Pokémon rarity guide

The everyday cards in every pack, usually basic Pokémon.

Value: Pennies raw, unless it is a popular Pokémon in a vintage set or a misprint.

Slightly scarcer than commons, often evolutions and trainers.

Value: Low on its own; collectors buy them to complete sets.

One guaranteed rare slot per pack in most eras.

Value: Modest, unless the Pokémon is a fan favourite.

A rare with a shiny holofoil picture box.

Value: Vintage holos (Base Set to Neo) are where real money starts.

A normal card with the foil on the body instead of the picture.

Value: A small premium over the normal print; some special pattern reverses sell well.

ex / V / GX cards (RR)

The Pokémon ex, V and GX cards with big HP and extra rules.

Value: Usually a few pounds; chase Pokémon fetch more.

Full Art (UR)

Full-art versions of ex and trainer cards.

Value: Steady sellers; trainer full arts of popular characters go higher.

IR / AR

Full-picture artwork of a regular Pokémon, a set's art showcase.

Value: Often the sleeper hits of a set; popular Pokémon climb fast.

SIR / SAR

Full-art ex or trainer cards with storytelling artwork. The chase cards of modern sets.

Value: The top cards of most modern sets, often tens to hundreds of pounds.

Gold / Secret Rare (UR)

Gold-etched cards numbered beyond the set's printed total.

Value: Scarce; demand varies with the Pokémon pictured.

Powerful one-per-deck trainer cards.

Value: Mostly played rather than collected; modest prices.

S / SSR

Alternate-colour shiny Pokémon, often in special subsets.

Value: Popular shinies sell well, especially in Japanese high-class sets.

Cards given away in boxes, events and tins, not in booster packs.

Value: Mostly low; event-only and staff promos can be very valuable.