Pokémon Card Rarity Guide
Learn What Makes Every Pokémon Card Special
Whether you’re opening your very first booster pack or sorting through a collection that’s been growing for years, understanding Pokémon card rarity is one of the most important skills a collector can have.
Every Pokémon card includes a rarity symbol located near the bottom of the card, next to the card number. This small icon tells you how difficult the card is to pull from booster packs and helps identify how uncommon it is within its set.
While rarity doesn’t always determine a card’s value, rarer cards are generally harder to find and are often some of the most exciting cards to collect.
Use the guide below to discover what each rarity symbol means and what you might find inside your next pack!
Common ●
Symbol: Black Circle
Common cards are the foundation of every Pokémon set. They are the most frequently printed cards and make up the majority of every booster pack.
Although they usually aren’t the most valuable cards individually, commons are essential for building decks, completing master sets, and discovering many of Pokémon’s most recognizable characters.
Every great Pokémon collection starts with Common cards.
Uncommon ◆
Symbol: Black Diamond
Uncommon cards are printed less frequently than Common cards and often include stronger Pokémon, Trainer cards, useful Items, and important game mechanics.
Many Uncommon cards become favorites among competitive players because of how useful they are during gameplay.
Finding an Uncommon means you’re beginning to move into the more collectible part of the set.
Rare ★
Symbol: Black Star
Rare cards are noticeably more difficult to pull than Common or Uncommon cards.
These cards often feature stronger Pokémon, legendary Pokémon, or more detailed artwork. Pulling your first Rare card is one of the milestones every new collector remembers.
If your card has a single black star, congratulations—you’ve found a Rare!
Double Rare ★★
Symbol: Two Black Stars
Double Rare cards are one of the newer rarity levels introduced in recent Pokémon sets.
These cards typically feature Pokémon ex and include beautiful foil finishes, dynamic artwork, and much lower pull rates than standard Rare cards.
Opening a Double Rare always adds excitement to a booster pack.
Ultra Rare ☆
Symbol: White Star
Ultra Rare cards feature some of the most impressive artwork in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Many Ultra Rares include:
• Full-Art Pokémon
• Full-Art Trainers
• Pokémon ex
• Special illustration artwork
• Premium foil treatments
These cards are significantly more difficult to find and are often highlights of any collection.
Secret Rare ★★★
Symbol: Three White Stars (or higher, depending on the set)
Secret Rare cards are among the hardest cards to pull from modern Pokémon booster packs.
One easy way to recognize a Secret Rare is by looking at its card number. Instead of falling within the normal size of the set, Secret Rares are often numbered beyond the official set count.
For example:
214/165
This means the card is number 214 in a set that officially contains 165 cards.
Secret Rare cards often feature:
• Gold cards
• Alternate artwork
• Special Illustration Rare cards
• Hyper Rare cards
• Textured foil finishes
• Collector-exclusive artwork
Pulling a Secret Rare is one of the most exciting moments a collector can experience.
Does Rarity Mean a Card Is Valuable?
Not always.
While rarer cards are generally more collectible, a card’s value depends on several factors working together.
A card’s value is influenced by:
• Overall condition
• Popularity of the Pokémon
• Tournament playability
• Current market demand
• Set popularity
• Limited print runs
• Special artwork
Because of this, some Common cards can actually sell for more than Ultra Rare cards if they’re old, highly sought after, or difficult to find.
The market is constantly changing, so checking current prices is always the best way to determine what your card may be worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the rarity symbol located?
The rarity symbol is found near the bottom of every Pokémon card, next to the card number and set number.
Does every Pokémon card have a rarity symbol?
Yes! Almost every official English Pokémon card includes a rarity symbol that identifies how common the card is within its set.
Why is my card numbered higher than the size of the set?
If your card says something like 214/165, you’ve likely found a Secret Rare. These special cards are intentionally numbered beyond the official size of the set and are much more difficult to pull.
Is the rarest card always the most valuable?
No.
Some cards become valuable because they’re extremely popular, useful in competitive play, or feature fan-favorite Pokémon. Rarity is only one factor that determines a card’s value.
How can I find out what my Pokémon card is worth?
The easiest way is by using our free Pokémon Card Scanner or browsing recent market prices online.
Our scanner helps identify your card and provides current market information in just a few seconds.
Start Your Collection with Route 1 Games
At Route 1 Games, we’re more than just a Pokémon card store—we’re collectors too.
Whether you’re opening your first booster pack, searching for that elusive chase card, or introducing someone new to the hobby, we’re here to help make every pack opening exciting.
Browse our mystery packs, explore our singles, discover new products, and use our free Pokémon Card Scanner to learn more about every card you pull.
Every great Pokémon journey starts somewhere.