered with a “XY Black Star Promo” prefix, and their cataloging is consistent across databases. This helps collectors identify and differentiate these promos from standard XY set cards and other promotional lines.

For example, card numbers often appear as "XY123" or similar formats in official listings, allowing clear distinction. Collectors should verify authenticity and numbering through trusted sources like official Pokémon databases or Midpoint’s integrated catalog to avoid counterfeit or misnumbered cards.

Section 2: Complete Set List and Card Count

Total Cards in the XY Black Star Promos Set

The XY Black Star Promos set contains approximately 216 cards as of 2026-09-21. This includes a mix of single promos released at events, jumbo cards, alternative art versions, and special holofoil printings.

Collectors aiming to complete the entire set should prepare for a variety of card types and rarities, as some promos were exclusive to specific tournaments or retail promotions, limiting availability. For instance, certain Champions Festival promos were only distributed during limited events in Japan, making them especially rare outside that region.

Completing the full set requires careful sourcing and can incur significant costs for rarer cards. Tracking progress via digital tools like Midpoint can help manage acquisition efficiently.

Categories Within the Set

• Standard Promo Cards: Most common XY Black Star Promos with unique art and set numbering. These form the bulk of the collection and range from common to rare.
• Jumbo Cards: Oversized versions of popular promos, often more collectible but generally less valuable than standard sizes. Typically around 4-5 times larger than normal cards, these are popular for display but less so for investment.
• Special Variants: Includes foil, reverse holo, and alternate printings that can command premium prices. Some variants are limited, such as Champion’s Festival alternates or error printings.

Tracking and Managing Your Collection

Given the size and variety, using a collector’s app like Midpoint allows you to track which XY Black Star Promos cards you own, their raw and graded values, and to identify which ones to prioritize for grading or sale. The app also provides AI-based centering and condition analysis to help assess each card’s potential value and grading outcome.

Moreover, Midpoint’s portfolio management features enable collectors to set alerts for market price changes and to record purchase prices and history, supporting informed buying and selling decisions.

Section 3: Most Valuable XY Black Star Promos Cards

Top Chase Cards in the Set

Among the 216 promos, several stand out as some of the most valuable based on market demand and rarity:

• Charizard EX: This promo is often considered a highlight of the XY Black Star Promos set. PSA 10 copies have been known to reach values exceeding several hundred dollars, reflecting Charizard’s enduring popularity and the card’s scarcity in top condition.
• Pikachu-EX: A sought-after card with PSA 10 values that can reach several hundred dollars, prized for both its popularity and condition sensitivity. The card’s holofoil and limited distribution enhance its collectibility.
• Gyarados (Champions Festival): This event-exclusive promo is valued for its distinctive artwork and limited print run from Japanese-only events, often fetching several hundred dollars in top grades.
• M Gengar-EX: Another chase card with notable value, favored for its Mega Evolution art and rarity. Its appeal extends to both collectors and competitive players.
• Champions Festival Cards: Several promos from this event have elevated values due to limited print and collector interest. Cards such as the Mega Blastoise-EX and Mega Mewtwo-EX variants are particularly prized.

Why These Cards Hold Value

These cards combine iconic Pokémon, limited release circumstances, and desirable holofoil features. Their scarcity in mint condition can drive prices higher, especially when PSA or BGS graded.

Additionally, some of these cards are sought after by international collectors due to regional exclusivity, such as Japan-only releases that are challenging to obtain elsewhere. The popularity of Pokémon like Charizard and Pikachu also fuels demand.

Examples of Value Variation

Raw versions of Charizard EX might sell for significantly less than graded PSA 10 versions, illustrating the premium that grading and condition quality can provide. Similarly, a raw Pikachu-EX card in near-mint condition can command a moderate price, but PSA 10 versions often sell for substantially more.

Cards graded PSA 9 also maintain value, often achieving a significant portion of PSA 10 prices, but the step from PSA 9 to 10 can represent a notable price jump due to collector demand for perfection.

