Illustration Rare

About this collection

What Makes an Illustration Rare

Illustration Rare (often shortened to IR) is a rarity tier introduced with the Scarlet and Violet era in 2023. These cards sit above the standard set numbering, which is why you will see them stamped with figures like 134/132 or 099/094. The artwork takes centre stage: full bleed illustrations show Pokemon in their natural habitats or in narrative scenes, with no Pokedex panel cluttering the frame. Collectors recognise the style immediately, and it has quickly become one of the most chased pull rates in modern Pokemon TCG.

What You Will Find in This Collection

Our Illustration Rare range pulls from across the Scarlet and Violet era, including Paldea Evolved, Paradox Rift, Temporal Forces, Twilight Masquerade, Surging Sparks and the 151 set. Highlights currently in stock include Ivysaur 134/132 from 151, Steelix 150/132 with its detailed metallic coil work, and Yamper 099/094 from Paldea Evolved (a favourite among trainer pet card collectors). You will also find harder to source pieces such as Shiftry 163/162 and Ludicolo 095/094.

Rarity Tiers and What to Expect

This page focuses on the standard Illustration Rare tier. If you are chasing the next step up, browse our Special Illustration Rare collection for the gold stamped character art versions. Every card listed here is mint or better, sleeved and toploadered before dispatch. We ship Australia-wide with tracked postage from our Brisbane base, with same or next business day handling on orders placed before the afternoon cutoff.

Illustration Rare FAQs

What are illustration rare Pokemon cards?

Illustration rares are a Scarlet and Violet era rarity that shows Pokemon in full scene artwork, the successor to the Sword and Shield alternate arts. They are marked with a single gold star and sit above regular rares but below special illustration rares.

How can I tell if a card is an illustration rare?

Look for the single gold star rarity symbol and artwork that fills the whole card with a scene rather than a standard pose. Illustration rares are numbered above the set total, for example 199/182.

What are the most popular illustration rares?

Standouts include the Pikachu and Charmander illustration rares from 151, Groudon 199/182, and the scene cards from Paldea Evolved and Obsidian Flames. Popularity tracks the Pokemon as much as the artwork, so fan favourites move fastest.

How much do illustration rares cost?

Most illustration rares sit between $5 and $50, with the most chased cards reaching higher. Our stock has ranged from about $4 to $190.

Why buy illustration rares as singles?

Pull rates make specific illustration rares expensive to chase in packs. Buying the single gets you the exact card in known condition. Every card we list is inspected against our mint standard and ships tracked from Brisbane.