Pokémon Card Rarity: How to Tell if a Pokémon Card is Rare

Wondering how to tell if a Pokémon card is rare? Whether you are opening your first-ever booster pack, building a Pokémon collection, or considering cards to sell, understanding Pokémon card rarity is essential. Some Pokémon cards appear in nearly every booster pack, while others take collectors hundreds or even thousands of hours (and dollars) to chase down.

This Pokémon card rarity guide will help you with the ins and outs of Pokémon TCG rarity, including different rarity tiers, Pokémon card rarity symbols, determining the worth of a rare Pokémon card, and much more.  

Pokémon Rarity Chart

Explore our Pokémon rarity chart to better understand Pokémon rarity symbols and the value ranges associated with each one.

Understanding Pokémon Card Rarity

In short, Pokémon card rarity refers to how often a certain card appears in Pokémon TCG products – from booster packs to booster boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs), and more. Most cards include Pokémon rarity symbols that help you determine how common the card is. However, the TCG has introduced new rarity terminology over time, so what you see on modern cards may be different from that featured in older releases. 

Why Rarity Matters Whether You Collect, Play, or Invest

Pokémon card rarity is a big part of the TCG, whether you are mainly playing the game, collecting cards, or investing in Pokémon reselling.

• For Players: Rarity is one way to distinguish between different versions of a card. While rare cards can be especially useful and competitive, rarity is not perfectly correlated with usefulness in actual Pokémon TCG play. 
• For Collectors: Those who love collecting Pokémon cards are often excited by rare cards, especially those that feature favorite characters or unique artwork. 
• For Investors: Rarity can influence supply and demand of Pokémon cards, and an especially rare card might have higher resale values on the secondary market. 

Rarity and Value Are NOT the Same Thing

It is important to note that rare Pokémon cards will not necessarily have a higher value – although they may be more likely to yield premium prices. Pokémon TCG rarity is just one factor in determining market price. Card value can also be influenced by condition, age, print availability, collector interest, artwork, and so much more. 

In a nutshell, a card can be rare without being expensive. On the flip side, a relatively common card can still be desirable and might even cost more. 

Breaking Down the Pokémon Rarity Symbols

Pokémon TCG uses a library of symbols to inform collectors and players about the rarity of a given card. Let’s take a closer look at those Pokémon rarity symbols. For a bird’s eye comparison, check out our Pokémon rarity chart above. 

Common, Uncommon, and Rare (Base Tiers)

The base tiers of Pokémon rarity symbols are common, uncommon, and rare. Each of these categories is tied to a symbol. Traditionally, common cards are denoted by a circular symbol. Uncommon cards, the next tier, are denoted by a diamond symbol. Rare cards use a star. 

In the years since Pokémon’s inception in 1996, however, the company has released more tiers of collectible, extremely rare cards that have warranted additional symbols. 

Holo Rare, Reverse Holo, and Full Art

Not every different type of card has its own rarity tier. Holo rare, reverse holo, and full art cards are unique and much-loved by collectors, but they do not have their own special symbols. 

Holo Rare: These cards have a holographic effect on the artwork. Traditional holo rare cards typically use the traditional star rare symbol. 

Reverse Holo: These cards have a holographic effect outside the main illustration area. Reverse holo is considered a card treatment rather than a separate rarity category, and they can fall into any level of rareness, depending on the expansion pack. 

Full Art: Full art cards have artwork that covers the entirety of the card rather than just the normal illustration zone. Like reverse holo cards, these do not fall into a separate rarity category. They can be common, uncommon, or rare, depending on the pack. 

Ultra Rares, Illustration Rares, and Special Art Rares

Modern Pokémon expansion packs have brought us additional Pokémon TCG rarity symbols. 

Ultra Rare: The Scarlet & Violet era brought us Ultra Rare Pokémon cards, which are typically marked by two silver stars. Ultra Rare cards often include full-art Pokémon ex and Supporters. 

Illustration Rare: These cards feature full art illustrations of characters in imaginative environments, and they usually feature a single gold star. 

Special Illustration Rare: These are often some of the most desirable cards in a given expansion pack and end up serving as many people’s chase cards. They usually feature elaborate artwork with Pokémon ex and Supporters cards. (Note: This category is often called “Special Art Rare” for rare Japanese Pokémon cards.) 

Secret Rares, Hyper Rares, and Crown Rares

A secret rare is a card numbered beyond the expansion set’s advertised total. For instance, a Charizard Pokémon card labeled 201/198 goes beyond the scope of the expected total for the set. This makes it a secret rare. Not all secret rare cards are hyper rare, but some are. 

The term hyper rare is used for exceedingly rare cards marked by three gold stars in modern Scarlet & Violet expansion packs. They typically include gold, textured cards. All hyper rare cards are secret rare, meaning they are numbered beyond the expansion pack’s stated total. 

Crown rare is an unofficial collector’s term that is often used to describe gold cards. It is particularly associated with the 70-card Galarian Gallery subset contained in the Sword & Shield Crown Zenith expansion. 

While these three terms are often mixed up or considered interchangeable, they actually have subtly different meanings that do matter in the Pokémon TCG collector community.

Promo Cards

Promo cards are normally marked with a black star and the word PROMO. These are distributed outside of the normal numbered expansion lineup. You might find them in Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs), at tournaments, or for other promotional purposes. Some of them are common, while others are more rare or become valuable due to limited edition artwork. 

Why Does My Pokémon Card Not Have a Rarity Symbol?

Some people assume that a Pokémon card without a rarity symbol is a fake. That’s not always true. Certain rare Japanese Pokémon cards do not have the same Pokémon rarity symbols, nor do certain promotional cards, special releases, or older cards. 

