Most Valuable Temporal Forces Cards: Complete Price Guide & Pull Rates (2026)
Tracking the most valuable Temporal Forces cards has become an absolute necessity for Pokémon TCG collectors and competitive players navigating the Scarlet & Violet era. Officially released as the fifth mainline expansion of Generation 9 (SV05), Temporal Forces marked a monumental turning point in the modern hobby. The set dramatically reintroduced the legendary ACE SPEC mechanic after more than a decade-long hiatus, while escalating the high-stakes clash between prehistoric Ancient Pokémon and cybernetic Future Paradox Pokémon.
From the thunderous primordial majesty of Raging Bolt ex and Walking Wake ex to the neon cyberpunk precision of Iron Crown ex and Iron Leaves ex, this expansion redefined both tournament play and collector chase hierarchies. Much like other high-impact Generation 9 expansions such as Twilight Masquerade, Stellar Crown, Obsidian Flames, and Surging Sparks, the secondary market for Temporal Forces has matured into clearly delineated valuation tiers.
Whether you are cracking open 36-pack booster boxes, building Championship-caliber decks, or inspecting raw singles for grading submission to PSA, BGS, or CGC, mastering raw versus graded price spreads and verified pull odds is vital. In this authoritative 2026 market guide, CardMint breaks down the top ten most expensive cards in Temporal Forces, details authenticated pull frequencies, analyzes PSA 10 Gem Mint population dynamics, and explains how to appraise your collection with modern AI tools.
Key Market Takeaway: The premier chase card of the expansion is the prehistoric Raging Bolt ex Special Illustration Rare (#208/162), fiercely challenged by the cybernetic Iron Crown ex Special Illustration Rare (#206/162) and Tomokazu Komiya’s viral Gastly Illustration Rare (#177/162). While Special Illustration Rares are statistically brutal pulls (~1 in 86 packs overall, or ~1 in 855 packs for a specific SIR), intense organic demand for Komiya’s Gastly has elevated this standard Illustration Rare into an elite valuation bracket normally reserved exclusively for top-tier secret rares.
Why Temporal Forces Reshaped the Pokémon TCG Economy
To grasp why specific cards from Temporal Forces maintain enduring collector value and sustained liquidity, one must examine the expansion’s dual identity as a competitive game-changer and an artistic triumph. In our overarching Pokémon card price guide, Temporal Forces stands out as one of the most balanced and mechanically important sets of the entire Scarlet & Violet series.
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| TEMPORAL FORCES EXPANSION BLUEPRINT |
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| Total Cards in Set: 218 (162 Base Cards + 56 Secret Rare Hits) |
| Key Game Mechanics: Ancient & Future Paradox Traits, ACE SPEC Cards |
| Premier Chase Rarities: Special Illustration Rare (SIR) & Illustration Rare |
| Core Meta Drivers: Raging Bolt ex, Iron Crown ex, Prime Catcher |
| Pack Configuration: 10 cards per booster pack, 36 packs per booster box |
| Overall SIR Frequency: ~1 in 86 packs (approx. 1.17% chance per pack) |
| Specific SIR Odds: ~1 in 855 packs (approx. 0.12% per designated card) |
| Overall IR Frequency: ~1 in 13 packs (approx. 7.72% chance per pack) |
| Specific IR Odds: ~1 in 285 packs (approx. 0.35% per designated card) |
| ACE SPEC Pull Odds: ~1 in 20 packs (approx. 5.0% chance per pack) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+1. The Historic Return of ACE SPEC Cards
Not seen since the Black & White series in 2012–2013, ACE SPEC cards returned with distinctive magenta holographic foil borders. Restricted to exactly one copy per 60-card deck due to their game-warping power, cards like Prime Catcher, Master Ball, and Reboot Pod instantly generated voracious organic demand from every tournament player worldwide. This baseline utility ensured that even non-collector competitive players kept sealed product flying off hobby shop shelves.
