You've just pulled a card from your latest booster pack. The artwork is stunning, the foil pattern catches the light beautifully, and you're convinced this could be worth something. But when you flip to check the value online, you see dozens of different versions—some worth £2, others worth £200. What's the difference? The answer lies in that small symbol hiding in the bottom-left corner of your card.
Understanding Pokémon card rarity symbols is fundamental to collecting. These tiny icons determine whether you've pulled a common worth pennies or a chase card worth hundreds of pounds. This comprehensive UK-focused guide decodes every rarity symbol from 1999 Base Set to modern 2025 releases, explains what each means for value, and teaches you to instantly identify what you've pulled.
Why Rarity Symbols Matter
Before diving into specific symbols, let's understand why rarity matters at all:
Rarity Directly Impacts Value
A Charizard ex might exist in four different rarities:
- Double Rare (regular): £4-6
- Ultra Rare (full art): £30-45
- Special Illustration Rare: £600-800
- Hyper Rare (gold): £450-650
Same Pokémon, same set—but wildly different values based entirely on rarity. Understanding symbols prevents selling a £600 card for £5 or buying a £5 card for £600.
Rarity Determines Pull Rates
Each rarity has specific odds:
- Common: Multiple per pack (guaranteed)
- Uncommon: Multiple per pack (guaranteed)
- Rare: ~1 per pack
- Rare Holo: ~1 in 3 packs
- Ultra Rare: ~1 in 12-15 packs
- Special Illustration Rare: ~1 in 45-100 packs (depending on set)
- Hyper Rare: ~1 in 180-1,260 packs
Knowing pull rates helps set realistic expectations and understand why certain cards command premiums.
Rarity Affects Collecting Strategy
Completing a full set requires:
- Commons/Uncommons: Easy through opening or cheap singles
- Rares: Moderate difficulty
- Holos: Challenging through opening, affordable as singles
- Ultra Rares+: Nearly impossible through opening alone—buy as singles
Understanding rarity helps budget and plan efficiently.
The Rarity Symbol Location
Every Pokémon card displays its rarity symbol in the bottom-left corner, immediately after the card number.
Example: A card numbered "25/151 ●" shows:
- 25 = Card number in set
- /151 = Total cards in main set
- ● = Rarity symbol (in this case, Common)
Critical Exception: Trainer cards and special Energy cards sometimes place rarity symbols in different locations, but the vast majority follow the bottom-left standard.
Modern Era Rarity Symbols (2019-Present)
The current Sword & Shield / Scarlet & Violet / Mega Evolution era uses this rarity system:
● Common (Circle)
Symbol: Solid black circle (●)
What it means: The most basic cards—found in every pack, usually 5-6 per pack
Cards with this rarity:
- Basic Pokémon (Charmander, Pikachu, Eevee)
- Basic Trainer cards (Potion, Switch)
- Basic Energy cards (Fire Energy, Water Energy)
Value: £0.05-0.20 typically
Pull rate: Guaranteed multiple per pack
Collector notes: Common cards form the backbone of sets. Despite low individual value, complete common sets hold sentimental value for many collectors.
◆ Uncommon (Diamond)
Symbol: Solid black diamond (◆)
What it means: Slightly rarer than commons, still very accessible
Cards with this rarity:
- Stage 1 evolution Pokémon (Charmeleon, Ivysaur)
- Better Trainer cards (Ultra Ball, Rare Candy)
- Some single-prize evolved Pokémon
Value: £0.10-0.50 typically
Pull rate: Guaranteed 3-4 per pack
Collector notes: Uncommons often include essential gameplay cards. Some uncommon Trainers become competitive staples worth £2-5.
★ Rare (Star)
Symbol: Solid black star (★)
What it means: The first meaningful rarity tier—roughly one rare per pack
Cards with this rarity:
- Stage 2 evolution Pokémon (Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur—non-holo versions)
- Powerful Trainer cards
- Special Energy cards
- Some single-prize Pokémon
Value: £0.50-3 typically
Pull rate: ~1 per pack (but not guaranteed)
Collector notes: Non-holo rares often overshadowed by their holographic versions. However, some rare Trainers become tournament staples.
★ Rare Holo (Star + Holographic Foil)
Symbol: Solid black star (★) + holographic pattern on card artwork
What it means: The traditional "chase" card for casual collectors—holographic foil on Pokémon artwork
Cards with this rarity:
- Stage 2 evolution Pokémon with holo treatment
- Powerful single-prize Pokémon
- Iconic Pokémon (Charizard, Pikachu, etc.)
