Collectors returning to the Pokémon Trading Card Game may notice significant changes in how card rarity is indicated. Alongside the traditional symbols found next to the expansion code at the bottom of the card, new markers have been added to denote higher tiers of scarcity. The foundational system remains unchanged: a black circle identifies Common cards, a black diamond marks Uncommon cards, and a single black star indicates Rare cards.
With the Scarlet and Violet era, the hierarchy has expanded to include superior rarity categories. Two black stars now designate Double Rare cards, a category that typically includes standard Pokémon-ex. Above this tier, a single gold star signals an Illustration Rare, featuring extended artwork for Pokémon that might otherwise be Common, Uncommon, or Rare. Ultra Rare cards are marked by two silver stars and often include full-art versions of Pokémon-ex or Trainer cards. The system continues with two gold stars for Special Illustration Rares and three gold stars for Hyper Rares.
It is crucial to understand that rarity symbols do not equate to monetary value. A card with more stars or a higher rarity classification is not automatically more expensive. These symbols reflect the printing scarcity established by the set, whereas economic value is driven by market forces. Factors such as the specific Pokémon depicted, the quality of the illustration, collector demand, competitive utility, and the card's condition all influence the final price.
Recent sets have also introduced special rarities that fall outside the main Scarlet and Violet framework. Mega Hyper Rares, introduced with the Mega Evolution series, feature a gold star with a black border. Mega Attack Rares from the Rising Heroes series are identified by two pink and green stars. Black White Rares use one black and one white star, while Futuristic Rares from the 30th Anniversary set are recognized by a single colored star that varies in tone depending on the card. Not all expansions contain every type of rarity.
Another key detail for collectors is the card number. In many expansions, a number exceeding the set's total count, such as 215/198, indicates a Secret Rare. However, in modern series, this term does not necessarily identify a specific official rarity category, and not all special rarities follow this numbering rule. To determine a card's true worth, collectors should first identify the symbol next to the number and then conduct market research.
Sources: Everyeye.it.