Could your Pokémon card worth money? A quick guide to card rarity types

Having trouble determining if a card is valuable? Keep reading – we're here to help you figure out if your card is a keepsake – or a bookmark!  Collecting trading cards is more than a hobby; it’s a journey into a world of history, art, and potential value. 

In the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), cards are classified into several rarity types, each indicated by a symbol on the bottom left-hand side of each card.  They offer general guidelines about the rarity and potential value of the cards. It's important to note that the specific rarity classifications can vary between different Pokémon TCG sets and releases, and the way rarities are denoted or categorized may evolve over time with new sets and expansions. Here's a breakdown of the main rarity types:

Mostly likely to be bookmark or coaster material:

• Common (⚫): Common cards are marked with a black or white circle. They are the easiest to find and usually make up the bulk of a set.

• Reverse Holo: Common, uncommon, or rare cards that feature a holographic (shiny) pattern on the main body of the image, instead of the illustration. Desirability is in the eye of the beholder with these, although reverse holo cards are slightly more expensive on average. 

• Uncommon (⬥): Uncommon cards, indicated by a black or white diamond, are slightly harder to find than common cards. They often provide more strategic options when playing the Trading Card Game.

• Rare (★): Rare or holo rare cards are marked with a black or white star and are more difficult to find. They usually feature more powerful Pokémon or significant Trainer cards. These cards can also have a holographic (shiny) finish on the Pokémon image. 

• Double Rare (★★ or ☆): These cards are less common than standard rare cards and often feature more elaborate designs, special artwork, or unique game abilities. In older series, this designation was called “GX” or “V” or “VMAX”. 

• Ultra Rare (☆☆/☆☆☆): These cards are less common than holo rares and often have unique artwork or features, such as full-art cards, EX/GX/V cards, and more. They have a distinctive design and are highly valued.

More likely to be worth money today, and in the future (but not guaranteed) Keep these sleeved and safe!

Within Double and Ultra Rare cards, there is a sub-category of cards called "Secret Rares". Even rarer than than their non-secret counterparts, these cards have a number in the set that exceeds the set's listed total number (e.g., 101/100). They often feature alternative artwork or colors and are highly collectible. Here are some examples of Secret Rare cards:

• Rainbow Rare: A variant of ultra-rare cards, these feature a rainbow-colored holographic finish and are very rare and valuable.

• Full Art: Typically a "portrait" of Pokémon showing the entire body of the creature.  These cards feature alternative artwork that extends across the entire card, with minimal framing or borders. Full art cards can be of various rarities, typically ultra rare or higher.

• Illustration Rare: These cards tend to be more whimsical and playful than normal full art cards. They feature alternative artwork that extends across the entire card, with minimal framing or borders. Full art cards can be of various rarities, typically ultra rare or higher.

• Gold Card: These are secret rare cards with a distinctive gold color scheme, often featuring a Pokémon, Trainer, or Energy card. They are among the most scarce and desirable cards.