Card Value
Get the app 01. Find the exact printing
Look for the expansion’s set code or symbol and the collector number, usually near the bottom of the card. A number such as 025/198 identifies a card within that expansion; the name alone may match many different releases.
When a collector number exceeds the printed set total, such as 245/198, it commonly belongs to the extra cards collectors call secret rares. This does not tell you its price or its precise modern rarity category. Promo cards and special subsets can use a different numbering system.
Match the set, number, language and finish. A regular, holo and reverse holo printing can have separate listings and values. On older cards, a set symbol may replace a written code, so check the expansion’s checklist if you are unsure.
02. Read the rarity symbol
This table describes the main English Scarlet & Violet rarity conventions. Older series, other languages, promos and special expansions can use different systems. Rarity describes a category, not a guaranteed price.
| Rarity | Symbol | Collector’s clue |
|---|---|---|
| Common | ● · black circle | A standard rarity found throughout a set. |
| Uncommon | ◆ · black diamond | The next standard rarity category. |
| Rare | ★ · black star | Check the exact printing and foil finish. |
| Double Rare | ★★ · two black stars | Includes Pokémon ex in this series. |
| Ultra Rare | ★★ · two silver foil stars | Full-art foil versions of ex or Supporter cards. |
| Illustration Rare | ★ · one gold star | A full-art alternative illustration. |
| Special Illustration Rare | ★★ · two gold stars | Alternative illustrations for ex or Supporter cards. |
| Hyper Rare | ★★★ · three gold stars | Full-art foil cards with gold details. |
A rarer category does not automatically sell for more. Demand for a particular illustration, playable card or printing matters too.
03. Check the condition, front and back
Inspect the card in good light. Look at the edges, corners and surface, including scratches that appear only when you tilt the card. Compare with listings in the same condition.
- Near Mint: minimal wear and only slight flaws; it does not mean perfectly flawless.
- Lightly Played: minor edge wear, scuffs or scratches, without significant structural issues.
- Played: a useful everyday label for visible wear. Some marketplaces separate Moderately Played and Heavily Played; match the actual condition category when comparing.
- Damaged: major defects such as tears, splits or severe damage affecting the card’s integrity.
Condition names differ between marketplaces. Compare cards using the same condition category. There is no fixed percentage to subtract for wear: the difference depends on the exact card and its market.
What about a graded card?
A grading company assesses the card and seals it in a protective case. PSA uses a 1–10 scale, with 10 its highest numerical grade; other companies have their own standards. Compare sales from the same grader and grade, rather than applying an ungraded price. A high grade does not guarantee a profit after grading costs.
Reference: PSA grading standards.
04. Match the language and edition
English, French, Japanese and Chinese printings have their own markets. Compare the language printed on your card, and remember that similarly named cards can belong to different regional sets.
For early printings, check whether there is a 1st Edition stamp and match that variant in the listing. This distinction applies to certain historical releases; modern cards do not all have a first-edition version. A stamp, age or foreign language alone does not establish value.
05. Compare real market values
An asking price is what a seller wants. Completed sales show what buyers actually paid. For an English card in the United States, compare values in US dollars (USD) and match the exact printing, condition and foil finish.
- Market value: an informational reference for the same card and finish, rather than a guaranteed sale price.
- Asking price: the amount a seller requests. It can differ from what buyers actually pay.
- Graded value: a separate comparison that must match the grading company and numerical grade.
For real English printings and dated US examples, view the card values on the home page. Each card shows its set, number, finish and verification date.
Card Value displays available market references. Coverage and updates vary. Any estimate is labeled separately; a missing value does not mean a card is worth zero.
Keep track of the date you checked the value. US dollar and euro references describe different markets; converting currencies does not make them identical.
Your sale price also depends on the buyer, fees, shipping and timing. A collection total is not a guaranteed cash offer.