How to tell the rarity of Pokemon cards: An easy guide to identifying symbols, holos, and Secret Rares

January 05, 2026
TCG Shops

Introduction: How to determine the rarity of Pokemon cards and why it matters

If you've ever opened a pack and wondered whether that shiny card is worth keeping, protecting, or even trading, you're not alone. Learning how to determine the rarity of Pokémon cards is one of the most useful skills for players and collectors: it helps you identify special cards, organize your collection, evaluate trades with greater confidence, and avoid confusion between similar versions.

In this practical guide, we explain how to recognize the rarity of a Pokémon card step by step, what symbols and signs to look for, and how to differentiate modern cards like Ultra Rare, Secret Rare, or Special Illustration. If you enjoy opening booster packs, completing sets, or building competitive decks, this information will save you time and give you confidence. And if you're looking for products and accessories for your collection, remember that you can find them at tcgshops.com .

First: where to look to find out about the rarity

On most Pokémon cards, rarity is identified by a small symbol usually located at the bottom of the card, near the collection number or legal text. While the design may vary depending on the set and language, this area is the most reliable starting point for determining rarity.

Circle icon : usually indicates a common card.
Diamond icon : usually indicates a rare card.
Star icon : usually indicates a rare card.

This system is the basis for understanding how to determine the rarity of Pokemon cards , but in modern sets there are additional categories that are detected with other visual details and with the set numbering.

Classic rarities: Common, Uncommon, and Rare

Traditional rarities remain important, especially for players seeking consistency when building decks and for collectors completing collections by set.

Common : Usually easy to obtain and frequently appears in booster packs. Ideal for deck foundations and completing evolutionary lines.
Uncommon : Appears less frequently. Often includes useful support cards or Pokémon with a greater impact on gameplay.
Rare : This is usually the "prize" in the standard rarity pack. It can come in a normal version or with special effects.

If your card has a star, it's already a rare one, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the most valuable. For that, you have to look at the finish, design, and serial number.

How to identify holographic cards and special versions

Many confusions when learning how to determine the rarity of Pokémon cards stem from variations in shine. In Pokémon, shine doesn't always signify the same rarity, as it depends on the set.

Holo : part of the illustration (or background) has a holographic effect.
Reverse Holo : The holo appears on the card's border or background, while the artwork remains normal. In many sets, it can appear on both common and uncommon cards.
Non-Holo : without shine, although it is still rare in some specific products.

Quick tip: Compare two copies of the same card. If one has a shimmer in the text area or border, it's probably Reverse Holo. This helps organize binders and avoid misclassified duplicates.

Modern rarities: Ultra Rare, Illustration, and Secret Rare

In current expansions, rarity isn't limited to the star symbol. It now includes cards with full artwork, textures, and special numbering, which are usually the most sought after.

Full Art : the art occupies almost the entire card. They are usually highly sought after by collectors.
Texture : Many Ultra Rare items have a tactile pattern or a raised sheen. If you see lines or "engraving" when you tilt it, it's probably of high rarity.
Special illustration : cards with highly detailed art and an "illustration" style that stand out for their premium design and presentation.

These cards are usually less common in booster packs, so learning to recognize them is key if you open sealed products or buy singles to complete your set.

The most reliable trick: the set numbering

One of the most effective methods to determine if a card is especially rare is to check the collection number, which usually appears as something similar to "X/Y".

Cards within the set : if the number is less than or equal to the total (for example, 120/198), it is a card from the main set.
Secret cards : if the number exceeds the total (for example, 205/198), it is usually a Secret Rare or special rarity card.

This detail is fundamental in knowing the rarity of Pokemon cards , because even if the symbol is not clear to you, the numbering "above the set" almost always indicates a special card that should be protected.

Tips for collectors: how to care for and organize by rarity

Once you've identified the rarity, the next step is to take care of your collection. The rarest or most textured cards are easily damaged by friction or humidity.

Store your valuable cards in sleeves and, if possible, in hard protectors.
Organize your binder by set and number to quickly spot gaps.
Separate duplicates by rarity to facilitate trades and sales.

If you're building your collection or your next deck, at tcgshops.com you can find TCG products like Pokémon, Riftbound, One Piece and Magic, plus options to keep your cards protected and ready to play.

Conclusion: Master how to determine the rarity of Pokemon cards and enjoy the hobby more.

Understanding how to determine the rarity of Pokémon cards allows you to collect with more purpose, trade with more confidence, and better appreciate each card opened. Check the symbol, observe the finish, confirm with the set numbering, and pay attention to textures and artwork: with these steps, you'll have a solid foundation for identifying any card.

If you want to stay up to date with releases, booster packs, boxes, and new products for players and collectors, visit tcgshops.com and subscribe to the newsletter to find out when your favorite products are available for purchase.