2. The Ancient vs. Future Paradox Dynamic
Temporal Forces cemented the lore rivalry between primal past and robotic future. The legendary beasts of Johto—Raikou, Entei, and Suicune—received ancient paradox forms (Raging Bolt, Gouging Fire, and Walking Wake), while the Swords of Justice from Unova—Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion—received future mechanized forms (Iron Crown, Iron Boulder, and Iron Leaves). This thematic dichotomy created passionate collector sub-factions, with purists chasing the Ancient beasts and modernists acquiring the Future automatons.
3. Iconic Alt-Art Illustration Direction
Beyond mechanics, Temporal Forces showcased breathtaking experimental art styles. Renowned franchise artists including Tomokazu Komiya, nagimiso, Teeziro, and Cona Nitanda pushed visual boundaries. Rather than conventional static 3D renders, the set delivered full-bleed storybook scenes, urban hauntings, and sweeping prehistoric landscapes that collectors actively desire for display in gem mint slabs alongside vintage classics like most valuable Pokemon 151 cards.
Top 10 Most Valuable Temporal Forces Cards Ranked (2026)
The valuation matrix below is synthesized from thousands of verified secondary marketplace transactions across TCGplayer market trends, eBay authenticated completed sales, and PriceCharting historical grading indices. Figures reflect Near Mint (NM) raw condition alongside certified PSA 10 Gem Mint pricing.
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| TEMPORAL FORCES VALUE & RARITY MATRIX (2026) |
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| Rank | Card Name & Variant | Number | Rarity Tier | Raw NM Value | PSA 10 Value |
|------+----------------------------------+----------+--------------------+--------------+----------------|
| 1 | Raging Bolt ex (SIR) | #208/162 | Special Illus Rare | $72 - $88 | $240 - $310 |
| 2 | Iron Crown ex (SIR) | #206/162 | Special Illus Rare | $60 - $75 | $210 - $265 |
| 3 | Gastly (Illustration Rare) | #177/162 | Illustration Rare | $38 - $48 | $145 - $185 |
| 4 | Walking Wake ex (SIR) | #205/162 | Special Illus Rare | $35 - $45 | $135 - $175 |
| 5 | Morty's Conviction (SIR) | #211/162 | Special Illus Rare | $32 - $42 | $125 - $160 |
| 6 | Gouging Fire ex (SIR) | #204/162 | Special Illus Rare | $26 - $35 | $110 - $145 |
| 7 | Iron Leaves ex (SIR) | #203/162 | Special Illus Rare | $22 - $30 | $95 - $130 |
| 8 | Eri (SIR - Supporter) | #210/162 | Special Illus Rare | $18 - $26 | $85 - $115 |
| 9 | Bianca's Devotion (SIR) | #209/162 | Special Illus Rare | $16 - $24 | $80 - $105 |
| 10 | Prime Catcher (ACE SPEC) | #157/162 | ACE SPEC Rare | $14 - $20 | $70 - $95 |
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Detailed Profiles of the Premier Temporal Forces Hits
1. Raging Bolt ex Special Illustration Rare (#208/162)
Reigning at the pinnacle of the expansion is the prehistoric thunder titan, Raging Bolt ex Special Illustration Rare #208/162. Depicting the Ancient Paradox incarnation of Raikou with an elongated sauropod-like neck towering beneath storm-swept primordial skies, this card is illustrated by master artist nagimiso.
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| RAGING BOLT EX #208/162 SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Artist | nagimiso |
| Rarity Designation | Special Illustration Rare (Double Gold Star) |
| Card Number | 208/162 (Secret Rare) |
| Raw Near Mint Price | $78.50 |
| PSA 10 Gem Mint Price | $275.00 |
| PSA 10 Population Rate| ~58% of submitted copies |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+The staggering value of Raging Bolt ex stems from a textbook intersection of Tier 1 competitive dominance and visual grandeur. Partnered with Teal Mask Ogerpon ex from Twilight Masquerade, the “Raging Bolt / Ogerpon” archetype became a dominant force across regional and international Championships. Its “Bellowing Thunder” attack dishes out uncapped damage by discarding Basic Energy from play, making it a permanent meta juggernaut.
