SM Base Set Master Set: 309 Cards, Checklist & Prices
By Cardrake Research Team · Updated
Released 2017
Get Collector to track your progress.
SM Base Set chase cards & key targets
Umbreon GX Secret leads SM Base Set at $134.62, with Umbreon GX Full Art ($57.51) and Espeon GX Secret ($53.73) behind it. The top three alone are 32% of the estimated master-set cost — plan these purchases first and the rest of the set follows on a normal budget.
| Rank | Card | Number | Rarity | Variant | Market Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Umbreon GX Secret | 154/149 | Secret Rare | Holofoil | $134.62 |
| #2 |  Umbreon GX Full Art | 142/149 | Ultra Rare | Holofoil | $57.51 |
| #3 |  Espeon GX Secret | 152/149 | Secret Rare | Holofoil | $53.73 |
| #4 |  Lillie Full Art | 147/149 | Ultra Rare | Holofoil | $42.39 |
| #5 |  Ultra Ball Secret | 161/149 | Secret Rare | Holofoil | $31.48 |
| #6 |  Espeon GX Full Art | 140/149 | Ultra Rare | Holofoil | $30.89 |
| #7 |  Lapras GX Secret | 151/149 | Secret Rare | Holofoil | $29.27 |
| #8 |  Umbreon GX | 80/149 | Ultra Rare | Holofoil | $22.75 |
| #9 |  Solgaleo GX Secret | 155/149 | Secret Rare | Holofoil | $18.49 |
| #10 |  Lunala GX Secret | 153/149 | Secret Rare | Holofoil | $17.83 |
Acquisition Strategy
- • Monitor price trends - chase cards often fluctuate based on tournament results and influencer coverage
- • Consider condition flexibility - a LP/MP copy can save 30-50% on vintage cards
- • Check multiple marketplaces - prices vary significantly between TCGPlayer, eBay, and local stores
- • Buy during market dips - major releases and reprints often cause temporary price drops
What's in the SM Base Set master set
The SM Base Set master set is 309 cards: 149 base + 136 reverse holos + 23 secret rares. That covers every printed variant — reverse holofoils, secret rares, and the special-art chase cards numbered past 149/149.
About this set
Sun & Moon base set marks the beginning of a new era in every sense. It introduced the GX mechanic: Pokemon with powerful once-per-game GX attacks that created dramatic win-or-lose moments in competitive play. It debuted a new card border design that would define the SM aesthetic through 2019. And it launched the Alola generation of Pokemon into the TCG, bringing Solgaleo, Lunala, and the Alola starter trio their first competitive-viable cards. The set's collecting appeal centers on the Eeveelution GX pairing: Umbreon-GX and Espeon-GX received both Full Art and Secret Rare treatments, creating a four-card premium tier that Eeveelution collectors target across sets. The Secret Rare gold Trainer cards (Ultra Ball and Switch) added a secondary chase tier with crossover appeal among competitive players. The base set plus Secret Rares is large enough to provide a satisfying collecting experience but compact enough to complete without the sprawl of modern 280+ card sets. The master set including reverse holofoils totals about 298 cards, a scope that fits in a single 3-inch binder. For collectors entering the hobby through Gen 7 nostalgia, SM Base is the natural starting point, the same way Base Set serves Gen 1 collectors and Diamond & Pearl serves Gen 4 fans. The GX Full Art texture, the Alola aesthetic, and the mechanical innovation of GX attacks combine to create a set that stands on its own merits beyond mere nostalgia.
Where SM Base Set fits in the era
Sun & Moon base set launched February 3, 2017, coinciding with the massive success of the Sun and Moon video games on Nintendo 3DS (released November 2016, 16+ million copies sold worldwide). The TCG set debuted the GX mechanic, which would define competitive and collecting landscapes through the entire SM era (2017-2019). Pokemon-GX replaced the previous EX mechanic with a meaningful distinction: GX attacks could only be used once per game, creating high-stakes tactical decisions. The set arrived during a period of stable growth for the Pokemon TCG, between the 20th anniversary celebration of 2016 and the explosive growth that would come with the 2020-2021 collector boom. At release, booster boxes sold at or near MSRP · Suggested retail priceThe official US retail price set by The Pokemon Company. Stores and resellers often charge more. and stayed there through 2019. Competitive demand was strong: Decidueye-GX became a tier-1 competitive deck, and Tauros-GX saw widespread play as a versatile GX attacker. This competitive viability meant more SM Base packs were opened than average, creating a larger supply of singles compared to sets without competitive relevance. The 2020-2021 collector boom lifted SM-era sealed product alongside everything else, and booster boxes settled at a multiple of original retail by 2025-2026. The nostalgia cycle for Gen 7 is in its early stages. The core demographic (born 2002-2007) is reaching 18-24, the age at which nostalgia purchasing typically begins. This positions SM Base for continued appreciation as this demographic enters peak earning years over the next 5-10 years, mirroring the trajectory that Gen 4 cards followed as their nostalgia demographic matured.