Section 4: Price Guide and Market Value Trends

Raw Price Range Overview

As of 2026-09-21, raw XY Black Star Promos cards vary broadly in price:

• Common promos: typically low single digits to around $10 — These include widely distributed cards with less demand.
• Mid-tier promos: generally range from $15 to $50 — Often rare or with appealing artwork but without extreme scarcity.
• High-demand chase cards: can range from over $100 to several hundred dollars — Includes iconic and limited promos like Charizard EX and Champions Festival variants.

This range accounts for card condition, centering, and variant differences. Cards with centering off by more than 10% or with surface wear can fall several price tiers.

Market Trends and Recent Price Movements

The XY Black Star Promos market has seen appreciation over recent years, influenced by nostalgia and interest in the XY era. Chase cards like Pikachu-EX and Charizard EX have experienced growth in raw and graded prices over time.

Seasonal factors such as Pokémon anniversaries, major tournament replays, or new XY-themed product releases can influence short-term demand and prices.

For example, the 10th anniversary of the XY series in 2023 corresponded with increased buying interest, with some cards seeing temporary price increases before stabilizing.

Using Price Guides Effectively

Price guides, including those integrated into Midpoint’s app, provide market data, listing ranges, and historical value charts. This data helps collectors gauge when to buy, hold, or sell their XY Black Star Promos cards for optimal return.

Additionally, Midpoint compiles sales data from multiple marketplaces such as eBay, TCGPlayer, and auction houses, providing insight into regional price differences and buyer demand trends.

Section 5: Graded Card Values and PSA 10 Premiums

Impact of Grading on Card Value

Grading by PSA, BGS, CGC, or TAG can substantially affect XY Black Star Promos card values. A PSA 10 grade often increases the price of a raw card by multiple times, depending on the card and grading company.

For example, a Charizard EX raw card valued around a few hundred dollars can reach significantly higher prices at PSA 10. Similarly, Pikachu-EX raw values increase notably when graded PSA 10.

Graded cards benefit from increased buyer confidence due to verified condition and authenticity, facilitating higher sale prices.

Grading Population and Rarity

Cards with low PSA 10 population counts tend to command higher premiums due to scarcity. Cards like M Gengar-EX and Champions Festival promos have relatively low PSA 10 counts, which can push prices upward.

For instance, if only a limited number of a specific promo have been graded PSA 10, the rarity can drive collector competition and price increases compared to cards with many graded copies.

Estimating Grading Outcomes

Using AI-powered tools like Midpoint helps collectors estimate their card’s grade before paying for costly submissions. This feature analyzes centering, corners, edges, and surface to predict PSA, BGS, CGC, or TAG grades, helping prioritize which XY Black Star Promos cards may be worth grading.

Midpoint’s AI uses thousands of reference images and grading standards to provide a percentile score and projected grade, which can help collectors avoid low-grade outcomes and save on submission fees.

Section 6: Condition, Variants, and Special Printings Impact on Value

Condition Factors

Condition remains a key factor. Centering is often one of the most critical aspects, significantly impacting grading outcomes. Cards with good centering and no surface or edge defects are more likely to achieve top PSA grades and fetch premium prices.

Collectors should pay attention to holofoil quality, scratches, whitening, and surface wear. Even minor edge whitening or slight surface scratches can reduce grade by one or two points, affecting value.

For example, a PSA 10 Charizard EX generally requires near-perfect centering (often between 55/45 and 60/40), clean edges, sharp corners, and flawless surfaces.

Variant Differences

XY Black Star Promos include holofoil, reverse holofoil, jumbo, and alternate art variants. Generally, holofoil promos tend to be more valuable than reverse holos due to relative rarity. Reverse holos are often more common and may have lower demand.

• Jumbo cards: Oversized promos often hold sentimental value but tend to be less valuable monetarily compared to their standard-sized counterparts. Their size makes them less practical for play or storage, which can limit buyer interest.
• Alternate printings: Some promos have special edition prints, such as Champions Festival alternates, which are rarer and can be more valuable. These may include different art styles, foil patterns, or foil colors distinguishing them from standard promos.

