Pokémon Evolving Skies: collector value guide

It draws on the Japanese sets Skyscraping Perfection and Blue Sky Stream, both out on 9 July 2021, and also folds in cards from the Japanese Eevee Heroes subset. The English list runs to 237 cards, with the base numbering ending at 203 and a large block of secret rares numbered beyond it. That structure matters to collectors, because the cards above 203 are where the set's most famous artwork lives.

The set's reputation rests on two themes. First, it gives Eevee's evolutions their own Pokémon V and VMAX cards, many of them in alternate-art form: illustrated, full-bleed scenes rather than the standard card design. Second, it brought Dragon-type Pokémon back to the game for the first time since Cosmic Eclipse, headlined by Rayquaza and Duraludon. Pairing the much-loved Eeveelutions with a striking Rayquaza line gave the set unusually broad appeal among both players and collectors.

At the very top sits Umbreon VMAX alternate art, card 215/203, illustrated by Keiichiro Ito and nicknamed 'Moonbreon' for the huge moon behind Umbreon. It is widely regarded as the defining chase card of the modern era. Close behind is Rayquaza VMAX alternate art, 218/203, illustrated by Anesaki Dynamic. Other alternate arts for Sylveon, Leafeon, Glaceon, Espeon, Dragonite and Rayquaza V round out a deep list of chase cards, which is unusual for a single modern set.

Because the most valuable cards are secret rares with low pull rates, sealed Evolving Skies product has also become a collectible in its own right, and every box opened permanently reduces the supply of unopened stock. Buyers should be careful with numbering: several VMAX cards also exist as Rainbow Rare versions numbered one below their alternate art, so a listing that only says 'Umbreon VMAX' could describe a very different card. Graded copies, particularly of the alternate arts, are commonly tracked by collectors.

• The Eeveelution alternate arts: Evolving Skies is the English set that gave the Eevee family V and VMAX alternate-art cards, a hugely popular theme.
• Artwork: the alternate arts are full scenes rather than standard frames, and collectors treat the best of them as modern classics.
• Scarcity of secret rares: cards numbered above 203 are hard to pull, so complete alt-art sets are difficult to assemble.
• Sealed supply: unopened boxes and packs shrink every time product is opened, supporting demand for sealed stock.
• Grading: high-grade copies of the alternate arts attract a significant premium over raw cards.

• Check the collector number: the Umbreon VMAX alternate art is 215/203 and the Rayquaza VMAX alternate art is 218/203.
• Watch for Rainbow Rare versions numbered one below the alt art (for example Umbreon VMAX 214/203 and Rayquaza VMAX 217/203), which are different and generally less sought-after cards.
• Read the illustrator credit: Moonbreon is credited to Keiichiro Ito and the Rayquaza alt art to Anesaki Dynamic; the regular VMAX prints have different artists.
• Japanese versions come from Eevee Heroes, Skyscraping Perfection or Blue Sky Stream and use different numbering, so confirm the language if you want the English card.
• For high-value purchases, favour cards graded by a major grading company and check the certificate number on the grader's website.