Value: £2-15 typically (can reach £50+ for popular Pokémon)
Pull rate: ~1 in 3 packs
Collector notes: Holo rares were THE chase cards in vintage sets (1999-2003). Modern sets offer higher rarities, but holos retain nostalgic appeal. The holographic pattern on the artwork (not just a foil border) distinguishes these from regular rares.
★★ Double Rare (Two White Stars)
Symbol: Two solid white stars (★★)
What it means: Modern Pokémon ex cards in their basic, non-full-art versions
Cards with this rarity:
- Pokémon ex (modern powerful Pokémon)
- Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
- Basic versions of ultra-powerful cards
Value: £2-8 typically (occasionally £10-20 for competitive staples)
Pull rate: ~1 in 5 packs
Collector notes: Double Rares offer the most cost-effective way to play competitively. A Mega Charizard X ex Double Rare costs £4-5, whilst the same card in Special Illustration Rare form costs £600-800. Functionally identical for gameplay.
★★ Ultra Rare (Two White Stars + Full Art)
Symbol: Two solid white stars (★★) on full-art cards
What it means: Full-art versions of Pokémon ex and Supporter Trainer cards
Cards with this rarity:
- Full-art Pokémon ex
- Full-art Mega Evolution Pokémon ex
- Full-art Supporter cards (Professor's Research, Boss's Orders, Dawn)
Value: £3-60 depending on card
Pull rate: ~1 in 12-15 packs
Visual characteristics:
- Card artwork extends to edges (no border)
- Textured foil pattern across entire card
- Pokémon or character featured prominently
Collector notes: Ultra Rares represent the first premium tier where aesthetics significantly impact value. Popular Trainers (Lillie, Marnie) and Pokémon (Charizard, Pikachu) command higher premiums.
★★ Illustration Rare (Two Black Stars)
Symbol: Two solid black stars (★★)
What it means: Full-art Pokémon with stunning illustrative artwork, no text blocking imagery
Cards with this rarity:
- Full-art Pokémon (not ex)
- Showcase artwork by notable illustrators
- Often features Pokémon in natural settings or scenes
Value: £3-30 depending on Pokémon and artwork
Pull rate: ~1 in 9-13 packs
Visual characteristics:
- No text boxes or attack descriptions on artwork
- Card name appears at top/bottom in minimal styling
- Focus on artistic illustration rather than gameplay presentation
Collector notes: Illustration Rares emphasize art over gameplay. Cards like Piplup, Meowth, and Charmander Illustration Rares from Phantasmal Flames command £15-25 despite featuring non-competitive Pokémon—purely due to artwork quality.
★★ Special Illustration Rare (Two Black Stars + Immersive Scene)
Symbol: Two solid black stars (★★) on cards with immersive, scene-based artwork
What it means: The premier chase cards—featuring Pokémon ex or Trainers in elaborate, story-driven scenes
Cards with this rarity:
- Pokémon ex in cinematic artwork
- Trainers interacting with Pokémon
- Multi-character scenes
- Often the most expensive cards in any set
Value: £20-900+ (Mega Charizard X ex SIR from Phantasmal Flames: £620-780)
Pull rate: ~1 in 45-100 packs (varies by set)
Visual characteristics:
- Immersive artwork that "breaks the frame"
- Multiple characters or detailed backgrounds
- Story-telling element
- Premium texture and foil pattern
Collector notes: SIRs represent the pinnacle of modern Pokémon TCG collecting. Sets are often defined by their SIR lineup. "Moonbreon" (Umbreon VMAX Alt Art from Evolving Skies) and "Sunbreon" (Umbreon ex SIR from Prismatic Evolutions) are legendary examples commanding £1,000-1,400.
⬟⬟ Hyper Rare / Super Rare (Golden Stars)
Symbol: Two golden/rainbow stars (⬟⬟)
What it means: Ultra-premium versions featuring rainbow foil or gold treatment
Cards with this rarity:
- Rainbow Rare: Full-art cards with rainbow holographic pattern
- Gold Rare: All-gold foil treatment
- Mega Hyper Rare: Recent introduction, extraordinarily rare
Value: £15-650+ depending on card and type
Pull rate:
- Standard Hyper Rares: ~1 in 180 packs
- Mega Hyper Rares: ~1 in 1,260 packs
Visual characteristics:
- Rainbow Rares: Rainbow gradient foil across entire card
- Gold Rares: Solid gold foiling with embossed details
- Extremely striking and premium appearance
Collector notes: Hyper Rares divide the community. Some collectors love the flashy aesthetic, others prefer traditional artwork. Gold cards (especially Charizards and Pikachus) command significant premiums. The new Mega Hyper Rare from Phantasmal Flames (Mega Charizard X ex gold) appears once every ~35 booster boxes.