From a grading perspective, Raging Bolt ex suffers from subtle edge whitening along the dark upper border and foil scuffing straight out of factory packaging. Copies boasting 50/50 centering and unmarred holographic sheen command substantial premiums when certified Gem Mint.
2. Iron Crown ex Special Illustration Rare (#206/162)
Serving as the futuristic mirror to Raging Bolt is Iron Crown ex Special Illustration Rare #206/162, the mechanized Future Paradox manifestation of Cobalion. Also rendered with breathtaking sci-fi intricacy by nagimiso, the artwork showcases Iron Crown standing poised inside a high-tech laboratory filled with holographic data rings and ambient blue luminescence.
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| IRON CROWN EX #206/162 SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Artist | nagimiso |
| Rarity Designation | Special Illustration Rare (Double Gold Star) |
| Card Number | 206/162 (Secret Rare) |
| Raw Near Mint Price | $66.00 |
| PSA 10 Gem Mint Price | $235.00 |
| PSA 10 Population Rate| ~54% of submitted copies |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Beyond its cyberpunk aesthetic, Iron Crown ex functions as the engine of the “Future Box” competitive archetype. Its “Cobalt Command” ability passively boosts the damage of all Future Pokémon attacks by +20, while its “Twin Kobu” attack bypasses Weakness, Resistance, and existing effects on the Defending Pokémon. Because players require up to four copies in a tournament-optimized deck, demand remains relentless across both competitive and collector circles.
3. Gastly Illustration Rare (#177/162)
In one of the most remarkable market phenomena of modern Pokémon collecting, a single-gold-star Illustration Rare has shattered conventional hierarchy to claim the set’s #3 spot: Gastly Illustration Rare #177/162.
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| GASTLY #177/162 SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Artist | Tomokazu Komiya |
| Rarity Designation | Illustration Rare (Single Gold Star) |
| Card Number | 177/162 (Secret Rare) |
| Raw Near Mint Price | $42.50 |
| PSA 10 Gem Mint Price | $165.00 |
| PSA 10 Population Rate| ~46% of submitted copies (High Condition Sensitivity) |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Illustrated by legendary fan-favorite artist Tomokazu Komiya, this card captures the classic Generation 1 ghost floating menacingly in a vivid urban alleyway alongside startled city dwellers and graffiti-covered brick walls. Komiya’s signature post-expressionist, raw, and vibrant style resonates deeply with seasoned collectors.
Mathematically, hitting a specific Illustration Rare from Temporal Forces is tough (~1 in 285 packs, as 22 different IRs compete in the rarity slot). Furthermore, Gastly features exceptionally dark purple and navy borders that are notoriously prone to factory edge chipping and corner fuzzing. Achieving a PSA 10 grade is considerably more difficult than average, resulting in an aggressive 4x grading multiplier over raw copies.
4. Walking Wake ex Special Illustration Rare (#205/162)
Representing the Ancient Paradox counterpart of Suicune, Walking Wake ex Special Illustration Rare #205/162 features enchanting artwork by Teeziro. The prehistoric bipedal beast is depicted leaping through a lush tropical canopy, splashing vibrant turquoise water droplets with textured holographic brilliance.
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| WALKING WAKE EX #205/162 SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Artist | Teeziro |
| Rarity Designation | Special Illustration Rare (Double Gold Star) |
| Card Number | 205/162 (Secret Rare) |
| Raw Near Mint Price | $39.50 |
| PSA 10 Gem Mint Price | $150.00 |
| PSA 10 Population Rate| ~60% of submitted copies |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Because Suicune is universally revered as one of the most graceful Legendary Pokémon in history, Walking Wake enjoys immense nostalgic spillover. The card’s fluid color palette and foil stamping make it one of the most visually captivating display slabs from the entire Generation 9 catalog.
