Moonbreon Price History: Is Umbreon VMAX Still Rising in 2026?

Few modern Pokemon cards have captured the collecting community's imagination quite like Umbreon VMAX Alternate Art (215/203) from Evolving Skies. Affectionately dubbed "Moonbreon" by fans within weeks of its 2021 release, this Keiichiro Ito masterpiece has become the definitive chase card of the Sword & Shield era. But five years after its debut, collectors and investors are asking the same question: Is Moonbreon still rising, or has it finally hit its ceiling?

In this comprehensive analysis, we'll break down Moonbreon's complete price history, examine current 2026 market data, and provide actionable insights for anyone considering buying, selling, or grading this iconic card.

What Makes Moonbreon So Special?

Before diving into the numbers, it's worth understanding why Umbreon VMAX Alt Art commands such devotion from the Pokemon community.

Released on August 27, 2021 as part of the Evolving Skies expansion, the card features Umbreon in a serene moonlit scene, its golden rings glowing against a starry night sky. The artwork by Keiichiro Ito is widely regarded as one of the finest illustrations in modern Pokemon TCG history. Combined with Umbreon's status as a fan-favorite Eeveelution, the card was destined for chase-status.

Key card details:

• Set: Evolving Skies
• Card Number: 215/203 (Secret Rare Alt Art)
• Illustrator: Keiichiro Ito
• Release Date: August 27, 2021
• Rarity: Alternate Art Secret Rare

Collectors gave it the nickname "Moonbreon" within weeks of release, and that name has stuck ever since—a rare organic branding phenomenon that speaks to the card's cultural impact.

Moonbreon Price History Timeline (2021-2026)

Launch Period: August–December 2021

When Evolving Skies hit shelves, Moonbreon was immediately identified as the set's crown jewel. Initial raw copies sold in the $250–$400 range, with booster boxes moving at MSRP around $143. The hype was enormous, but supply was still relatively fresh from continued print runs.

The Slow Climb: 2022

Despite being one of the main chases of Evolving Skies, Moonbreon settled into a $200–$300 range for much of early 2022. By late 2022, prices had climbed to roughly $500 for raw near-mint copies as the pandemic-era Pokemon boom continued to attract new collectors.

The 2023–2024 Ascent

As Evolving Skies packs became harder to find and the card cemented itself as a modern grail, Moonbreon prices surged. Raw copies pushed past $800–$1,200, while PSA 10 examples began commanding $2,500–$3,500 at auction. This period established Moonbreon as the definitive modern Pokemon investment card.

2025–2026: The Current Era

The last 18 months have seen Moonbreon consolidate its position at the top of the modern chase card hierarchy, with prices continuing to trend upward despite occasional market corrections.

Current 2026 Moonbreon Pricing Data

Here's where things stand as of mid-2026:

Raw/Ungraded Market

• Current market price: $2,396.28 for the Holofoil variant
• Price range: $1,998.67 to $6,000.00 depending on condition
• Typical raw NM sale: ~$1,790

The wide spread reflects condition sensitivity—buyers pay significant premiums for pack-fresh copies with sharp corners and clean surfaces.

PSA 10 Values (July 2026)

According to recent sales data:

• Last Sold Price: $4,416.67 (July 20, 2026)
• Average Price: $4,400.32
• Low Sale: $3,950.00
• High Sale: $5,535.00
• Population: 21,215 PSA 10 copies
• 3-Month Growth Rate: +7.72%

The PSA 10 premium sits around $2,300–$2,600 over raw, which is a modest multiplier compared to older chase cards. This reflects the card's higher print run and the fact that many copies survive in near-perfect condition directly out of the pack.

Long-Term Appreciation

Since release, Moonbreon has appreciated approximately 728.6%—an extraordinary return that has cemented its reputation as the modern Pokemon investment benchmark.

Note: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.

Is Moonbreon Still Rising in 2026?

The short answer: Yes, but at a more measured pace.

The +7.72% three-month growth rate in PSA 10 values suggests continued upward momentum, though nowhere near the explosive gains of 2023–2024. Several factors are driving this steady appreciation:

Bullish Factors

1. Cultural iconography: Moonbreon has transcended being "just a card"—it's now a cultural artifact within the hobby.
2. Umbreon's popularity: Umbreon consistently ranks among the most beloved Pokemon, ensuring perpetual demand.
3. Illustrator prestige: Keiichiro Ito's work commands premiums across their entire portfolio.
4. Supply constraints: Evolving Skies booster boxes are increasingly rare and expensive, limiting new supply of pack-fresh copies.
5. Grail status: Moonbreon is often the "finish line" card for modern collectors building complete alt art collections.

Bearish Considerations

1. High PSA 10 population: With over 21,000 PSA 10 copies in existence, this isn't a scarce graded card by any measure.
2. Modern print runs: Evolving Skies had massive production numbers, meaning raw supply remains substantial.
3. Market saturation at current price points: $4,000+ is a significant barrier for casual collectors.
4. Rising competition: New alt art releases continue to compete for collector attention and dollars.

