How to Tell If a Pokémon Card Is Rare: 9 Quick Checks
Nine quick checks to tell if a Pokémon card is rare: rarity symbol, card number, holo pattern, 1st Edition stamp, shadowless, promos, language and condition.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
You don't need to be an expert to sort a stack of Pokémon cards. These nine checks take a few seconds per card and will pull out almost everything worth a closer look.
1. The rarity symbol
Bottom of the card: circle (common), diamond (uncommon), star (rare). Two or more stars, or gold stars, mean a modern chase rarity. See rarity symbols explained.
2. A card number above the set size
If the number reads like 210/198 (the first number is bigger than the second), you have a secret rare. These are often full arts, special illustration rares or gold cards.
3. Holo artwork
Is the picture itself shiny? That's a holo. If the shine is on everything except the picture, it's a reverse holo. Holo rares from older sets are the classic valuable cards. See holo vs reverse holo.
4. Full art and textured cards
Cards where the art covers the whole card, often with a textured surface you can feel, are higher rarities.
5. 1st Edition stamp (1999–2002 cards)
A small black "Edition 1" circle on the left side, just below the artwork. 1st Edition vintage holos are among the most valuable cards. See 1st Edition Pokémon cards.
6. Shadowless (Base Set only)
On Base Set cards, look at the right edge of the artwork box. No drop shadow = shadowless, an early print run worth more than Unlimited. See shadowless cards.
7. Promo and special stamps
"PROMO" with a black star, or stamps like event logos, "Prerelease", "Staff" or tournament marks. Some are common giveaways; others are rare. See promo cards.
8. Language and region
Japanese, Korean and other language cards are priced separately, and some exclusives were never printed in English. See Japanese cards.
9. Condition
A rare card in poor condition loses most of its value; a common card in perfect condition is still usually common. Check corners, edges, surface and centering with our condition guide.
Which Pokémon matter?
Popularity drives price. Charizard, Pikachu, Umbreon and the other Eeveelutions, Rayquaza, Mew, Mewtwo, Lugia and Gengar have a long track record of strong demand. A rare card of a fan-favorite Pokémon usually beats an equally rare card of a less popular one.
Try it on your own cards
Do a first pass with these checks to make a "maybe" pile, then scan that pile with Rarefolio. Each scan shows the card number, rarity and an estimated market value, so you can sort the real finds from the nice-looking bulk in minutes. For the big picture, read rare Pokémon cards worth money.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Pokémon card is worth money?
Check rarity, card number, finish, edition stamps and condition, then look up recent sold prices for the exact printing.
Are shiny Pokémon cards rare?
Holo (shiny art) cards are rarer than commons, but many modern holos are still inexpensive. Vintage holos and special rarities are the valuable ones.
What does it mean if the card number is higher than the set number?
It's a secret rare, such as a full art, special illustration rare or gold card, inserted beyond the main set list.
Are misprinted Pokémon cards rare?
Some genuine factory errors are collectible, but many "misprints" are just wear or damage and don't add value.