Collecting challenges
Sun & Moon base set collecting in 2026 occupies an interesting middle ground. The cards are 9 years old, old enough that NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise. copies aren't everywhere but recent enough that condition standards are higher than true vintage. The primary challenge is sourcing NM copies of the Secret Rares and Full Arts at fair prices. The Eeveelution variants (Umbreon-GX and Espeon-GX in Full Art and Secret Rare) are in consistent demand, and sellers know their market value. Finding underpriced copies requires monitoring TCGPlayer, eBay, and Cardmarket daily. The textured Full Art surface of SM-era GX cards creates a specific condition challenge: these textures show fingerprints, minor scratches, and handling marks more visibly than smooth holo surfaces. Cards that look NM in standard lighting may reveal surface issues under angled light or magnification. This makes photo-based purchasing riskier than for smooth-surface sets. Reverse holofoils from SM Base are increasingly scarce in NM condition, particularly for commonly played cards like basic Energy variants and Trainer staples. The master set requires approximately 298 cards, and the final 10-15% of reverse holos may take weeks to source at condition-matched quality. Budget management is straightforward, since the full master set is cheap compared to vintage sets, but the time investment in condition-hunting adds friction. Allow 2-4 months for a complete condition-matched master set, with the Eeveelution Secret Rares potentially being the longest individual sourcing challenge.
Rarity breakdown
| Rarity | Cards | Share of printed set |
|---|---|---|
| Common | 54 | 36% |
| Uncommon | 49 | 33% |
| Ultra Rare | 23 | 15% |
| Rare | 17 | 11% |
| Holo Rare | 16 | 11% |
| Secret Rare | 14 | 9% |
Price distribution
How card values spread across the set. Most cards are bulk under a dollar; a few chase cards hold most of the value.
Artist spotlight
The illustrators behind the most cards in this set, with their standout artwork. Tap a card for details.
5ban Graphics
28 cards in this set
Toyste Beach
9 cards in this set
Megumi Mizutani
7 cards in this set
Ryo Ueda
7 cards in this set
Kouki Saitou
5 cards in this set
Kagemaru Himeno
5 cards in this set
SM Base Set master set buying guide
Where to buy SM Base Set, which sealed product is worth the money, and when to pull the trigger.
Packs or singles?
Singles purchasing recommended over sealed product
All SM Base Set sealed products
| Product | Market | |
|---|---|---|
| Sun & Moon Elite Trainer Box Case | $2999.99 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Booster Box | $998.99 | Shop → |
| Scizor EX Box | $249.95 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Elite Trainer Box [Solgaleo] | $249.23 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Elite Trainer Box [Lunala] | $248.69 | Shop → |
| Spring 2017 Collector's Chest Tin | $230.99 | Shop → |
| Mimikyu Pin Collection | $180.81 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon GX Challenge Box [Decidueye] | $150.00 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon GX Challenge Box [Primarina] | $139.22 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Booster Pack Art Bundle [Set of 5] | $129.34 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Base Set 3 Pack Blister [Togedemaru] | $121.99 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon GX Challenge Box [Incineroar] | $99.95 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Booster Pack | $23.47 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Base Set Theme Deck - "Roaring Heat" [Incineroar] | $22.86 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Base Set Theme Deck - "Bright Tide" [Primarina] | $20.46 | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Base Set Theme Deck - "Forest Shadow" [Decidueye] | $17.70 | Shop → |
| Decidueye GX Challenge Box | — | Shop → |
| Incineroar GX Challenge Box | — | Shop → |
| Kingdra EX Box | — | Shop → |
| Legacy Evolution Pin Collection | — | Shop → |
| Legends of Alola Tin [Lunala GX] | — | Shop → |
| Legends of Alola Tin [Solgaleo GX] | — | Shop → |
| Lycanroc GX Box | — | Shop → |
| Mega Camerupt EX Premium Collection | — | Shop → |
| Mega Sharpedo EX Premium Collection | — | Shop → |
| Primarina GX Challenge Box | — | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Base Set 3 Pack Blister [Litten] | — | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Prerelease Kit | — | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Single Blister Pack [Pikipek] | — | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Single Blister Pack [Rockruff] | — | Shop → |
| Sun & Moon Sleeved Booster Pack Art Bundle [Set of 5] | — | Shop → |
| Zygarde Complete Forme Pin Collection | — | Shop → |
When to buy
Singles panic-priced. Sealed carries 30–50% premium. Wait if you can.