You can monitor real-time price movements and historical trends by tracking this card on our dashboard to time entry and exit points more effectively.

Should You Grade Your Raw Moonbreon?

This is one of the most-asked questions about Moonbreon, and the math has become increasingly nuanced.

The PSA 10 Grading Math

• Raw NM cost: ~$1,790
• PSA grading fee (standard): ~$25–$75 depending on service level
• PSA 10 sale price: ~$4,400
• Gross profit on PSA 10: ~$2,500 (before fees)

On paper, that looks fantastic. But the catch is PSA 10 rates. Moonbreon is notoriously difficult to grade a 10 due to centering issues, holo scratching, and edge whitening common to Evolving Skies pulls. Realistic PSA 10 rates for pack-fresh copies hover around 30–40%.

PSA 9 Reality Check

A PSA 9 Moonbreon typically sells for $1,800–$2,200—often barely above raw NM prices. Factoring in grading costs, a PSA 9 outcome can actually result in a small loss.

Before sending your Moonbreon to PSA, run the numbers through our Grading ROI Calculator to see whether the expected value justifies the risk based on current PSA 10 and PSA 9 market prices.

Grading Recommendations

• Grade if: Your copy is pack-fresh with excellent centering (60/40 or better), no visible scratches under a light, and sharp corners.
• Don't grade if: You see any edge whitening, centering issues, or holo scratches. The economics rarely work out.
• Consider CGC or Beckett: For borderline copies, alternative grading companies can sometimes yield better outcomes, though PSA remains the market leader for resale value.

Moonbreon vs. Other Modern Chase Cards

How does Moonbreon stack up against its Sword & Shield era peers?

Card	Set	PSA 10 (2026)	Population
Umbreon VMAX Alt Art	Evolving Skies	~$4,400	21,215
Charizard VMAX Rainbow	Champion's Path	~$1,200	30,000+
Rayquaza VMAX Alt Art	Evolving Skies	~$800	15,000+
Charizard V Alt Art	Brilliant Stars	~$650	12,000+

Moonbreon's PSA 10 average of $4,400 makes it the undisputed king of modern alt arts, commanding roughly 3–5x the price of comparable chase cards from the same era.

Buying Moonbreon in 2026: What to Look For

If you're considering purchasing Moonbreon, here are key factors to evaluate:

For Raw Copies

• Centering: Aim for 55/45 or better. Front-back centering matters too.
• Surface: Inspect the holo pattern carefully for scratches, especially in the moon area.
• Corners: Look for any whitening or fraying under bright light.
• Edges: Check all four edges for print lines or nicks.
• Authentication: Given the price point, only buy from reputable sellers with clear return policies.

For Graded Copies

• PSA 10 is king for resale liquidity.
• PSA 9 copies can offer better value for pure collectors who don't plan to sell.
• Verify the cert number on PSA's website before purchasing.
• CGC 10 Pristine copies command premiums but have thinner buyer pools.

Long-Term Outlook: Where Does Moonbreon Go From Here?

Predicting future card prices is inherently speculative, but several structural factors suggest Moonbreon should remain a blue-chip modern card:

1. Iconic status is durable. Cards that achieve cultural landmark status—like Base Set Charizard—tend to hold and grow value over decades, not years.
2. Umbreon's enduring appeal. As long as Pokemon continues to promote the Eeveelutions (which it will), Umbreon-centric demand persists.
3. Supply naturally diminishes. Even with high original print runs, cards get damaged, lost, or locked away in permanent collections. Market supply shrinks over time.
4. New collector generations. Each new wave of Pokemon collectors discovers Moonbreon as the "grail" of its era.

That said, the days of 100%+ annual gains are almost certainly behind us. Realistic expectations for the next 2–3 years should be modest single-digit to low double-digit annual appreciation, assuming broader market stability.

Note: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.

Key Takeaways

• Moonbreon (Umbreon VMAX Alt Art 215/203) remains the definitive chase card of the modern Pokemon TCG era.
• Current raw prices hover around $2,400, while PSA 10 examples sell for approximately $4,400.
• The card has appreciated ~728% since its 2021 release and continues to show positive momentum with +7.72% three-month growth in PSA 10 values.
• Grading is high-risk, high-reward—only submit copies that are visually flawless with good centering.
• Long-term outlook remains positive, but expect measured appreciation rather than explosive gains.
• Moonbreon's combination of iconic art, beloved subject, and cultural status makes it a cornerstone card for serious modern collectors.

Whether you're a collector chasing the ultimate Evolving Skies pull, an investor evaluating modern grails, or a curious observer of the Pokemon market, Moonbreon's story exemplifies how modern cards can achieve legendary status in a remarkably short time.

For more deep-dive analyses on Pokemon card values, grading strategies, and market trends, check out our blog.