Few trainers command the respect and attention of Cynthia in the Pokemon TCG, with several valuable cards on her roster. Despite debuting much later than adored trainers like Misty, Erika, or Giovanni, Cynthia boasts a notable collection of valuable chase cards to hunt, primarily composed of full arts and extremely valuable promo cards.
Related
Pokemon TCG: The 5 Best Sets With Gardevoir Chase Cards
These sets feature plenty of Gardevoir cards to collect.
While Cynthia is a late bloomer, she continues to receive gorgeous cards, from Sword & Shield’s Crown Zenith, to Scarlet & Violet’s Destined Rivals. Exclusivity plays a huge role in determining the value of cards, so it’s no surprise that Cynthia’s most valuable cards include a few rare promos you won’t find in a normal set.
Cards are ordered according to their Market Prices on TCGplayer. Due to the age and rarity of certain cards, any cards without a Market Price are not included.
8
Cynthia’s Ambition: Crown Zenith (Galarian Gallery) – $16.06
Ever-Growing
Cynthia’s best cards feature several scenes of this trainer amid various moments, ranging from the heat of a tight battle to a contemplative slice-of-life scene like in Cynthia’s Ambition. This card depicts Cynthia deep in thought as she wanders through some ruins with her Gastrodon.
This beautiful Cynthia card once hovered below the ten-dollar mark in 2024, but has since seen increasing levels of demand that have sent the price skyrocketing into the $15+ range. Given that Crown Zenith’s collection of valuable cards is one of the best modern sets, this card’s demand is likely to keep soaring.
Feeling Good
This first Cynthia promo is a bit difficult to find, as it was only offered as an exclusive card found in the Diamond & Pearl collection, which featured a handful of booster packs from the titular generation. You could only receive this card as part of that special bundle, as it isn’t found in the packs.
If you want to find this card alone, you can splurge on a near-mint (NM) copy for around $30, or if you don’t mind settling for one in lesser condition, lightly played (LP) copies only cost about eight dollars or less in some cases.
The First Pose
Continuing the promo parade is the 119/156 Regional Championships Staff Promo, which was distributed from February to April 2018. While this same artwork also appears in the Ultra Prism expansion, this holographic parallel was only released as part of the Regional Championships, hence this card’s unusually high price for such a basic artwork.
Related
Pokemon TCG: The 7 Most Valuable McDonald’s Collection Promo Cards
Even McDonald’s promo cards are rising.
However, this wasn’t the only Cynthia distributed during that 2018 Regional Championship season, as there’s a second, more valuable version still to come among the most expensive Cynthia cards.
This special promotional Cynthia card was distributed to those who participated in the Extra Battle Day events in Japan from January 23, 2021, at Pokemon Card Gyms. This Japanese-exclusive promo features the same card effect as the 119/156 promos, but offers an unusually studious depiction of Cynthia reading a book.
This card’s status as a special Battle Day card is marked by the stamp located on the bottom-right side of the card. This card, and all other ‘B’ Regulation cards, were rotated out of the standard format the day before the Battle Day events, making this an intended trophy card.
4
Cynthia & Caitlin: Cosmic Eclipse (Full Art) – $150.01
A Full Art Feast
While Cosmic Eclipse is home to plenty of expensive cards, the Cynthia & Caitlin full art stands out as one of the best in the set, thanks to its explosions of beautiful colors that complement the two featured trainers. There’s no doubt that this is the best full art trainer card in the set, and it makes an argument for being the most iconic in the Sun & Moon era.
This card’s ever-rising price tag sets it apart as one of the most beloved Cynthia cards ever made, and it’s likely to continue increasing in price over time, especially in NM condition. Even in the background, Cynthia is destined to keep shining.
A One-Letter Difference
The second half of our 2018 Regional Championship set appears in the form of this slightly altered promo card, which features Cynthia in a more animated pose than the 119/156 version.
The small additional ‘a’ differentiates this promo card from its other version, which is functionally identical, only boasting an alternative pose.
Related
Pokemon TCG: The 11 Most Valuable Cards From EX Team Rocket Returns
Collect valuable Gold Stars and Rocket’s Pokemon in Team Rocket Returns.
This Cynthia promo is much more valuable than both its direct peer and the Japanese promo version of this card, indicating that its rarity and superb artwork make it more highly desirable.
2
Cynthia: Hidden Fates Shiny Vault (Shiny Holo Rare) – $166.87
An Iconic Duo
This beautiful card from Hidden Fates’ Shiny Vault stands out thanks to the striking combination of Cynthia and her ace Pokemon, Garchomp. If you thought her combination with Caitlin was destined to continue rising, this card seems likely to keep a steady lead over the trainer duo.
In 2024, this card could be had for below $100, and for as little as $80 in some cases, but Cynthia’s inclusion in the Destined Rivals set seems to have reawakened interest in this powerful Pokemon and trainer duo. You should pick this card up before it soars to the $200 mark.
1
Cynthia: Ultra Prism (Full Art) – $186.52
Chart-Topper
If you’re a purist and prefer to enjoy a solo depiction of Cynthia in all her glory, then this incredibly valuable full art from Ultra Prism should be exactly what you need. While this art might feature one of the simplest depictions of Cynthia we’ve seen thus far, it offers a vibrant close-up unlike the zoomed-out views that have persisted throughout.
When it comes to locking down the best Cynthia chase card, there isn’t any better than this one. Though it is likely to face competition from Cynthia and her Garchomp from Hidden Fates, this card stands out as the best solo scene.
Next
Pokemon TCG: The 5 Best Sets With Eevee Chase Cards
Focus on these sets if you love Eevee in its Normal, unevolved form.