◆ ACE SPEC (Diamond on Special Cards)
Symbol: Diamond (◆) with "ACE SPEC" designation
What it means: Special powerful Trainer cards limited to one per deck in competitive play
Cards with this rarity:
- Game-changing Item cards
- Powerful one-time effects
- Deck-defining support cards
Value: £3-40 depending on competitive viability
Pull rate: ~1 in 20-25 packs
Collector notes: ACE SPEC rarity is functional (gameplay restriction) rather than scarcity-based. Competitively powerful ACE SPECs command premiums despite reasonable pull rates.
Vintage Era Rarity Symbols (1999-2008)
Classic WOTC-era (Wizards of the Coast) cards used simpler rarity system:
● Circle = Common
Same as modern—basic cards found frequently
◆ Diamond = Uncommon
Same as modern—moderately common cards
★ Star = Rare
The highest rarity in Base Set through Team Rocket sets. Rare cards came in two versions:
Non-Holo Rare: Star symbol, no holographic foil Holo Rare: Star symbol + holographic foil on artwork
Critical distinction: In vintage sets, holographic rares are significantly more valuable than their non-holo counterparts. A Base Set Charizard non-holo might be worth £30-60, whilst the holo version commands £500-1,000+ (raw, near-mint).
Special Vintage Markings
1st Edition Stamp: Small "1st Edition" stamp on left side (not a rarity symbol, but affects value dramatically)
- 1st Edition Base Set cards worth 10-50x unlimited versions
- 1st Edition Charizard holo: £300,000+ in PSA 10
Shadowless: Base Set cards without shadows under artwork windows
- Early print run before text corrections
- Worth 2-5x more than shadowed versions
Set Symbol: WOTC cards also display set symbols (not rarity)
- Different from rarity symbols
- Indicates which expansion card belongs to
Special Card Types: Unique Rarity Considerations
Promo Cards (⬟ Star Icon)
Symbol: Star icon with "PROMO" text or unique promo symbol
What it means: Cards distributed through promotions, not booster packs
Sources:
- Pre-release events
- Tournament rewards
- Product bundles (ETBs, Premium Collections)
- Special distributions (movie promos, magazine inserts)
Value: £1-150+ depending on card and distribution method
Collector notes: Promo exclusivity drives value more than rarity symbol. A widely-distributed promo might be worth £1, whilst tournament-exclusive promos command £50-150+.
Shiny Vault / Trainer Gallery Cards
Symbol: Standard rarity symbols but from special subsets
What it means: Cards from special mini-sets within larger expansions
Examples:
- Shiny Vault (Hidden Fates, Shining Fates)
- Trainer Gallery (various sets)
- Radiant Collection (older sets)
Value: £3-250+ depending on Pokémon
Collector notes: These cards have higher value density—even "commons" from Shiny Vault command premiums due to shiny treatment and limited availability.
Reverse Holos (Any Rarity + Reverse Foil)
Symbol: Normal rarity symbol + holographic foil on card background (not artwork)
What it means: Parallel version where card background (not artwork) is holographic
Availability: Can appear at any rarity (common through rare)
Value: Usually 1.5-3x regular version value for commons/uncommons; minimal premium for rares+
Collector notes: Every modern set card exists in both regular and reverse holo versions. Master set completion requires collecting both versions of every card.
How to Quickly Identify Card Value Using Rarity
Here's the practical, real-world process for determining whether your pull is valuable:
Step 1: Check the Rarity Symbol
Look at bottom-left corner after card number:
- ● or ◆: Common/Uncommon → Likely £0.05-0.50
- ★ (non-holo): Rare → Likely £0.50-3
- ★ (holo): Rare Holo → Check if popular Pokémon (£3-50+)
- ★★ (white): Double Rare/Ultra Rare → Check Pokémon (£3-60)
- ★★ (black): IR/SIR → Almost certainly £10-900+
- ⬟⬟ (gold): Hyper Rare → Almost certainly £15-650+
Step 2: Identify the Pokémon or Trainer
Certain Pokémon command automatic premiums:
- Charizard: Any Charizard in Ultra Rare+ is valuable
- Pikachu: Popular versions worth premium
- Eeveelutions: All eight evolutions popular
- Legendary Pokémon: Mewtwo, Lugia, Rayquaza
- Popular Trainers: Lillie, Marnie, Cynthia, Dawn
Step 3: Check Artwork Quality
For Special Illustration Rares and Illustration Rares:
- Stunning artwork → Higher value
- Famous artist (Akira Egawa, Shinji Kanda) → Premium
- Nostalgic scene or character moment → Higher value
Step 4: Verify Online
Use these UK-friendly resources:
- TCGPlayer.com: Most comprehensive pricing
- Cardmarket.com/en-GB: European marketplace, UK sellers
- eBay UK sold listings: Real-world transaction prices
Search: "[Card name] [Set name] [Card number]"
Common Rarity Symbol Mistakes
Mistake #1: Confusing Regular Rare with Rare Holo
A non-holo Charizard rare (★) might be worth £5, whilst the holo version (★ + foil) is worth £50-500. The difference: holographic foil pattern on the Pokémon artwork itself.