Best window for singles. Chase cards find their floor.
Bulk dips 15–20% on reprint news. Chase cards stay steady.
Sealed and top chase cards begin appreciation cycle.
Collecting strategy
Most cards in this set are worth around $0.47 as singles. Opening packs is the fun way to build your base of commons and uncommons with a chance at lucky pulls — but chase cards are statistically unlikely from sealed product. For most master set collectors, the smart approach is packs for bulk, singles for the rest.
Mix of singles and strategic pack opening
Community insights
From collector discussions, forums, and social media.
What collectors are saying
- Released February 3, 2017 as the first Sun & Moon era set, introducing Pokemon-GX to replace the EX mechanic. GX cards feature a powerful one-per-game GX attack alongside standard attacks, a mechanical distinction that created new strategic depth and collecting hierarchy.
- The set is mid-range by modern standards. Master set with reverse holofoils totals approximately 298 cards, completable within a single collecting season with focused effort. The numbered card list plus Secret Rares creates clear collecting milestones.
- Espeon-GX and Umbreon-GX dominate the chase hierarchy as Full Art and Secret Rare variants. The Eeveelution pairing commands consistent collector demand, with Umbreon-GX Secret Rare holding a modest edge over Espeon-GX. Eeveelution cards are among the most reliable value-holders across all Pokemon sets.
- Secret Rare gold Trainer cards (Ultra Ball #161, Switch #160) are significant secondary chase targets. Gold Trainer Secrets became a fan-favorite rarity tier throughout the SM era and remain popular among collectors who prioritize utility card variants.
- Alola starter trio (Decidueye-GX, Incineroar-GX, Primarina-GX) provides accessible, inexpensive chase targets. These are the first-ever GX versions of Gen 7 starters and carry nostalgic value for Alola fans.
- Solgaleo-GX and Lunala-GX as cover legendaries anchor the set thematically. Full Art variants remain affordable raw. These cards tie directly to the Sun and Moon video game cover art, creating cross-media collector appeal.
- Gen 7 nostalgia is building among collectors who were 10-15 during the Sun & Moon era (born 2002-2007). This demographic is reaching 18-24 in 2026, early nostalgia purchasing age. SM-era appreciation is in its early stages compared to Gen 4/5.
- Sealed booster boxes have appreciated to a multiple of their 2017 MSRP · Suggested retail priceThe official US retail price set by The Pokemon Company. Stores and resellers often charge more.. The appreciation curve is steepening as remaining sealed inventory decreases and nostalgia demand increases.
- SM era card design introduced the updated border style with a thinner bottom border and updated card back. This cosmetic change distinguishes SM cards from XY-era and earlier cards at a glance. The design updates were generally well-received by collectors.
- The set's competitive legacy includes Decidueye-GX (top-tier competitive card) and Tauros-GX (format staple), which sustained pack demand well beyond initial release. Competitive playability helped more SM Base packs get opened than comparable XY-era sets.
- Print quality across the early SM era is generally good, better than DP era but with occasional centering issues. The GX Full Art card stock and texture are consistent and grade well when centering cooperates.
- Community views SM Base as the strongest SM-era set for collecting alongside Guardians Rising (SM2). The GX mechanic introduction, strong Eeveelution chase cards, and Alola nostalgia create a compelling collecting experience.
Tips from the community
- Prioritize the Eeveelution pair: Umbreon-GX and Espeon-GX in both Full Art and Secret Rare variants. These four cards represent the set's premium tier and are the most likely to appreciate as SM nostalgia builds. Umbreon commands a slight premium over Espeon.