Identifying Rare or High-Value Variants

Using Midpoint’s centering measurement and AI condition analysis can help identify rare XY Black Star Promos variants that may be undervalued in raw condition. This tool assists in spotting candidates for grading or resale.

For example, a Champions Festival promo with a unique holofoil pattern but subtle centering off might be overlooked by casual sellers but identified by Midpoint as a strong grading candidate, enabling strategic investment.

Section 7: Which XY Black Star Promos Cards Are Worth Grading?

Prioritizing Cards for Grading

Not all XY Black Star Promos cards are worth submitting for grading due to submission costs and market demand. Focus on:

• Top chase cards like Charizard EX, Pikachu-EX, and Champions Festival promos, which have demonstrated strong resale markets.
• Cards with excellent condition, especially those with strong centering and no surface issues. Cards that Midpoint predicts as PSA 9 or 10 candidates may offer better return on grading investment.
• Variants with limited print runs or special holofoil effects, as their scarcity can yield higher premiums post-grading.

Using Midpoint for Pre-Grading Assessment

Leverage Midpoint’s AI digital grading to get an instant grade estimate. This step can help avoid costly mistakes and submission fees for cards unlikely to achieve high grades, maximizing return on investment.

Midpoint’s analysis includes detailed centering percentages and defect identification, enabling collectors to make informed decisions on whether to submit immediately or perform additional cleaning and storage improvements first.

Submission Strategies

• Submit cards with predicted PSA 9 or 10 grades, as these grades typically justify grading fees and potential resale value.
• Consider market trends and recent sales data, which you can track within Midpoint’s portfolio tracking feature, to time submissions and sales optimally.
• For borderline cards, improving storage and handling to maintain pristine condition before submission can increase grading success. Use soft sleeves, rigid holders, and avoid exposure to humidity or UV light.
• Batch submissions can reduce per-card grading costs; grouping multiple XY Black Star Promos cards for submission can be cost-effective.

Conclusion

The XY Black Star Promos Pokémon cards represent a diverse set of collectibles with notable value potential, especially for iconic chase cards and high-grade variants. Understanding the full set list, current market values, and grading premiums is important for collectors and investors aiming to maximize returns.

Using advanced tools like Midpoint enables pre-grading estimates and centering measurements, supporting informed decisions before costly grading submissions. Whether completing the full 216-card set or selectively grading the most valuable promos, this guide provides knowledge to navigate the XY Black Star Promos market confidently.

By carefully managing condition, selecting the right cards to grade, and leveraging technology for market insights, collectors can optimize their investment and enjoy the experience of owning a historic and cherished Pokémon card set.

FAQ

Q: What is the most valuable XY Black Star Promos card?

A: The Charizard EX promo is generally considered the most valuable card in the XY Black Star Promos set, with PSA 10 values that can exceed several hundred dollars as of 2026-09-21.

Q: How many cards are in XY Black Star Promos?

A: The XY Black Star Promos set includes approximately 216 cards, covering standard promos, jumbo cards, and special variants.

Q: How much is the XY Black Star Promos set worth as a whole?

A: The total set value varies widely based on condition and grading, but a complete, high-grade collection can be worth several thousand dollars, with individual chase cards commanding premium prices.

Q: What are the rarest XY Black Star Promos cards?

A: Rarest cards include Champions Festival promos, limited event cards, and special holofoil variants, especially those with low graded populations.

Q: How much does a graded XY Black Star Promos card sell for?

A: Prices depend on the card and grade; PSA 10 graded chase cards like Pikachu-EX and Charizard EX typically sell for several hundred dollars or more.

Q: Are jumbo cards or special promo versions worth more in XY Black Star Promos?

A: Jumbo cards have sentimental and display value but generally sell for less than standard-sized holofoil promos. Special promo versions with limited print runs and holofoil effects generally command higher prices.