5. Morty’s Conviction Special Illustration Rare (#211/162)
Supporter collectors received an absolute masterpiece in Morty’s Conviction Special Illustration Rare #211/162, illustrated by Cona Nitanda. The card depicts the iconic Ecruteak City Gym Leader Morty leaning against an ornate balcony at twilight, with the glowing red eyes and mischievous grin of Gengar emerging from the swirling shadows behind him.
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| MORTY'S CONVICTION #211/162 SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Artist | Cona Nitanda |
| Rarity Designation | Special Illustration Rare (Double Gold Star) |
| Card Number | 211/162 (Secret Rare) |
| Raw Near Mint Price | $36.00 |
| PSA 10 Gem Mint Price | $140.00 |
| PSA 10 Population Rate| ~52% of submitted copies |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Cards that feature Gengar—even in the background of a Supporter card—consistently command tremendous price premiums due to the immense popularity of the Ghost-type icon. Morty’s Conviction also sees regular competitive play in Darkness and Ghost decks for its ability to discard cards and draw fresh resources based on the opponent’s Benched Pokémon.
6. Gouging Fire ex Special Illustration Rare (#204/162)
The Ancient Paradox Entei, Gouging Fire ex Special Illustration Rare #204/162, brings searing volcanic intensity to the set. Illustrated by nagimiso, the card portrays the armored fire beast standing atop a molten magma crag amidst exploding embers and sulfurous ash clouds.
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| GOUGING FIRE EX #204/162 SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Artist | nagimiso |
| Rarity Designation | Special Illustration Rare (Double Gold Star) |
| Card Number | 204/162 (Secret Rare) |
| Raw Near Mint Price | $30.00 |
| PSA 10 Gem Mint Price | $125.00 |
| PSA 10 Population Rate| ~62% of submitted copies |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Gouging Fire ex completes the trio of Ancient Johto beasts in Temporal Forces. Collectors frequently assemble the sequential triptych of Raging Bolt #208, Gouging Fire #204, and Walking Wake #205 in matching PSA 10 slabs, creating bundled liquidity that props up values for all three singles.
7. Iron Leaves ex Special Illustration Rare (#203/162)
Rounding out the Future trio alongside Iron Crown is Iron Leaves ex Special Illustration Rare #203/162, representing the robotic reincarnation of Virizion. Also illustrated by nagimiso, the artwork contrasts natural crystalline foliage with polished metallic plating and emerald energy blades.
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| IRON LEAVES EX #203/162 SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Artist | nagimiso |
| Rarity Designation | Special Illustration Rare (Double Gold Star) |
| Card Number | 203/162 (Secret Rare) |
| Raw Near Mint Price | $25.50 |
| PSA 10 Gem Mint Price | $110.00 |
| PSA 10 Population Rate| ~64% of submitted copies |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Iron Leaves ex sees tactical tournament play as a Grass-type tech attacker, capable of entering play and instantly knocking out opposing Water-type titans like Charizard ex (Tera) or Roaring Moon ex. Its clean aesthetic and modest pull probability make it an approachable mid-tier chase for binder collections.
8. Eri Special Illustration Rare (#210/162)
Team Star’s Caph Squad boss makes an energetic entrance in Eri Special Illustration Rare #210/162, illustrated by GIDORA. The artwork captures Eri in her striking wrestling attire inside the Team Star Fighting training ring, radiating intensity and dynamic motion.
