What rarity tells you
Rarity is the category assigned to a card within a release. It helps you describe and organise the card, but it does not tell you how many copies exist or what a buyer will pay.
Start with the set and language. A rarity key for modern English cards is not a universal key for older English or Japanese releases.
An English Scarlet & Violet key
- Circle, diamond and starThese represent Common, Uncommon and Rare respectively in this system.
- Two black starsDouble Rare, including the regular Pokémon ex cards in this era.
- One gold starIllustration Rare. The complete artwork and rarity classification belong to a specific card entry.
- Other symbolsUse the exact expansion's official checklist or rarity key. Do not invent a category from how shiny the scan looks.
Same Pokémon, separate cards
These two English 151 cards both feature Charizard ex, but their collector numbers and artwork distinguish them.
Record 006/165 as its own card entry.
Record 199/165 separately; the shared Pokémon name does not make the two interchangeable.
The collector number belongs in every search and inventory entry.
Catalogue images show the design. These examples do not demonstrate an individual copy's surface or physical condition.
Numbers beyond the denominator
In English 151, the numbered checklist continues beyond 165. Charizard ex 199/165 is an example. The 165 is not a print-run count, and 199/165 does not mean copy 199 of only 165 copies.
Keep the whole printed number. Prefixes, suffixes and leading zeros can help you match catalogue records and avoid confusing similar entries.
How to use this
- Identify the release and language.
- Record the full collector number and any relevant version details.
- Check the rarity against that release's key.
- Research price separately, using sales of the same printing.
Common mistake
Treating ‘rare’, ‘full art’ or ‘secret’ in a seller's title as a complete identity. Sellers may use broad or informal labels. The exact card record matters more than a dramatic title.