In the world of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collecting, the rarity of a card can significantly impact its value. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, understanding the different rarities of Pokémon TCG cards is crucial for maximizing the potential of your collection. In this post, we'll explore the various rarities found in Pokémon TCG, from the common to the ultra-rare, and offer insights into what makes these cards valuable.
What Are Rarities in Pokémon TCG?
Every Pokémon card in the TCG universe has a specific rarity. This rarity affects not only its gameplay potential but also its desirability among collectors. The rarity is typically indicated by a symbol printed at the bottom right or left corner of the card. These symbols help players and collectors identify the type of card they have and assess its value.It’s important to note that not every set includes all types of rarities. Some sets might feature exclusive rarities, or cards without rarity symbols altogether. Here's a breakdown of the key rarity symbols and what they mean:
1. Common (●)
Common cards are the most frequently printed in any set and are marked with a black circle. These cards tend to be the most abundant and, as a result, have the least monetary value. However, some common cards can still have strategic value in competitive decks.
2. Uncommon (♦)
Uncommon cards are denoted by a black diamond and are less frequent than common cards. These cards can be quite valuable, particularly if they feature popular Pokémon or useful game mechanics that make them essential in competitive play.
3. Rare (★)
They are indicated by a black star symbol and are harder to find than commons and unsummons.. Rare Cards often shiny and may have a holographic effect, which adds to their appeal.
4. Rare Holo
Rare Holo cards feature the same black star symbol as regular rares but with a shiny, reflective foil covering the entire background of the card, except for the Pokémon’s illustration. This effect not only adds visual appeal but also increases the card's value. In many sets, for each Rare Holo card, there is a non-holo version that has the same gameplay value but a different collector number.
5. Reverse Holo
Reverse Holo cards are a variation of Rare or lower cards, where the background (but not the Pokémon’s illustration) is foil. Every pack of cards typically includes one Reverse Holo, and while they might look visually appealing, they don’t usually carry a higher value than their regular counterparts unless the card itself is extremely popular or rare.
6. Promo Cards (★PROMO)
Promo cards are often released as part of promotional events and are typically denoted by a black star with the word "PROMO" printed on it. While they don’t necessarily belong to a specific set, promo cards can hold great value, especially those linked to events, tournaments, or special products. The rarity of these cards can vary greatly depending on their popularity and the rarity of the Pokémon featured.
7. Ultra Rare
Ultra Rare cards are distinguished from regular Rare cards by their special foil or holographic design. These cards usually feature powerful Pokémon or exclusive game mechanics. The variety includes:
- Pokémon EX: Featuring the iconic Pokémon EX, these cards are often tied to powerful, game-changing Pokémon.
- Pokémon LV.X: Cards that feature Pokémon at their highest evolutionary level in certain sets.
- Pokémon GX: These cards represent even more powerful versions of certain Pokémon, often with unique abilities and attacks.
- Pokémon V, VMAX, and VSTAR: These cards represent highly powerful Pokémon, with the VMAX and VSTAR versions often being part of the high-end competitive play metagame.
Each Ultra Rare card type typically has a unique game mechanic or appearance that distinguishes it from others, making it a prized possession for collectors and competitive players alike.
8. Secret Rare
Secret Rare cards are often the most sought-after in any set due to their scarcity and unique characteristics. They are numbered higher than the advertised number of cards in the set, meaning they are often found beyond the expected "maximum" number of cards per set. Secret Rare cards usually feature unique foil patterns or designs, making them visually distinct from other cards in the set.In many sets, a Secret Rare card will have a lower-rarity version that is identical in gameplay but has a different collector card number, further distinguishing the two. Secret Rares include highly coveted cards like full-art Pokémon or special energy cards with unique aesthetics.
Rarity Reprints and Reverse Holo Variations
It’s worth noting that some cards may be reprinted with different rarities. For example, a Rare Holo card may be reprinted as just a Rare card or vice versa. These reprints may feature a different foil pattern, offering collectors a chance to add an alternate version to their collection. This can affect the market value of these cards, especially if they’re linked to popular or iconic Pokémon.
How Rarities Impact Card Value
The value of a Pokémon card is largely determined by its rarity. Rare and Ultra Rare cards are generally worth more due to their scarcity and desirability among collectors. However, cards from special sets or with unique artwork (like Secret Rares) can exceed even the highest-rarity cards in terms of market value.The popularity of the Pokémon itself also plays a significant role in a card's value. Cards featuring fan-favorite Pokémon like Charizard, Pikachu, and Mewtwo often command premium prices, especially when they’re found in rarer forms such as Ultra Rares or Secret Rares.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the various rarities in the Pokémon TCG is an essential skill for any collector. From Common to Secret Rare, each rarity serves a unique purpose within the game and has its own appeal for players and collectors alike. Whether you're a casual player looking to complete your set or a competitive player seeking rare cards for your deck, knowing what makes each rarity valuable can help you make smarter decisions in your Pokémon TCG journey.
References
Pokémon Company International, 2024. Official Pokémon TCG Card Database. [online] Available at: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/ [Accessed 28 April 2025].TCGPlayer, 2025.
Pokémon TCG Price Guide. [online] Available at: https://www.tcgplayer.com/ [Accessed 28 April 2025].Stantcg, 2025.
Reverse Holo Pokémon Cards Worth Pulling from Bulk. [TikTok video] 20 April. Available at: https://www.tiktok.com/@stantcg [Accessed 28 April 2025].
Pokémon TCG Wiki, 2025. Pokémon Trading Card Game Rarity. [online] Available at: https://pokemontcg.fandom.com/wiki/Rarity [Accessed 28 Apr. 2025].
The Pokémon Company International, 2024. TCG Expansion Set Information. [online] Available at: https://www.pokemon.com [Accessed 28 Apr. 2025].