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| ERI #210/162 SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Artist | GIDORA |
| Rarity Designation | Special Illustration Rare (Double Gold Star) |
| Card Number | 210/162 (Secret Rare) |
| Raw Near Mint Price | $21.50 |
| PSA 10 Gem Mint Price | $95.00 |
| PSA 10 Population Rate| ~56% of submitted copies |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Eri serves as one of the most potent hand disruption Supporters in modern competitive Pokémon. Discarding up to two Item cards from an opponent’s hand can outright cripple setup decks relying on Rare Candy or Buddy-Buddy Poffin, cementing persistent tournament demand for the full-art secret rare version.
9. Bianca’s Devotion Special Illustration Rare (#209/162)
Harkening back to Pokémon Black & White, Bianca’s Devotion Special Illustration Rare #209/162 features Professor Juniper’s earnest assistant Bianca in a warm, contemplative interior scene illustrated by saino misaki.
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| BIANCA'S DEVOTION #209/162 SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Artist | saino misaki |
| Rarity Designation | Special Illustration Rare (Double Gold Star) |
| Card Number | 209/162 (Secret Rare) |
| Raw Near Mint Price | $19.50 |
| PSA 10 Gem Mint Price | $90.00 |
| PSA 10 Population Rate| ~61% of submitted copies |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Nostalgia for the Unova region remains at an all-time high among adult collectors who grew up during Generation 5. The soft pastel illustration style and character heritage provide steady organic demand among full-art trainer enthusiasts.
10. Prime Catcher ACE SPEC (#157/162)
Concluding our top ten countdown is the undisputed king of modern competitive Trainer cards: Prime Catcher ACE SPEC #157/162.
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| PRIME CATCHER #157/162 SPECIFICATIONS |
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| Rarity Designation | ACE SPEC Rare |
| Card Number | 157/162 |
| Raw Near Mint Price | $16.50 |
| PSA 10 Gem Mint Price | $80.00 |
| Playability Index | S-Tier (Included in >70% of competitive decks) |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Combining the effects of Gust of Wind and Switch onto a single zero-cost Item card without consuming a Supporter turn, Prime Catcher is the most universally played card introduced in Generation 9. Because virtually every tournament-tier deck requires a copy, raw Near Mint cards circulate with unmatched liquidity on TCGplayer. Collectors who grade pristine copies find eager buyers among high-end players who desire fully maximum-rarity, certified decks.
Statistical Pull Rates & Box Break Economics
Understanding verified pack probabilities is essential for determining whether you should rip sealed booster boxes or buy individual singles on the open market. The figures below are derived from authenticated community openings across more than 8,000 booster packs of Temporal Forces.
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| TEMPORAL FORCES VERIFIED PULL RATE ODDS |
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| Rarity Tier | Pack Probability | Packs to Pull | In 36-Pack Box |
|-----------------------------+------------------+---------------+------------------|
| Illustration Rare (IR) | 7.72% (~1 in 13) | 13 packs | 2.7 cards / box |
| Special Illus Rare (SIR) | 1.17% (~1 in 86) | 86 packs | 0.42 cards / box |
| Ultra Rare (Full Art Pokémon| 6.25% (~1 in 16) | 16 packs | 2.25 cards / box |
| ACE SPEC Trainer Card | 5.00% (~1 in 20) | 20 packs | 1.8 cards / box |
| Hyper Rare (Gold Secret) | 1.85% (~1 in 54) | 54 packs | 0.67 cards / box |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+Mathematically, you will need to open approximately 2.4 booster boxes (86 packs) on average just to see any random Special Illustration Rare. To hit a specific targeted chase card like Raging Bolt ex #208 or Iron Crown ex #206, the expected probability stretches to 1 in 855 packs—the equivalent of almost 24 full booster boxes!
This daunting mathematical reality underscores why top-tier singles maintain strong price floors. Purchasing verified singles directly is significantly more cost-effective for portfolio builders than hunting for chase hits through sealed wax.
Grading Strategy: Pre-Screening Temporal Forces Cards with CardMint
Before packaging your hits into card savers and shipping them to grading companies, mastering pre-screening is crucial to protect your profit margins. As explored in our deep-dive guide to Pokémon card grading, modern grading companies enforce stringent criteria.