- Buy Secret Rare gold Trainer cards (Ultra Ball, Switch) while they remain affordable. Gold Trainers from SM era have strong crossover appeal among players and collectors; they look stunning in binders and are always in demand.
- The Alola starter GX cards are undervalued relative to comparable starter cards from other eras. Decidueye-GX in particular had strong competitive success, adding a gameplay legacy to its collectibility. Target Full Art variants for best long-term value.
- Inspect Full Art GX textures for print quality. SM-era Full Arts use a textured surface that shows handling marks readily. Check for print inconsistencies along the texture ridges; some copies have texture gaps or misalignments that reduce grading potential.
- Complete the common/uncommon base early while prices are low. NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise. SM Base commons are bulk-priced. Buy complete non-holo sets from single sellers on eBay to save time and shipping costs.
- Japanese Sun & Moon base set offers identical GX artwork at 40-60% lower prices; the Japanese Umbreon-GX Secret Rare trades at roughly half the English price. The Japanese SM cards have different numbering but same art and equivalent quality.
- Grade Eeveelution Secret Rares and Full Arts if centering is 55/45 or better on both front and back. PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. 10 premiums of 3-6x raw value on these cards justify submission costs. Pre-screen the GX stamp area for print defects.
- Track Secret Rare gold card populations at PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium.. The gold Ultra Ball and Switch have moderate populations, and cards with sub-200 PSA 10 populations and strong collector appeal command disproportionate premiums.
- Store Full Art and Secret Rare GX cards in perfect fit sleeves inside magnetic one-touch holders. The textured surface of SM Full Arts is a fingerprint magnet, so handle by edges only with clean dry hands.
Market insights
- Umbreon-GX Secret Rare (#154) is the set's top card, with strong Eeveelution collector demand and a hefty PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. 10 premium over raw. Umbreon consistently ranks among the most popular Pokemon for collectors.
- Espeon-GX Secret Rare (#152) sits slightly behind Umbreon in raw value but tracks it closely, graded and raw. The Espeon/Umbreon pair is often collected as a matching set.
- Umbreon-GX Full Art (#142) and Espeon-GX Full Art (#140) trade well below their Secret Rare counterparts, offering more accessible entry points to the Eeveelution chase.
- Ultra Ball Secret Rare (#161) runs slightly ahead of Switch Secret Rare (#160), raw and graded. Gold Trainer cards carry strong appeal among players and collectors.
- The Solgaleo-GX and Lunala-GX Full Arts are cover legendaries with moderate demand driven by game nostalgia, with Solgaleo holding a slight edge.
- A complete NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise. base set costs roughly half of what the full master set with reverse holofoils runs, and the Secret Rares add meaningfully on top of either.
- Opening sealed booster boxes is mildly EV · Expected valueThe average value of the cards you would pull from a pack or box. Useful for comparing products, not a promise.-negative at current box prices; singles purchasing is more cost-efficient for set completion.
- SM-era annual appreciation: 8-12% for key chase cards over the past 3 years. Sealed product appreciation is accelerating at 12-18% annually. Early-stage nostalgia cycle suggests continued upside.
- International demand is growing; English SM Base cards command 25-40% premiums over Japanese equivalents. European Cardmarket prices track eBay closely with occasional arbitrage opportunities.
- PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. population trends: SM Base grading submissions have increased 40-60% year-over-year from 2024-2026 as collectors recognize the era's appreciation potential. Higher populations may moderate PSA 10 premiums for common GX cards.
Watch out for
- Counterfeit risk is MODERATE for the Eeveelution Secret Rares and Full Arts. Fakes exist for high-demand Umbreon and Espeon variants. Verify texture patterns under magnification; genuine SM Full Arts have consistent raised texture ridges. Fakes often have flat or irregular texture.
- GX stamp printing defects can reduce grading scores. A small percentage of SM Base cards have misaligned, blurry, or incomplete GX stamps. Check the gold GX stamp on the lower portion of GX cards under magnification before grading.
- Centering issues affect approximately 30-40% of SM Base cards. While better than DP-era print runs, still a significant percentage of cards won't meet PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. 10 centering requirements (55/45). Pre-screen before submitting.
