Crystal Guardians cards originate from the EX Crystal Guardians Pokémon TCG set, launched in August 2006 as part of the EX Series, which notably introduced the powerful -ex cards and Delta Species mechanic. This unique set focused on the secret city of Holon, presenting Delta Species which allowed for type variations on familiar creatures, significantly enhancing strategic gameplay. Beyond powerful -ex cards, the set also incorporated distinctive Trainer cards.
Today, the set holds significant value due to its age and limited availability, making many of its cards highly desirable. Its collectibility is further boosted by the presence of highly sought-after “Star” cards, which are exceptionally rare and iconic. The innovative concept of Delta Species also contributes to its appeal among collectors.
10. Kyogre ex (95) – Crystal Guardians (Ultra Rare)
Kyogre ex is a valuable “ex” card featuring another iconic legendary creature from its generation. Its “Giant Wave” attack was a formidable force in competitive play, capable of dealing significant damage. The card’s impressive artwork and its status as a powerful legendary creature ensure its appeal. As an Ultra Rare from an older expansion, its limited supply drives its value in the collector’s market.
9. Blaziken ex (90) – Crystal Guardians (Ultra Rare)
Blaziken ex is a highly valuable “ex” card featuring a popular final evolution of a starter creature. Its aggressive attack and the overall popularity of the creature contribute to its desirability. The card’s dynamic artwork makes it a visually appealing addition to any collection. As an Ultra Rare from this older set, its scarcity plays a significant role in its elevated market value.
8. Blastoise (Delta Species) 2 – Crystal Guardians (Holo Rare)
This Blastoise is particularly valuable as a “Delta Species” variant, showcasing a rare type deviation for the iconic creature. Blastoise is a beloved starter, ensuring its cards consistently maintain high demand. The stunning holographic treatment on this older card adds to its visual appeal and collectible nature. Its status as a Holo Rare from a classic set contributes significantly to its scarcity and current market price.
7. Groudon ex (93) – Crystal Guardians (Ultra Rare)
Groudon ex is a valuable “ex” card featuring a prominent legendary creature, highly sought after by fans. Its “Hard Rock” Poke-Body could reduce incoming damage, offering strong defensive capabilities in battle. The card’s imposing artwork and its status as a powerful legendary further increase its desirability. As an Ultra Rare, its limited availability drives its market value among collectors.
6. Sceptile ex (Delta Species) 96 – Crystal Guardians (Ultra Rare)
This Sceptile ex gains value from being both an “ex” card and a unique “Delta Species” variant, altering its traditional typing. Its “Extra Liquid” Poke-Body could nullify opponent’s Poke-Powers, a strategically powerful effect during its era. The card’s striking artwork and the intrigue of its unusual type make it highly appealing to collectors. As an Ultra Rare from an older expansion, its scarcity contributes to its premium pricing.
5. Swampert ex (98) – Crystal Guardians (Ultra Rare)
Swampert ex holds considerable value as an “ex” card from this vintage set, featuring one of the popular final evolutions. Its “Energy Recycle” Poke-Power provided crucial energy recovery, making it a valuable asset in many decks of its time. The appeal of its unique design and powerful abilities ensures its place as a desirable card. Its Ultra Rare rarity, combined with its competitive viability, makes it a highly sought-after piece for collectors.
4. Jirachi ex (94) – Crystal Guardians (Ultra Rare)
Jirachi ex is a highly valuable card because of its “ex” designation, signifying a more powerful and rarer version of a creature. As a mythical and popular creature, Jirachi’s presence in any set boosts card demand. Its “Make a Wish” ability, reducing attack costs, offered strategic advantages that made it desirable for competitive play. The combination of its powerful effects and its status as an Ultra Rare contributes to its significant value among collectors.
3. Charizard (Delta Species) 4 – Crystal Guardians (Holo Rare)
This specific Charizard is highly valuable due to its status as a “Delta Species” card, featuring a unique type that deviates from its traditional typing. Charizard consistently ranks among the most popular creatures in the franchise, ensuring a high demand for its cards across all sets. The striking holographic artwork further enhances its visual appeal and collectibility. As a Holo Rare from an older set, its scarcity contributes significantly to its elevated market price.
2. Celebi Star (100) – Crystal Guardians (Ultra Rare)
Celebi Star stands as the other immensely valuable “Gold Star” card from this expansion, featuring distinctive shiny artwork. Its rarity, indicated by the “Gold Star” symbol, makes it one of the most difficult cards to acquire. The card’s powerful Poke-Power, allowing it to potentially avoid KOs, offered significant competitive utility at the time. This combination of extreme rarity, iconic status, and unique design solidifies its status as a top-tier collectible.
1. Alakazam Star (99) – Crystal Guardians (Ultra Rare)
Alakazam Star is the pinnacle of the EX Crystal Guardians set’s value, holding a coveted “Gold Star” rarity, making it incredibly scarce. Its unique artwork depicts a shiny variant, a highly desired characteristic among collectors. The card’s ability to copy attacks and retrieve discarded cards made it strategically powerful in its era, adding to its appeal. As one of only two “Gold Star” cards in the set, its low pull rate ensures its continued high demand and price.
Keep in mind that reverse holo versions of many of the rare cards, particularly the Delta Species ones, can also be quite valuable. Always check recent sales on reputable platforms (like eBay, or graded card auction sites) for the most up-to-date pricing, and consider getting high-value cards professionally graded.
Disclaimer: eBay links on this page use a referral system that helps support the content—at no extra cost to you.