How to tell: Tilt the card. If the Pokémon artwork shimmers and changes, it's a holo rare. If only the borders/background shimmer, it's a reverse holo or different rarity.
Mistake #2: Thinking All Special Illustration Rares Are Expensive
Not all SIRs command premiums. A SIR featuring an unpopular Pokémon might be worth £20-40, whilst a Charizard SIR is worth £600-800. Check actual pricing, don't assume.
Mistake #3: Overlooking Promo Cards
Some collectors dismiss promo cards as "not real" or less valuable. Many promos (tournament rewards, exclusive distributions) command £50-150+ due to genuine scarcity.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Condition When Valuing
A Near Mint Special Illustration Rare worth £200 might only fetch £80 in Lightly Played condition. Rarity symbols indicate pull rates, not guaranteed value—condition matters enormously.
Mistake #5: Not Checking Card Numbers
Two cards can have identical names but different rarities. Always verify card number and set. "Charizard ex 006/091" (Double Rare) is different from "Charizard ex 125/091" (Special Illustration Rare secret rare).
Master Rarity Quick Reference Chart
| Symbol | Name | Pull Rate | Typical Value | Example Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ● | Common | Guaranteed multiple | £0.05-0.20 | Charmander, Potion |
| ◆ | Uncommon | Guaranteed multiple | £0.10-0.50 | Charmeleon, Rare Candy |
| ★ | Rare (non-holo) | ~1 per pack | £0.50-3 | Stage 2 Pokémon |
| ★ + holo | Rare Holo | ~1 in 3 packs | £2-50+ | Holo Charizard |
| ★★ white | Double Rare / Ultra Rare | 1 in 5-15 packs | £2-60 | Charizard ex (regular) |
| ★★ black | Illustration Rare | 1 in 9-13 packs | £3-30 | Piplup IR, Meowth IR |
| ★★ black + scene | Special Illustration Rare | 1 in 45-100 packs | £20-900+ | Charizard SIR |
| ⬟⬟ gold | Hyper Rare | 1 in 180-1,260 packs | £15-650+ | Gold Charizard |
| ◆ | ACE SPEC | 1 in 20 packs | £3-40 | Precious Trolley |
| ⬟ | Promo | Distribution varies | £1-150+ | Tournament promos |
How Rarity Affects Your Collecting Strategy
Understanding rarity symbols shapes smart collecting:
For Set Completionists
Commons/Uncommons: Open packs or purchase bulk lots (£10-20 for complete C/UC set)
Rares: Mix of pack opening and cheap singles (£0.50-2 each)
Rare Holos: Mostly singles purchases (opening packs statistically inefficient)
Ultra Rare+: Always buy as singles (pull rates too low to justify opening)
Estimated Cost for Complete Modern Set:
- Base set only (commons-rares): £30-60
- Including all holos: £80-150
- Including all Ultra Rares: £150-300
- Including all SIRs: £600-2,000+ depending on set
For Budget Collectors
Focus on:
- Complete common/uncommon sets (affordable completion)
- Rare holos of favorite Pokémon (£5-15 usually)
- Skip ultra-premium rarities (£100+ cards)
- Buy singles exclusively (opening packs wastes budget)
For Investors
Prioritize:
- Special Illustration Rares featuring popular Pokémon
- Hyper Rares (gold Charizards, Pikachus)
- Vintage holo rares in high grade (PSA 9-10)
- Sealed products (pull rates don't matter—you're not opening)
For Players
Focus on:
- Double Rares (cheapest competitive versions)
- Essential Ultra Rare Trainers (Dawn, Boss's Orders)
- Ignore artwork premiums (functionality identical)
- Buy 4x copies of needed cards (tournament playset)
Evolution of Rarity Symbols: A Brief History
Understanding how rarity systems evolved helps contextualize modern collecting:
1999-2003 (WOTC Era): Simple three-tier system (●, ◆, ★)
- Holo rares were THE chase cards
- No ultra-rares or secret rares
- Straightforward collecting
2003-2011 (Early Modern): Introduction of ex and LV.X rarities
- First "ultra rare" designations
- Secret rares begin appearing
- Rarity complexity increases
2011-2016 (BW/XY Era): Full arts and secret rares proliferate
- Full-art EX cards introduced
- Secret rare trainer full arts
- Mega Evolution mechanics