- The SM Base master set including reverse holos is a meaningful financial commitment. The set is large enough that completing it requires sustained effort over 2-4 months of focused collecting.
- Sealed booster box authentication matters at current price levels. Verify Pokemon Company seal patterns, shrink wrap quality, and box weight. Resealed SM-era boxes exist in the secondary market.
- The SM era is not yet vintage; prices are in a transitional period between retail availability (declining) and vintage premiums (emerging). There is uncertainty about whether SM cards will reach the appreciation levels of older vintage eras.
- No competitive format demand supports prices. SM-era cards rotated out of Standard years ago. Collecting demand alone drives values; if collector interest in Gen 7 doesn't materialize as expected, appreciation may stall.
SM Base Set grading guide
Which SM Base Set cards are worth the $20+/card grading fee? PSA 10 premiums vary significantly by rarity tier. See our complete grading guide for how grading works, costs, and international submission options.
Tier 1 - Grade Priority
Worth gradingThe Eeveelution Secret Rares are the set's top grading candidates. PSA 10 premiums are strong and demand is consistent. Pre-screen centering (55/45+ both sides), GX stamp clarity, and texture consistency. Eeveelution collectors drive reliable PSA 10 demand.
Tier 2 - Selective Grading
Worth gradingGold Trainer Secrets and secondary Full Arts justify grading for clearly NM copies with strong centering. Gold Ultra Ball has crossover appeal among competitive players. Grade only if the card is visibly pack-fresh quality.
Tier 3 - Not Recommended
Skip gradingMid-tier GX and holo cards have decent multipliers but low absolute values. Grading fees ($20-35) eat into margins significantly. Keep raw unless pursuing a complete graded set for personal display.
Tier 4 - Never Grade
Skip gradingGrading costs vastly exceed card values regardless of multiplier. A 10x premium on a $0.50 card is $5, less than the submission fee. Keep raw in binder pages for set completion.
Before you submit — PSA checklist, fees, and tips▾
PSA 10 requirements
- Centering
- 55/45 minimum front and back. Modern SIRs frequently fail here — pre-screen every candidate.
- Corners
- Sharp, no whitening under magnification. Sleeve the moment you pull the card.
- Surface
- No scratches, print lines, or holo damage. SIR foils are especially vulnerable from the factory.
- Edges
- No chipping or fraying. Inspect under bright light.
PSA service tiers
- Value
- $20/card, 4–6 month turnaround. Right for raw values $75–500.
- Regular
- $50/card, 6–8 week turnaround. Right for raw values $500+.
- Express
- $75–150/card, 2–3 week turnaround. Only worth it above $1,000 raw.
Budget for a 5-card submission: $135–170 once you add shipping, insurance, and supplies.
Tips from experienced submitters
- • Pre-screen with a loupe — 70%+ of modern cards fail centering.
- • PSA Collectors Club ($99/year) pays for itself with 2–3 value-tier submissions.
- • Ship in batches of 10+ to amortize shipping and insurance.
- • PSA 9 typically sells at 40–60% of PSA 10 — still a premium over raw.
Storage & protection
Protect your 309-card SM Base Set master set with archival binders, perfect-fit sleeves, and top loaders for the chase cards. Plan on $150–250 for complete coverage.
Premium binders
Dragon Shield Codex · $30–50
Archival pages, side-loading pockets, acid-free. For 309 cards, plan on 18 double-sided 9-pocket pages.
Perfect-fit sleeves
Every card · $30–50 total
Prevent micro-scratches from sliding cards in and out of binder pockets. You'll need roughly 4 packs for full coverage.
Top loaders
Chase cards · $15–25/pack
Rigid protection for SIRs and grading candidates. Essential for anything over $34 raw.
SM Base Set card list
Every card in the SM Base Set master set. Search, filter by rarity or price, and mark off what you own as you go. Tap any card for prices and variants.
