Pokémon TCG Rarity Explained: Symbols, Foils & Secret Rares

Whether you’re ripping packs for fun, grading big hits, or building a binder set, understanding Pokémon TCG rarity helps you spot what’s special—fast. This guide explains rarity symbols, the modern Scarlet & Violet rarity ladder, foil types (holo vs reverse holo vs textured), and how to identify secret rares by their numbering. We’ll also cover legacy rarities you’ll still see on older cards and why “rarest” doesn’t always mean “most valuable.”

Where to Find the Rarity Symbol

On most cards, the rarity icon is printed near the bottom—typically beside the set number. The classic basics still apply:

• ● Circle = Common
• ◆ Diamond = Uncommon
• ★ Star = Rare

In the Scarlet & Violet era, these foundations continue but expand into a clearer ladder for “hits.”

Scarlet & Violet Era – The Modern Rarity Ladder

Starting with Scarlet & Violet, Pokémon standardized a set of symbols and names you’ll see across today’s packs. Here’s the quick map collectors use:

• Rare (★ black) – Every Rare pulled from modern boosters is holofoil by default. Packs also guarantee three foils (two Reverse Holos + one Holo or better). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
• Double Rare (★★ black) – Typically standard-art Pokémon ex with heavier foil/texture than a normal Rare. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Ultra Rare (★★ white/silver) – Full‑art Pokémon ex or full‑art Supporters; these are also secret rares (their card number is higher than the set size). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Illustration Rare (★ gold) – Single gold star; alt‑style art cards that spotlight a Pokémon in a scene. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Special Illustration Rare (★★ gold) – Double gold star; chase‑tier scenic art for Pokémon ex or Supporters (textured, elaborate artwork). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Hyper Rare (★★★ gold) – Triple gold star; the modern “gold card” tier for Items, Energies, Stadiums, and select Pokémon ex. All are secret rares. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Why it matters: the symbol color and count tell you at a glance where a card sits—from a basic Rare up through Illustration and Special Illustration Rares to top‑tier Hyper Rares.

Secret Rares – The Number Gives It Away

“Secret rare” describes a card whose collector number exceeds the set size (e.g., 201/198). Any time the left number is bigger than the right number, you’re looking at a secret. In modern sets, Ultra Rare, Special Illustration Rare, and Hyper Rare cards are secret by definition. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Foils & Finishes – What the Terms Actually Mean

• Holo (or Holofoil): The foil effect is applied inside the art window behind the Pokémon/illustration.
• Reverse Holo: The card background is foiled while the art window often stays non‑foil (introduced widely in Legendary Collection and used ever since). Patterns vary by era (cosmos, fireworks, etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Textured Foils: Raised, tactile finishes used on most full‑arts and special tiers (Ultra/SIR/Hyper); textures catch light differently and are common on modern chase cards.
• Gold Cards: Gilded “Hyper Rares” with metallic backgrounds and texture; the contemporary successor to many older “secret golds.” :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Pack Composition – What You’re Guaranteed Today

Modern English Scarlet & Violet boosters contain three foils per pack: two Reverse Holos and one Holo (or better), plus an Energy and code card. That’s a big change from older eras where many packs had only one foil. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Legacy Rarities You’ll Still See (Older Eras)

• Rainbow Rare: Introduced in Sun & Moon and used through Sword & Shield; discontinued in the Scarlet & Violet era. You’ll still find them in older sets. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Amazing Rare: A special foil treatment from Vivid Voltage–era releases; not part of the S&V core ladder but popular with collectors.
• Shiny Vault / Shining sets: Subsets like Hidden Fates and Shining Fates featured Shiny Pokémon with unique foils; S&V reintroduced Shiny Rare in special collections (rarity symbolization differs from main ladder). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Non‑holo Rares vs Holo Rares: Pre‑S&V, some sets printed both; since S&V, all Rares in boosters are holofoil. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Rarity vs Value – Why “Rarest” Isn’t Always “Most Expensive”

Collectors often ask why a Special Illustration Rare can outprice a Hyper Rare. The answer: value follows art, popularity, playability, print volume, and condition more than the symbol alone. A beloved alt‑art scene or a top competitive Supporter can outrank a technically rarer gold. Conversely, a niche Pokémon can be gold/Hyper Rare and still lag in demand. Use rarity as a quick screen, then consider character, artwork, grading potential, and metagame relevance.

Quick Cheat Sheet (Modern)

• ● Common → ◆ Uncommon → ★ Rare (all holo)
• ★★ Double Rare (usually standard‑art ex)
• ★★ (white/silver) Ultra Rare (full‑art ex/supporters; secret)
• ★ (gold) Illustration Rare (alt art scenes)
• ★★ (gold) Special Illustration Rare (alt art ex/supporters; secret)
• ★★★ (gold) Hyper Rare (gold cards; secret)

How to Read the Bottom Line of a Card

Scan the lower border for three things:

1. Set symbol & code: Tells you which expansion it’s from.
2. Collector number: The fraction format (x/y) reveals secrets: if x > y, it’s a secret rare. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
3. Rarity icon: Circle, diamond, star(s)—color matters (black, silver/white, gold) in S&V.

Collector Tips (Protect Value & Build Sets Smarter)

• Centering & surface: Before grading, check borders front/back and tilt under bright light for print lines or dimples.
• Sleeve immediately: Use penny sleeves + toploaders (or semi‑rigids for submissions). Keep pulls dust‑free.
• Binder logic: For master sets, leave room for reverse holos and secret slots beyond the base checklist.
• Know your hits: Learn the Illustration/Special Illustration artists you love—those are often the keepers even if prices dip.
• Playability premium: Competitive staples (Supporters, Items, Energies) in full‑art/secret treatments can hold value due to demand from both players and collectors.

Reverse Holo Deep‑Dive (Patterns Through the Years)

Reverse holos aren’t new—the treatment dates back to early 2000s releases and became a staple from Legendary Collection onward. Over time, sets experimented with fireworks/cosmos patterns, stamps, and set‑specific motifs. In modern packs you’ll usually get two Reverse Holos per booster, which makes finishing reverse sets more realistic. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Textured & Gold Cards – What to Look For

• Texture maps: Run a sleeve over the surface—you’ll feel ridges; light will “ripple” across the art differently than on flat holo.
• Gold edging: Hyper Rares use gilded backgrounds and metallic ink; scratches show more easily—handle with care. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Image Suggestions

• Rarity ladder fan: A neat spread showing circle → diamond → black star → double black star → double silver star → gold ★/★★/★★★.
• Numbering close‑up: Macro photo of a secret rare fraction (e.g., 201/198) with a caption arrow.
• Foil comparison: Side‑by‑side of holo vs reverse holo vs textured full‑art vs gold hyper rare.

FAQs – Pokémon TCG Rarities (tap + to expand)