1. Border Centering and Print Alignment
Temporal Forces cards feature metallic silver and gold outer borders that make off-center cuts immediately apparent. PSA permits up to a 60/40 ratio on the front for a PSA 10 grade, but 55/45 or better is strongly advised. Use CardMint’s computerized centering overlay to measure exact pixel proportions across left-to-right and top-to-bottom margins before submitting.
2. Dark Border Edge Chipping on Illustration Rares
Dark-bordered cards—most notably the Gastly Illustration Rare #177—suffer from micro-flaking along the top and bottom cut lines. Dull factory guillotine blades often leave microscopic white specks (whitening) on the card stock. Under CardMint’s high-resolution AI magnification scanner, you can detect edge fiber separation that the naked eye easily overlooks.
3. Surface Scratches and Roller Indentations
Full-art textured cards in the Scarlet & Violet era are susceptible to horizontal roller pressure lines created during high-speed printing. Run your cards through CardMint’s surface integrity check to verify that holographic foil texture remains unbroken across the entire face of the card. Always learn how to determine your card’s worth and consult our guide on how to spot fake cards to ensure authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single most valuable card in Temporal Forces?
The most valuable card in Temporal Forces is the Raging Bolt ex Special Illustration Rare #208/162. In Near Mint raw condition, it commands between $72 and $88, while certified PSA 10 Gem Mint copies consistently trade between $240 and $310 due to high competitive demand and low pull rates.
Why is the Gastly Illustration Rare worth so much?
The Gastly Illustration Rare #177/162 is worth between $38 and $48 raw and upwards of $165 in PSA 10 because of iconic artwork by celebrated artist Tomokazu Komiya. With 22 different Illustration Rares in the set, pulling Gastly specifically averages around 1 in 285 packs. Additionally, its dark border makes it highly prone to edge chipping, creating an exceptionally low PSA 10 gem rate that fuels grading premiums.
What are the pull rates for Special Illustration Rares in Temporal Forces?
The pull rate for any Special Illustration Rare (SIR) in Temporal Forces is approximately 1 in 86 packs (1.17%), meaning collectors pull an average of one SIR roughly every 2.4 booster boxes. The odds of pulling a specific targeted SIR like Raging Bolt ex or Iron Crown ex are approximately 1 in 855 packs (~0.12%).
Are ACE SPEC cards from Temporal Forces worth grading?
While most ACE SPEC cards are primarily meant for competitive gameplay, pristine copies of high-demand staples like Prime Catcher #157/162 are well worth grading. A PSA 10 Prime Catcher sells for $70 to $95 to collectors and tournament players seeking maximum-rarity decks, representing a strong return over its raw $15 market price.
How do I check if my Temporal Forces card is a PSA 10 candidate?
To determine whether a Temporal Forces card can earn a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, inspect the card for four critical pillars: 55/45 or better front border centering, pristine razor-sharp corners with zero white flecks, smooth foil edges without factory micro-chipping, and an unblemished holographic surface free of roller print lines. Using CardMint’s AI pre-grading scanner allows you to benchmark your card against official grading standards with computerized precision.
Is Temporal Forces a good set to hold sealed for long-term investment?
Yes, Temporal Forces possesses outstanding long-term sealed investment fundamentals. It introduced the modern return of ACE SPEC mechanics, debuted the fan-favorite Ancient and Future Paradox legendaries, and features multiple blue-chip art chase cards like Raging Bolt ex, Iron Crown ex, and Gastly. Historically, booster boxes containing format-defining competitive staples and beloved alt-arts appreciate steadily once factory print runs conclude.
Pre-Grade & Track Values Instantly with CardMint
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Simply scan the front of your card. Our AI instantly identifies the card details, checks current pricing metrics, and gives you a centering and wear pre-grade report before you submit to PSA/BGS.