Track your collection. Mark cards owned or wanted, add condition & notes, and watch your master set progress.
| Card | Price | Collection |
|---|---|---|
Caterpie1/149 · Common | $0.23 | N RH |
Metapod2/149 · Uncommon | $0.32 | N RH |
Butterfree3/149 · Rare | $0.34 | N RH |
Paras4/149 · Common | $0.05 | N RH |
Parasect5/149 · Rare | $0.18 | N RH |
Pinsir6/149 · Uncommon | $0.17 | N RH |
Surskit7/149 · Common | $0.04 | N RH |
Masquerain8/149 · Rare | $0.21 | N RH |
Rowlet9/149 · Common | $0.12 | N RH |
Dartrix10/149 · Uncommon | $0.21 | N RH |
Decidueye11/149 · Rare | $0.26 | N RH |
Decidueye GX12/149 · Ultra Rare | $2.81 | Holo |
Grubbin13/149 · Common | $0.03 | N RH |
Fomantis14/149 · Common | $0.07 | N RH |
Lurantis GX15/149 · Ultra Rare | $1.46 | Holo |
Morelull16/149 · Common | $0.20 | N RH |
Shiinotic17/149 · Holo Rare | $0.58 | Holo RH |
Bounsweet18/149 · Common | $0.05 | N RH |
Steenee19/149 · Uncommon | $0.16 | N RH |
Tsareena20/149 · Holo Rare | $0.49 | Holo RH |
Growlithe21/149 · Common | $0.26 | N RH |
Arcanine22/149 · Holo Rare | $3.20 | Holo RH |
Torkoal23/149 · Common | $0.22 | N RH |
Litten24/149 · Common | $0.27 | N RH |
Torracat25/149 · Uncommon | $0.24 | N RH |
Incineroar26/149 · Rare | $0.30 | N RH |
Incineroar GX27/149 · Ultra Rare | $2.94 | Holo |
Psyduck28/149 · Common | $0.87 | N RH |
Golduck29/149 · Rare | $0.28 | N RH |
Poliwag30/149 · Common | $0.85 | N RH |
Poliwhirl31/149 · Uncommon | $0.24 | N RH |
Poliwrath32/149 · Holo Rare | $0.71 | Holo RH |
Shellder33/149 · Common | $0.14 | N RH |
Cloyster34/149 · Rare | $0.11 | N RH |
Lapras GX35/149 · Ultra Rare | $3.69 | Holo |
Corsola36/149 · Uncommon | $0.25 | N RH |
Wingull37/149 · Common | $0.13 | N RH |
Pelipper38/149 · Uncommon | $0.11 | N RH |
Popplio39/149 · Common | $0.23 | N RH |
Brionne40/149 · Uncommon | $0.27 | N RH |
Primarina41/149 · Rare | $0.36 | N RH |
Primarina GX42/149 · Ultra Rare | $3.67 | Holo |
Crabominable43/149 · Rare | $0.15 | N RH |
Wishiwashi44/149 · Uncommon | $0.13 | N RH |
Dewpider45/149 · Common | $0.04 | N RH |
Araquanid46/149 · Uncommon | $0.03 | N RH |
Pyukumuku47/149 · Uncommon | $0.27 | N RH |
Bruxish48/149 · Rare | $0.22 | N RH |
Chinchou49/149 · Common | $0.05 | N RH |
Lanturn50/149 · Rare | $0.23 | N RH |
Frequently asked questions
How many cards are in the SM Base Set master set?▾
The SM Base Set master set is 309 cards: 149 base cards, 136 reverse holofoils, and 23 secret rares and special-art cards. The base set alone is 172 unique cards, numbered 001/149 through the secret rares. Track all 309 with the free interactive checklist on Cardrake.
See also: Binder layout planner
What are the chase cards in SM Base Set?▾
The top chase card in SM Base Set is Umbreon GX Secret (Secret Rare) at $134.62. Other high-value cards include Umbreon GX Full Art ($57.51) and Espeon GX Secret ($53.73). See the full chase card rankings above for current prices.
See also: Chase card rankings, Binder layout planner
How much does a SM Base Set master set cost?▾
A complete SM Base Set master set is estimated at $762 based on current TCGPlayer market prices. Budget collectors can start with the base set for significantly less, while premium completionists targeting graded copies should expect higher costs.
See also: Master set budgeting guide, Binder layout planner
What is the complete SM Base Set master set card list?▾
The SM Base Set set contains 149 base cards across 6 rarity tiers plus 23 secret rares. View the complete card list with images, prices, and rarity information on the SM Base Set binder layout page on Cardrake.
