ThePokemon TCGnever rests, with plenty of sets released each year, including sets like The Glory Of Team Rocket, an exclusive Japanese set featuring some of the most iconic members and Pokemon associated with Team Rocket. While there’s plenty of debate about the merits of this releasecompared to other classic Team Rocket sets,these cards are commanding high prices nonetheless.
While the new school versus old school debate is sure to last well past this set’s initial release, the best cards in The Glory Of Team Rocket deserve the spotlight.Giovanni adds another valuable card to his roster,as he teams up with Mewtwo on his quest to secure world domination for Team Rocket.
Cards are ordered according to their Market Prices onTCGplayer.Any cards without a Market Price are not included.
9Team Rocket’s Meowth (Art Rare) – $36.23
A Boss And His Right-Hand Pokemon
Meowth might not have the most illustrious roster of valuable cards, but this Pokemon teams up with Giovanni to form one of the most iconic duos you’ll find in The Glory Of Team Rocket. Meowth is normally one of the most common Pokemon associated with Team Rocket, as Jesse and James partner with a talking Meowth throughout the Pokemon anime.
This scene leans into a lighthearted, cartoonish design, which gives Giovanni an uncharacteristically adorable quality, negating any intimidating expressions from his depiction.
This card is not included in the English set, Destined Rivals, so pick it up here if you’re a fan of the artwork.
8Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex (Super Rare) – $37.49
A Powerful Ally
Mewtwo is arguably the most powerful Pokemon to ever fall under Team Rocket’s control, andthis Pokemon is typically one of the most valuablein the TCG. Even though Mewtwo frequently appears across generations, this card stands out as one of the most unusual depictions of Mewtwo, given Giovanni’s appearance in the card’s background.
However, despite the unusual composition of this scene and the gorgeous, vibrant combination of colors, there are more valuable versions of Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex still to come, with Giovanni close by.
7Team Rocket’s Ariana (Special Art Rare) – $43.70
A Stylish Special Art
We turn our attention to one of the best Special Art Rares in The Glory Of Team Rocket, as this card features Ariana, a Team Rocket Admin who rarely sees the spotlight in English sets, but bears a striking resemblance to Jesse, one of the most iconic Team Rocket members ever.
Since you unfortunately won’t find a Jesse card in The Glory Of Team Rocket set, this is probably the closest you’ll get, given the visual similarities and cold confidence Ariana exudes.
6Team Rocket’s Giovanni (Special Art Rare) – $69.99
The Whole Team’s Here
From Ariana to one of the most important figures in Team Rocket’s history, Giovanni grabs the spotlight with this spectacular Special Art Rare featuring four of Giovanni’s underlings in the background as Proton, Petrel, Ariana, and Archer all appear on this card.
While Team Rocket’s Giovanni is already commanding a solid price tag and plenty of attention, this card might have even more room to grow in the future, given the impressive variety of characters they’ve managed to fit on this card. Expect Giovanni to continue rising to the top.
5Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex (Ultra Rare) – $82.49
Going For Gold
Our next look at the Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex takes the original, red and black color palette of the Super Rare and replaces it with a bold, glimmering gold makeover. Giovanni and Mewtwo pop from the canvas, as the gold background provides the perfect injection of brightness to enhance the subjects.
Even thoughgold cards and Hyper Rareshave had a tumultuous time in the Pokemon TCG, the Scarlet & Violet iterations are some of the most distinct versions ever created and have an impressive balance that might rewrite the narrative surrounding these divisive cards.
4Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex (Special Art Rare) – $98.85
A King Without A Crown
Nidoking needs no introduction, as this iconic Poison and Ground-type Pokemon has been a mainstay in Giovanni’s team since the first generation, when he masqueraded as the Viridian City Gym Leader. This iteration of one of Giovanni’s most trusted partners features earth-shattering artwork that exemplifies Nidoking’s raw power.
This card was one of the first few to go out of stock on TCGplayer after The Glory Of Team Rocket was released, indicating that it will likely be one of the set’s best chase cards. With a price tag hovering around the $100 mark in Japanese, the English version of this card will likely cost a lot.
3Team Rocket’s Crobat ex (Special Art Rare) – $147.27
A Teeming Scene
Crobat isn’t the first thing you think of when you imagine Team Rocket’s best Pokemon, but this Pokemon still comes through with a stunning Special Art Rare that justifies its sky-high price tag. While this card might not cost $150 long-term, it’s likely to remain one of the best cards in the set.
Furthermore, cards that feature multiple Pokemon are often excellent choices to invest in, as they typically garner more attention than single-subject cards. However, there’s always a risk a card will drop in the short term following a set’s release, so be cautious when buying cards during the hype.
2Team Rocket’s Moltres ex (Special Art Rare) – $246.66
Blazing Ahead
Moltres adds another card to some of its most valuable,as this amazingly valuable Glory Of Team Rocket chase card blows its competitors, save for one, out of the water.
Rocket’s Moltres is one of the most iconic vintage cards ever, so this card’s appearance pays homage to the past while introducing a new interpretation with this explosive design.
Moltres might hold a huge advantage over most of the field, but it likely will never surpass the most valuable chase card in The Glory Of Team Rocket.
1Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex (Special Art Rare) – $499.99
An Unstoppable Duo
Team Rocket’s Mewtwo teams up with Giovanni on this breathtaking Special Art Rare that perfectly encapsulates the main themes of the set, and features its most ferocious characters. Giovanni watches as Mewtwo’s power grows, and this artwork continues to command unbelievably high sales.
Unfortunately, its immediate future will feature plenty of ups and downs for this gorgeous card, especially given the likely popularity of the English version in Destined Rivals. Even so, expect the Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex Special Art Rare to be the best card from The Glory Of Team Rocket for years to come.
