All Pokemon Card Rarity Symbols Explained By Experts

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) has been a beloved hobby for many since its inception, with a vast array of cards that can be collected and traded. Understanding the rarity of these cards is crucial for both new and seasoned collectors, as it significantly impacts their value and desirability.

Basic Rarity Symbols

Pokémon card rarity is easily identifiable by the symbol located at the bottom of the card, typically in the lower right or left corner. These symbols are universal and have remained consistent over the years.

Common Cards: Marked with a black circle. These cards are the most abundant and are usually found in large quantities within booster packs. A standard booster pack typically contains six common cards.
Uncommon Cards: Identified by a black diamond. These cards are less common than common cards and are usually found three to a booster pack. They often include evolved Pokémon and Trainer cards.
Rare Cards: Signified by a black star. Rare cards are the most sought-after in a set and are typically found one per booster pack. This category includes various sub-types such as regular rare, holofoil rare, and more.

Special and Rare Variants

Beyond the basic rarity symbols, there are several special and rare variants that add complexity and excitement to the Pokémon TCG.

Holofoil Rare Cards: These rare cards feature a holofoil design, making the card art shine. They are highly prized by collectors and can significantly increase the card's value.
Reverse Holo Cards: These cards have a holofoil finish on every part of the card except the actual picture. Any card in a set can be a reverse holo, making some cards more valuable than others.
EX/GX/V Cards: These cards are highly sought after and often feature unique mechanics. They can be classified as ultra rare and are among the hardest cards to find in a booster pack.
Full Art/Full Body Cards: These cards feature an image that takes over the entire card, making the text hard to read at times. They are a variant of EX/GX cards and are highly collectible.

Secret Rare Cards

Secret rare cards are the rarest and most elusive cards in any set. They can be identified by their set number, which exceeds the total number of cards listed in the set.

Set Numbers: To identify a secret rare card, look at the set number on the card. If the number to the left is higher than the number to the right, it indicates a secret rare card. For example, a card with the number 138/131 is a secret rare card.
Types of Secret Rare Cards: These include rainbow rare, gold rare, illustration rare, and special illustration rare cards. Each of these types has unique characteristics and is highly valuable among collectors.

Additional Rarity Symbols

Starting with the Scarlet & Violet expansion, new rarity symbols were introduced to clarify the differences between official rarities and fan-dubbed rarities.

Double Rare: Marked with two black stars.
Ultra Rare: Marked with two silver stars.
Illustration Rare: Marked with one gold star.
Special Illustration Rare: Marked with two gold stars.
Hyper Rare: Marked with three gold stars.

These new symbols help collectors differentiate between the various rare card types more easily.

Booster Pack Composition

Understanding what you can expect in a booster pack is essential for collectors. Here is the typical composition of a Pokémon TCG booster pack:

6 Common Cards
3 Uncommon Cards
1 Rare Card

Each pack is also guaranteed to have one Reverse Holo card, which can be of any rarity.

Identifying Card Value

While the rarity symbol is a key indicator of a card's value, it is not the only factor. Collectors need to consider the card's type, set number, and overall condition to determine its true worth. For instance, cards with unique mechanics or those that are part of limited sets can be more valuable than others.

By understanding these symbols and variants, collectors can better navigate the Pokémon TCG and make informed decisions about their collections.