If you have a Pokémon card without a rarity symbol, it is always worth further investigation before you automatically assume it is a fake. You might have stumbled upon something special!

How to Tell if a Pokémon Card is Rare

Wondering how to tell if a Pokémon card is rare? Follow these steps to get the full picture of your Pokémon TCG rarity rating. 

1. Identify the Rarity Symbol in the Bottom Left/Right Corner

First up, look for the rarity symbol on the bottom corners of your card. Pokémon card rarity symbols in modern expansions are typically on the bottom left, while older cards often place it on the bottom right. Reference the Pokémon rarity chart to see what the symbol means. 

2. Check the Card Number Against the Set Total

Next, look at the collector number. A card where the first number is lower than the second is part of a standard expansion pack (for example, 151/198). A card where the first number is higher than the second is a secret rare card (for example, 205/198). 

Remember, not all valuable or collectible cards are secret rares – and not all secret rare cards are hyper rare or extra valuable. 

3. Look at the Finish (Holo, Texture, Full Art, Gold Border)

Make sure you examine your Pokémon card in good lighting. Look for reflective artwork, textured finishes, full-card illustrations, or a metallic appearance. Any of these qualities can indicate a premium card, but they are not the only factors to consider. 

4. Look it Up Online and See Resale Value

Once you have identified the Pokémon, expansion pack, card number, and special features, try to search for the card online. You can check out Danireon to buy Pokémon cards in Canada and the United States, exploring potential resale value and other stats along the way. 

How Much More Can I Earn For Rare Pokémon Cards?

How much you can earn for rare Pokémon cards is dictated by a number of market factors, including condition, demand, and availability. Pokémon card rarity is just one piece of the puzzle, and Pokémon TCG rarity symbols can help you decipher that aspect. 

The Role of Grading in Resale Value

One way to make more money selling your Pokémon TCG materials is through professional Pokémon card grading. This process authenticates a card’s authenticity and condition, looking at factors like centering, corners, edges, and surface condition. The result is a numerical grade.

A highly desirable card that receives a top grade (the scale goes from 1-10, ranging from “poor” to “gem mint”) may yield higher prices than an ungraded version of the same card. At the same time, it costs money to get cards graded, and it does not guarantee a higher resale value. For that reason, more common cards are infrequently graded, as the cost to undertake the grading would likely exceed a potential increase in sale price. 

Figuring Out Where to Sell Pokémon Cards

Now that you know how to tell if a Pokémon card is rare, you might be thinking about where to sell your rare Pokémon cards. There are a few different options to consider, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. 

• Online Marketplaces: There are many online marketplaces, like ours at Danireon, that can help you sell cards online. Typically, seller and/or transaction fees are assessed. You will also need to consider the cost of shipping. 
• Card Shows or Collector Events: Collector events and Pokémon TCG tournaments or shows are hotbeds of trading and sales. You might be able to find specialized buyers here, although there is typically a cost to attend. 
• Local Card Shops: Your local card shop may be able to purchase select cards from you, although you might not be able to realize full retail prices in this environment. 
• Specialized Auctions: Particularly rare or valuable Pokémon cards might be appropriate for specialized auctions. This is a unique scenario. 

Where Can I Find Rare Pokémon Cards?

Wondering where to find unique and rare Pokémon cards, like rare VMAX Pokémon cards or even hyper rare or secret rare options? Our online marketplace at Danireon offers numerous different choices, including booster packs and boxes, Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs), special collections, and rare singles. 

Booster Packs/Boxes

Booster packs, bundles, and boxes are excellent places to find rare Pokémon cards. You will typically want to do some research about pull rates and card inclusions for different sets before you begin a chase for a certain card. 

Typically, booster packs contain 10 game cards, just one of which is guaranteed to be rare or higher. The general breakdown per pack is 4 Common cards, 3 Uncommon cards, and 3 Foil or Holofoil cards, one of which will have a Rare or higher Pokémon TCG rarity status. 

Elite Trainer Boxes 

Elite Trainer Boxes, or ETBs, include 9 booster packs as well as a promotional foil card and other gameplay materials or accessories. ETBs can be opened to chase rare cards, or they can be kept sealed, tapping into a whole different market of Pokémon investment opportunities. 

Special Collections

Special Pokémon TCG collections might include promotional cards, oversized cards, booster packs, or exclusive packaging. These can be exciting and fun for Pokémon TCG enthusiasts, especially when they feature a favorite character or artist.  

Rare Singles

If you are chasing a particular rare card, you might consider purchasing rare singles instead of trying for a pull in numerous booster packs. At this point in your chase, buying a rare card might actually be more cost-effective than opening numerous packs until you pull it. 

Choosing a rare single will also allow you to explore your preference as related to condition, printing, and potentially even grading, depending on the rarity and demand of the card. For especially expensive purposes, make sure you verify the authenticity of the card and choose a reputable seller like Danireon, your go-to spot to buy Pokémon cards in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if my Pokémon card is rare?

For those wondering how to tell if a Pokémon card is rare, we suggest that you start by looking at the Pokémon card rarity symbols on the bottom of your cards. These symbols are the first indication of how rare or common a certain card is. 

How to know if a Pokémon card is worth money?

Determining the worth of a Pokémon card goes beyond looking at its Pokémon rarity symbols. Rarity can be one component of a card’s value, but you will also need to look at condition, demand, and market trends. Once you identify a card, you can look it up online to see how other versions of that card in similar condition are selling. 

Where can I sell my Pokémon cards?

There are many different places to sell Pokémon cards, including your local card shop, collector meet-ups and tournaments, and online marketplaces. Some of the most popular online marketplaces to sell Pokémon cards include eBay and TCGplayer. You can also sell Pokémon cards on our online platform here at Danireon.