2017-2022 (Sun & Moon/Sword & Shield): Rainbow rares and gold cards
- Hyper Rares with rainbow pattern
- GX, V, VMAX, VSTAR mechanics
- Multiple ultra-rare tiers
2023-Present (Scarlet & Violet / Mega Evolution): Current system
- Illustration Rares introduced
- Special Illustration Rares refined
- Mega Hyper Rares (brutally rare)
- Most complex rarity system ever
Final Thoughts: Rarity Symbols as Collecting Compass
Rarity symbols serve as your roadmap through the vast Pokémon TCG landscape. That tiny icon in the bottom-left corner instantly tells you:
- How rare your pull is
- Approximate value range
- Whether to celebrate or shrug
- If you should protect the card immediately
- Whether you've hit the jackpot
Master these symbols, and you'll never again wonder whether that shiny card you just pulled is worth £3 or £300. You'll understand pull rates, set realistic expectations, and make informed decisions about buying, selling, and trading.
Most importantly, you'll appreciate the beautiful complexity of the Pokémon TCG rarity system—a hierarchy that rewards both luck and knowledge in equal measure.
Where to Buy and Sell Pokémon Cards in the UK
Understanding rarity symbols helps you make informed purchasing decisions. Browse our selection of booster packs, singles, and sealed products with complete rarity information for every card. We stock everything from common trainers to Special Illustration Rare chase cards, all verified authentic with competitive UK pricing.
Whether you're hunting for that elusive SIR or completing a common/uncommon set, we help UK collectors understand exactly what they're buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the star symbol mean on Pokémon cards? A: A single star (★) indicates Rare rarity—roughly one per pack. If the star has holographic foil on the artwork, it's a Rare Holo (more valuable). Modern cards also use two-star symbols (★★) for ultra-rare cards like Pokémon ex.
Q: How can I tell if my Pokémon card is rare? A: Check the bottom-left corner for the rarity symbol after the card number. Circle (●) = Common, Diamond (◆) = Uncommon, Star (★) = Rare or above. Two stars, especially black stars (★★), indicate premium ultra-rare cards.
Q: What does two stars mean on a Pokémon card? A: Two stars (★★) indicate ultra-rare cards. White stars mean Double Rare or Ultra Rare (full-art cards). Black stars mean Illustration Rare or Special Illustration Rare (premium artwork cards worth £10-900+).
Q: Are Special Illustration Rares worth money? A: Yes, almost always. SIRs range from £20-900+ depending on the featured Pokémon. Charizard, Pikachu, and Eeveelution SIRs command the highest premiums (£200-900), whilst less popular Pokémon SIRs still fetch £20-60.
Q: What's the rarest Pokémon card symbol? A: Currently, Mega Hyper Rare (gold stars, ⬟⬟) appearing at 1 in 1,260 packs. In vintage cards, 1st Edition holo rares with the shadowless variant are extraordinarily rare and valuable.
Q: Do reverse holos count as a different rarity? A: No. Reverse holos can appear at any rarity (common through rare). The rarity symbol indicates the card's base rarity; reverse holo is simply a parallel foil version worth slightly more.
Q: How rare are holographic Pokémon cards? A: Rare Holos (★ with holographic artwork foil) appear roughly 1 in 3 packs. They're the most common "chase" cards, though modern ultra-rare cards (SIRs, Hyper Rares) are significantly rarer.
Q: What's the difference between Ultra Rare and Special Illustration Rare? A: Ultra Rares (★★ white) are full-art cards with standard presentations (£3-60). Special Illustration Rares (★★ black) feature immersive, scene-based artwork and command much higher values (£20-900+). SIRs are generally 5-20x more expensive than Ultra Rares of the same Pokémon.
Rarity information accurate as of November 2025. The Pokémon Company may introduce new rarity tiers in future sets—always verify current rarity systems for the latest releases.