Quick verdict
Cosmic Eclipse rewards targeted buying. The alt-art TAG TEAM cards are the set's defining legacy, and ADP-GX sits at the top for both historical significance and visual appeal. Whether you're collecting or investing, knowing which five cards represent the set's peak makes your budget go further than cracking packs hoping for the pull. For more card collecting content, see [best Pokémon card sleeves](/articles/best-po
Arceus, Dialga & Palkia-GX - Best Overall Card in the Set
The ADP alt-art is one of the most recognized Pokémon cards printed in the modern era. The illustration by 5ban Graphics depicts all three legendary Pokémon in a dynamic, space-themed composition that looks unlike most other cards in the Sun and Moon era. Competitively, ADP-GX was a dominant card in Standard when the set released. As a collectible, raw NM copies consistently trade in the range while PSA 10 examples push well above. This is the card that defines Cosmic Eclipse for most collectors.
Check price on Amazon →Cosmic Eclipse is one of the most beloved Pokémon sets for collectors and competitive players. These five cards are the ones worth targeting - whether you're cracking packs or buying singles.
Cosmic Eclipse was released in November 2019 as the final Sun and Moon series expansion and remains one of the most sought-after sets in Pokémon collecting. Its TAG TEAM GX mechanic and unusually strong alternate-art lineup produced cards that stand among the most visually impressive in the game’s history. These five represent the top targets.
| Card | Approximate Market Value | Rarity | Best For |
|—|—|—|—|
| Arceus, Dialga & Palkia-GX (Alt Art) | | SSR | Collecting/investment |
| Pikachu & Zekrom-GX (Full Art Gold) | | Secret Rare | Chase pull |
| Solgaleo & Lunala-GX (Alt Art) | | SSR | Visual collecting |
| Charizard & Braixen-GX (Alt Art) | | SSR | Charizard collectors |
| Venusaur & Snivy-GX (Alt Art) | | SSR | Budget alt-art entry |
How we picked
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Top picks compared
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arceus, Dialga & Palkia-GX - Best Overall Card in the Set | Check price | ||
| Pikachu & Zekrom-GX Secret Rare - Best Gold Secret Rare | Check price | ||
| Solgaleo & Lunala-GX - Best Celestial Art | Check price | ||
| Charizard & Braixen-GX - Best for Charizard Collectors | Check price | ||
| Venusaur & Snivy-GX - Best Budget Alt-Art Entry | Check price |
Our picks up close
Arceus, Dialga & Palkia-GX - Best Overall Card in the Set
The ADP alt-art is one of the most recognized Pokémon cards printed in the modern era. The illustration by 5ban Graphics depicts all three legendary Pokémon in a dynamic, space-themed composition that looks unlike most other cards in the Sun and Moon era. Competitively, ADP-GX was a dominant card in Standard when the set released. As a collectible, raw NM copies consistently trade in the range while PSA 10 examples push well above. This is the card that defines Cosmic Eclipse for most collectors.
Pikachu & Zekrom-GX Secret Rare - Best Gold Secret Rare
The gold-bordered Secret Rare Pikachu & Zekrom-GX is the traditional "chase rare" of the set - the card most players are chasing when cracking packs. Its gold border treatment gives it a distinct shelf presence, and the Pikachu factor adds collector demand beyond competitive utility. PSA 10 copies have shown consistent appreciation. Raw NM copies in the range represent a reasonable entry point for buyers who want a high-impact display piece from the set.
Solgaleo & Lunala-GX - Best Celestial Art
The Solgaleo and Lunala alternate art showcases two iconic Generation VII Pokémon in a full-bleed space scene that matches the set's cosmic theme better than almost any other card. It attracts buyers specifically interested in the Sun and Moon aesthetic. The card is slightly more available than ADP or the gold Pikachu, making it a better entry point for collectors building a Cosmic Eclipse showcase binder without spending at the top tier.
Charizard & Braixen-GX - Best for Charizard Collectors
Any set with a Charizard card attracts a premium, and the Charizard & Braixen-GX alt-art is no exception. The illustration combines Charizard with Braixen in a fire-themed scene that appeals directly to Charizard collectors who buy across sets. This card also benefits from the general Charizard demand floor - it tends to hold value even when other cards in the set soften. For buyers specifically pursuing Charizard cards, this is the Cosmic Eclipse target.
Venusaur & Snivy-GX - Best Budget Alt-Art Entry
The Venusaur & Snivy alternate art offers Cosmic Eclipse alt-art ownership at the most accessible price point in the set's top tier. The nature-themed illustration is well-executed and displays well alongside the more premium picks. For buyers new to Cosmic Eclipse collecting or working with a limited budget, this card provides the alt-art experience without the+ entry cost of the top three cards.
Before you buy
What to consider
Condition is everything in single-card buying. Request photos of corners, surface, and centering before purchasing raw cards. Centering affects PSA grade significantly - off-center cards grade lower even with clean surfaces. For investment-grade purchases, consider buying PSA-graded copies rather than raw to remove grading uncertainty. When buying sealed product, verify that pack seals are intact and that booster boxes are factory-sealed with intact shrink wrap. Prices shift with tournament meta and broader Pokémon market cycles, so check TCGPlayer recent sales before purchasing.
The wrap-up
Cosmic Eclipse rewards targeted buying. The alt-art TAG TEAM cards are the set's defining legacy, and ADP-GX sits at the top for both historical significance and visual appeal. Whether you're collecting or investing, knowing which five cards represent the set's peak makes your budget go further than cracking packs hoping for the pull. For more card collecting content, see [best Pokémon card sleeves](/articles/best-po
Quick answers
Cosmic Eclipse is widely considered one of the strongest Sun and Moon era sets for long-term value. The TAG TEAM mechanic produced some of the most visually striking cards in Pokémon history. Full-art and alternate-art variants in PSA 9 or 10 have held value well and continue to attract both collectors and competitive nostalgia buyers.
The Pikachu and Zekrom-GX Secret Rare (Full Art Gold) is generally considered the chase card of the set. Arceus, Dialga, and Palkia-GX in its various alternate and full-art forms are also high-demand pulls. Secret rare cards have a gold border and appear at a rate of roughly one per three booster boxes.
For specific cards, buying singles is far more cost-efficient than cracking packs hoping for a target. Booster boxes and packs make sense for the experience of opening or if you want a bulk lot. If you're after the top five cards specifically, the singles market gives you direct access at a known price rather than gambling on pull rates.
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that real-world technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
