While One Piece doesn't utilize traditional "1st Edition" markings on its booster sets, the Super Pre-Release (SPR) versions of the original starter decks serve as the definitive first-run equivalents. These include ST-01: Straw Hat Crew , ST-02: Worst Generation , ST-03: The Seven Warlords of the Sea , and ST-04: Animal Kingdom Pirates . Released in extremely limited quantities during early preview events, these decks are the bedrock of the game's collectible history.
Market Scarcity and the "Drying" Supply
Over the past several months, we have observed a significant contraction in the available float for these items. The supply of sealed SPR decks and individual singles has effectively "dried up," with the most pressure felt on the Leader cards . These Leaders are the face of every deck, and as collectors move to lock them away in long-term "forever" collections, the open market is becoming increasingly hollow.
Exponential Price Action
The numbers tell a staggering story of missed opportunity for the hesitant. Earlier this year, even the less popular SPR Leaders could be acquired for under $20 . Today, those same cards are frequently clearing $150 . The flagship of the set, the Monkey D. Luffy SPR Leader , has entered "grail" territory, now commanding prices upwards of $800 . This trajectory reflects a market realizing that these aren't just cards—they are historical artifacts.
Investor Note: Other singles from these decks can still be found for under $10, but they lack the explosive ROI potential of the primary Leaders, which act as the "key issues" of the set.
The Power of the Gold Stamp
It is fascinating to note that standard versions of these starter decks remain highly accessible, often retailing under $30 , with non-stamped Leaders costing only a few dollars. However, in the world of high-end collecting, the gold "Super Pre-Release" stamp is the ultimate gatekeeper. It represents a specific moment in time when the TCG's future was uncertain, and only the earliest adopters were paying attention.
A Legacy in the Making
What is most impressive is that the One Piece TCG is barely three years old and is already commanding these "heavy hitter" prices. Since the circulating supply is so low, it's safe to assume many of these were played without sleeves in the early days or are now tucked away by die-hard fans. What we see on the market now is the reality of extreme scarcity meeting a massive, global fandom.
Future Outlook: Beyond the Horizon
As One Piece continues to dominate the global TCG landscape, these SPR cards are positioned to become the "Base Set Shadowless" of this era. If the game follows the decades-long success of its predecessors, the current $150–$800 price points may eventually look like bargains. For the serious collector, the power of a single gold stamp and a finite supply cannot be overstated.
TCJournal Market Watch: Super Pre-Release (SPR) Leaders
Report Date: Q4 2025
Asset Class: One Piece TCG "1st Edition" Equivalents
MARKET PERFORMANCE DATA
1. Monkey D. Luffy (ST-01)
Early 2024: ~$115.00
Current Market: $850.00 - $1,000.00+
Status: High Scarcity / Grail Tier
2. Eustass "Captain" Kid (ST-02)
Early 2024: ~$20.00
Current Market: $165.00 - $210.00
Status: Rising / Drying Supply
3. Crocodile (ST-03)
Early 2024: ~$15.00
Current Market: $155.00 - $185.00
Status: Consolidation
4. Kaido (ST-04)
Early 2024: ~$18.00
Current Market: $150.00 - $175.00
Status: Potential Growth
Quick Comparison: The "Stamp" Premium
SPR Sealed Deck (Gold Stamp): $1,200.00 - $1,500.00+
Standard Sealed Deck (No Stamp): $25.00 - $35.00
SPR Leader (Gold Stamp): $150.00 - $900.00
Standard Leader (No Stamp): $1.10 - $22.00
Investor Analysis (Snapshot)
The "Super Pre-Release" cards represent the only true pre-launch print run for the One Piece TCG. With an estimated print run of only ~17,000 to 25,000 units per deck—many of which were lost to heavy play or poor storage in 2022—the remaining "Near Mint" population is the tightest bottleneck in the game's history. While the "standard" leaders are single dollars, the gold stamp are currently some of the most profitable "ink" in the market.