How to Identify Modern Pokémon Card Rarities in Scarlet & Violet and Mega Evolution Sets (English)

Understanding card rarities is essential for any collector or player in the Scarlet & Violet era—especially with new sets like Mega Evolution and Phantasmal Flames. Here’s your easy guide to recognizing every major rarity in modern English Pokémon TCG packs, with a focus on the correct symbols, set code boxes, and visual cues!

Where to Find Rarity Symbols and Set Codes

• Bottom left corner: All rarity symbols and the set code box are found here on English cards from Scarlet & Violet and Mega Evolution sets.
• Set code box: Always contains the set code (e.g., “PFL” or “MEG”) and “EN” for English cards. This box is key to identifying reverse holos!

How to Identify Reverse Holos vs. Regular Holos

• Reverse Holo:
• The colored background of the card—the area with the text, name, and energy symbols—is holographic, while the artwork is not.
• The set code box (bottom left) is white with black text (e.g., “MEG EN”).
• Example: Reverse Holo Example – Wally’s Compassion

Regular Holo:

• Both the artwork and the border are holographic, while the rest of the card is not.
• The set code box (bottom left) is black with white text (e.g., “PFL EN”).

• Pro Tip: The “EN” always appears for English cards. The set code box color is the definitive way to distinguish reverse holos (white box, black text) from regular holos (black box, white text) in modern English Pokémon TCG.

Modern Rarity Types Explained

Common (●)

• Symbol: Black circle (●)
• Description: Basic cards, non-holo, most common in packs.

Uncommon (◆)

• Symbol: Black diamond (◆)
• Description: Slightly rarer, non-holo, often support or evolution cards.

Rare (★)

• Symbol: Black star (★)
• Description: Holo or non-holo, more powerful or unique cards.

Double Rare – EX (★★)

• Symbol: Two black stars (★★)
• Description: EX cards, textured and holographic, a main chase for players and collectors.

Illustration Rare (★)

• Symbol: One gold star (★)
• Description: Full-art, non-textured, unique illustration backgrounds. Always has a single gold star.

Special Illustration Rare (★★)

• Symbol: Two gold stars (★★)
• Description: Full-art, textured, premium foiling, often features story scenes or multiple Pokémon. Top chase cards in each set.

Full Art Pokémon/Trainer (★★)

• Symbol: Two silver stars (★★)
• Description: Full-art, textured, silver shine, includes both Pokémon and Trainer full arts. Distinct from illustration rares by the silver color.

Mega Ultra Rare (MUR) / Mega Hyper Rare

• Update for Mega Evolution Sets:
  With the release of the Mega Evolutions set, the traditional three gold star (★★★) Hyper Rare cards have been retired. In their place, Mega Evolutions introduces the brand-new Mega Ultra Rare (MUR) rarity. These cards feature a unique four-pointed gold single star symbol—setting them apart as the highest rarity in the set. The MUR is exclusive to Mega Evolutions and marks a shift from previous Hyper Rare conventions, so collectors should look for this distinctive gold star and the “MUR” marking to identify the rarest pulls.
• Symbol: Solid gold card with a unique MUR symbol
• Description: Exclusive to Mega Evolution sets, these are solid gold cards with a premium finish and the highest rarity tier in the set. The set code box is gold, and the card sparkles with a unique texture and finish.
• How to Identify: The entire card is gold, including the border, background, and artwork. The set code box reads “MEG EN” in black text on a gold background, with a unique symbol next to the card number. The “MUR” or Mega Hyper Rare symbol is present, confirming its status.

Promo Rarity:
Promo cards are marked with a single black star containing the word “PROMO” in white letters. These special cards are not found in standard booster packs, but are instead included in exclusive products such as Ultra Premium Collections (UPC), Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs), three-pack blisters, two-pack blisters, tech sticker blisters, and single-pack checklane blisters. You’ll also find stamped promo cards as part of Build & Battle decks, often featuring unique set logos or event stamps. Promo cards are highly collectible and often feature exclusive artwork or foiling not available elsewhere, making them a favorite among collectors.

Quick-Reference Table: Scarlet & Violet & Mega Evolution Rarities

Rarity Type	Symbol(s)	Key Features
Promo	★ (black, “PROMO” text)	Found in UPCs, ETBs, blisters, Build & Battle decks; exclusive art/foiling; single black star with “PROMO” in white letters
Common	● (black)	Simple art, non-holo
Uncommon	◆ (black)	Non-holo, support cards
Rare	★ (black)	Holo or non-holo, unique/strong cards
Double Rare (EX)	★★ (black)	EX, textured, holo
Illustration Rare	★ (gold)	Full-art, non-textured, special art
Full Art Pokémon/Trainer	★★ (silver)	Full-art, textured, Solid color background or trainer art
Special Illustration Rare	★★ (gold)	Full-art, textured, premium foiling
Hyper Rare (pre-Mega Evolutions)	★★★ (gold)	Gold background holo, textured, art in center (like full art but gold)
Reverse Holo	—	Holo background (not art), white set code box
Mega Ultra Rare (MUR)	Solid gold card	Entire card is gold, unique MUR symbol

 

Tips for Collectors

• Gold stars (★ or ★★): Indicate Illustration Rare or Special Illustration Rare cards—these feature unique full-art illustrations and are highly sought after.
• Silver stars (★★): Represent Full Art Pokémon or Trainer cards (not illustration rares), with a silver shine and textured finish.
• Black stars (★ or ★★): Denote standard Rare or EX Double Rare cards, which can be holo or non-holo, and are common chase cards in packs.
• Three gold stars (★★★) – Hyper Rare: This rarity, used before Mega Evolutions, features a gold background holo with texture and centered art, similar to a full art but with a gold finish. Hyper Rares have been retired and replaced by the MUR in Mega Evolutions and newer sets.
• Mega Ultra Rare (MUR): Exclusive to Mega Evolutions through current sets, these cards have a solid gold finish, a unique four-pointed gold star symbol, and the “MUR” marking—signifying the highest rarity tier.
• Promo cards: Identified by a single black star with “PROMO” in white letters. Promos are only found in special products like Ultra Premium Collections (UPC), Elite Trainer Boxes (ETBs), various blister packs, checklane blisters, tech sticker blisters, and Build & Battle decks (often with stamped logos). They feature exclusive artwork or foiling not available in regular packs.
• Reverse holo: Easiest to spot by the white set code box with black text in the bottom left—only the background is holographic, not the artwork.
• Regular holo: Both the artwork and the border are holographic, and the set code box is black with white text.
• Quick check: Always look at the color and number of stars at the bottom left, and the set code box, for instant rarity identification.

Conclusion

Spotting card rarities in Scarlet & Violet and Mega Evolution sets is all about the stars—color and count—and the set code box. Gold for illustration, silver for full art, black for standard or EX. For reverse holos, check that set code box for a white background and look for the holo in the card’s background—not the artwork. And if you pull a solid gold card marked “MUR,” congratulations—you’ve found the rarest of the rare! Ready to hunt for your next chase card? Join our live streams or visit PokeNest TCG for the latest releases and expert collecting tips!