Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire PSA 10 cards represent some of the toughest early 2000s Pokémon slabs to secure in gem mint condition. Released in 2003, the set kicked off the EX Series with Pokémon-ex, modernized artwork, and new foil treatments that were notoriously fragile.
Collectors quickly learned that scratches, edge chipping, and off-center cuts plagued these cards, making PSA 10 populations remarkably low. From starter evolutions to legendary ex cards, Ruby & Sapphire PSA 10s hold a special place in the hobby.
12. Swampert #13/109 PSA 10
Swampert, the final Water-type starter from Hoenn, anchors the set’s lineup of holo rares. Its shimmering foil background is extremely prone to micro-scratches, which keeps PSA 10 counts low. Pop reports show only a small handful in gem mint compared to raw availability. As part of the starter trio, Swampert remains a key chase for collectors building complete Hoenn displays.
11. Sceptile #11/109 PSA 10
Sceptile delivers vibrant green artwork and completes the Grass-type side of the trio. Centering flaws are the biggest grading hurdle, with many cards shifting left to right. Collectors prize PSA 10 copies since they’re often paired with Blaziken and Swampert for display. Few grass starters have the same level of competitive and collectible appeal, making this one a standout.
10. Electabuzz #97/109 PSA 10
Electabuzz, a veteran of Base Set, gets a refreshed EX-era holo treatment here. The lightning effects pop in gem mint condition, but edge wear commonly prevents high grades. PSA 10s are relatively scarce, keeping values steady among Kanto fans. For collectors, it bridges vintage nostalgia with Ruby & Sapphire’s modernized aesthetic.
9. Chansey ex #96/109 PSA 10
Chansey ex showcases the bold new mechanic that doubled HP and reshaped competitive play. The thick foil borders often reveal whitening, holding down PSA 10 populations. Collectors see it as both a Kanto classic and an EX-era innovation. With fewer than 100 PSA 10s on record, it’s one of the hardest cards in the set to secure.
8. Magmar ex #100/109 PSA 10
Magmar ex erupts with fiery artwork and remains a showcase of early ex design. Surface lines and border nicks make flawless copies rare, with low double-digit gem mint pops. Collectors appreciate it for giving a long-standing Kanto Pokémon a bold EX-era update. In PSA 10, it enjoys crossover demand from both vintage and modern enthusiasts.
7. Gardevoir #7/109 PSA 10
Gardevoir became one of the most popular Hoenn Pokémon early on, and this holo captures its elegance. Scratches on the holofoil surface are common, making PSA 10s elusive. Its fanbase keeps demand high, especially in gem mint where supply is thin. For many, this card is the defining non-ex holo of Ruby & Sapphire.
6. Sneasel ex #103/109 PSA 10
Sneasel ex combines Dark-type fan appeal with competitive relevance from the early 2000s. The all-over foil treatment makes even tiny defects obvious, punishing grades. PSA 10 examples preserve the sharp ex styling in flawless form, with populations still under 75. With Dark-types enjoying dedicated collector bases, this card has strong long-term value.
5. Hitmonchan #98/109 PSA 10
Hitmonchan pays homage to its Base Set legacy while stepping into the EX design framework. The holo layer scratches easily, so PSA 10 pops remain slim. Collectors see it as a heritage card that bridges two Pokémon TCG eras. In gem mint condition, it resonates with both vintage loyalists and EX collectors.
4. Scyther ex #102/109 PSA 10
Scyther ex showcases fast-paced artwork and powerful design. Print lines across the heavy foil treatment are the biggest hurdle for graders. With under 100 gem mint copies confirmed, its scarcity boosts its reputation as a collector prize. For Kanto fans, this ex version elevates an already beloved Pokémon into showcase territory.
3. Blaziken #3/109 PSA 10
Blaziken headlines Ruby & Sapphire as Hoenn’s Fire-type starter. The holofoil glow around its fiery pose makes it one of the most visually dynamic cards in the set. Scratches are common, driving PSA 10 populations down to modest levels. As the most popular Hoenn starter, its gem mint version is a high-priority acquisition.
2. Lapras ex #99/109 PSA 10
Lapras ex blends nostalgia with the cutting-edge look of early ex cards. Whitening along the foil edges devastates grades, leaving very few PSA 10s available. Its Water-type legacy makes it a consistent favorite among collectors, especially in gem mint. With its low PSA 10 count, it has become one of the set’s premier chase cards.
1. Mewtwo ex #101/109 PSA 10
Mewtwo ex is the crown jewel of Ruby & Sapphire and one of the most iconic ex cards ever printed. The card’s bold HP bar and layout revolutionized how Pokémon looked in 2003. PSA 10s are exceptionally rare, with population reports staying tightly limited. For high-end collectors, this legendary card in gem mint represents the pinnacle of the set.
Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire ushered in the EX era with bold mechanics, fragile foils, and a grading challenge that keeps PSA 10s in short supply. Collectors who secure these gem mint examples preserve not just playable history but also some of the most iconic designs of the early 2000s. From Hoenn starters to Kanto legends, Ruby & Sapphire PSA 10s remain cornerstones of any serious graded collection.
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