See also: Binder layout planner
How should I organize SM Base Set in a binder?▾
For 309 cards (including reverse holos), a 9-pocket binder needs 18 double-sided pages and a 12-pocket binder needs 13 pages. Use Cardrake's visual binder planner to preview exactly how your cards will be laid out before you start sleeving.
See also: Binder layout planner, Binder organization guide
Is there a SM Base Set master set checklist?▾
Yes — Cardrake provides a visual master set checklist for SM Base Set with all 172 cards. You can track owned and missing cards, view your completion percentage, and plan your binder layout. Sign up for the Collector plan to save your progress.
See also: Binder layout planner
Is SM Base Set worth collecting as a master set?▾
SM Base Set has 172 unique cards with an estimated completion cost of $762. It is a mid-sized master set that offers a solid collecting challenge. With 15 cards over $10, most of the value is concentrated in a few key cards.
See also: Master set guide, Binder layout planner
What are Pokemon-GX cards?▾
Pokemon-GX are powerful cards introduced in Sun & Moon with higher HP and a special GX attack that can only be used once per game. They replaced the previous EX mechanic. GX cards come in Regular, Full Art, and Secret Rare variants, with the Secret Rare versions being the most valuable.
What is the most valuable card in Sun & Moon base?▾
Umbreon-GX Secret Rare (#154) leads the set raw NM · Near MintA card with at most tiny flaws. Listed prices assume this condition unless they say otherwise., and PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. 10 copies bring several times raw. Espeon-GX Secret Rare (#152) is close behind raw. The Eeveelution pair dominates the set's value hierarchy.
Are Sun & Moon cards a good investment?▾
SM-era cards are in an early-stage nostalgia cycle with 8-12% annual appreciation on key cards. Sealed booster boxes are appreciating faster at 12-18%. The core nostalgia demographic (born 2002-2007) is just entering purchasing age. Upside potential exists, but SM cards lack the established track record of older vintage eras.
Should I grade Sun & Moon base cards?▾
Grade Eeveelution Secret Rares and Full Arts (PSA · Professional Sports AuthenticatorThe largest card grading company. A PSA 10 is its top grade and carries the biggest price premium. 10 premiums 3-6x), gold Secret Rare Trainers (3-5x), and cover legendary Full Arts (3-4x) if centering is 55/45 or better. Pre-screen the GX stamp for print defects. Standard GX and holo rares generally aren't worth the grading fee.
What is the difference between Full Art and Secret Rare GX?▾
Full Art GX cards feature extended artwork filling the entire card face with a textured surface. They are numbered within the main set numbering. Secret Rare GX cards are numbered above the set total (e.g., 152/149), feature alternate artwork, and often use rainbow or gold treatments. Secret Rares are rarer pulls and command higher prices.
How do I spot a fake Sun & Moon GX card?▾
Check texture: genuine SM Full Arts have consistent raised ridges you can feel with your finger. Fakes often have flat or irregular texture. Weight test: genuine cards weigh approximately 3.4g. Light test: genuine cards show a dark core layer when held to bright light. The gold GX stamp should be sharp and consistently metallic.
Where can I buy Sun & Moon singles?▾
TCGPlayer offers the best price comparison for English singles. eBay is strong for graded copies, sealed product, and auction deals. Cardmarket serves European buyers well. For Japanese alternatives at lower prices, check eBay Japan sellers or import services like Buyee.
What makes the gold Trainer Secret Rares special?▾
Ultra Ball (#161) and Switch (#160) received gold-bordered Secret Rare treatments, standard Trainer cards reimagined with gold foil borders and premium card stock. These were highly popular among competitive players who used them in decks and collectors who appreciate the aesthetic. Gold Trainers became a beloved rarity tier throughout the SM era.
How should I store Sun & Moon Full Art GX cards?▾
Perfect fit inner sleeves are mandatory. The textured surface shows fingerprints and micro-scratches without a buffer layer. Your priciest cards belong in magnetic one-touch holders; mid-value cards do fine in top loaders with inner sleeves. Handle by edges only with clean dry hands. Store in climate-controlled conditions away from UV light.
What is the Sun & Moon base set's competitive legacy?▾
Several SM Base cards were competitively significant: Decidueye-GX became a tier-1 deck archetype, Tauros-GX was a format staple for its versatile GX attack, and Professor Kukui saw widespread play as a Supporter. This competitive relevance meant more packs were opened and more cards entered circulation than sets without competitive impact.