Pokémon Card Rarity Symbols Explained (Circle, Diamond, Star & More)
What do the symbols at the bottom of a Pokémon card mean? Circle, diamond, star, double star, gold stars and promo marks explained, from 1999 to today.
By Ayoub Farid · · 3 min read
Look at the bottom corner of almost any Pokémon card and you'll find a small symbol next to the card number. That symbol tells you how rare the card was in packs, and it's the first clue to whether a card might be worth checking.
Where to find the rarity symbol
On most English cards the rarity symbol is at the bottom right, next to or near the card number (like 25/102). On some modern cards it sits in the bottom left with the set information. Japanese cards use letter codes instead (see below).
Classic rarity symbols
| Symbol | Rarity | Typical pull |
|---|---|---|
| ● Circle | Common | Several per pack |
| ◆ Diamond | Uncommon | A few per pack |
| ★ Star | Rare | About one per pack (holo or non-holo) |
On older cards, a black star card can be either a holo rare (shiny art) or a non-holo rare. Holo versions are usually worth more. See holo vs reverse holo.
Modern rarity symbols (Scarlet & Violet era onward)
Modern sets added more tiers to separate the chase cards:
| Symbol | Rarity |
|---|---|
| ★ one black star | Rare |
| ★★ two black stars | Double Rare (e.g. regular "ex" cards) |
| ★★ two silver/white stars | Ultra Rare (full art) |
| ★ one gold star | Illustration Rare |
| ★★ two gold stars | Special Illustration Rare |
| ★★★ three gold stars | Hyper Rare (gold cards) |
There are also special symbols for things like ACE SPEC cards and shiny rarities in some sets. The more gold stars, the rarer the card. Read illustration rares explained.
Promo cards
Promos don't have a regular rarity. They're marked PROMO with a black star symbol and a promo number (like SWSH050 or SVP 012). Value varies widely; see Pokémon promo cards value.
Japanese rarity codes
Japanese cards print a letter code instead of shapes: C (common), U (uncommon), R (rare), RR, RRR, SR (super rare), AR (art rare), SAR (special art rare), UR (ultra rare, usually gold), plus others like CHR and S in some sets. See Japanese Pokémon card values.
No symbol at all?
A few early printings and some special products have no rarity symbol. A famous example is the Japanese Base Set "No Rarity" print. Most cards without a symbol are promos, energy cards or products from special sets. Check before assuming it's an error; see error cards.
Rarity isn't value
Rarity tells you how hard a card was to pull, not what it's worth. A rare card of an unpopular Pokémon can sell for very little, while a popular uncommon can be worth more. Demand, condition and the specific printing decide the price. See how to tell if a Pokémon card is rare.
Try it on your own cards
Rarefolio reads the rarity along with the card name and number when you scan, and shows an estimated market value. Use the symbol table above to pull out stars and gold stars first, then scan them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a black star mean on a Pokémon card?
A single black star means Rare. On promo cards, a black star with the word PROMO marks a promotional card.
What do gold stars mean on Pokémon cards?
On modern cards, one gold star is an Illustration Rare, two gold stars a Special Illustration Rare, and three gold stars a Hyper Rare.
Is a circle Pokémon card worth anything?
Circles are commons and are usually worth little, though some vintage commons in perfect condition or popular characters can sell for more.
Where is the rarity symbol on Japanese cards?
Japanese cards use letter codes such as R, SR, AR or SAR printed near the card number at the bottom.