Secret Rares

About this collection

What is a Secret Rare?

Secret Rares are cards numbered beyond the printed set total. If a set advertises 198 cards, anything numbered 199 and above (think 216/196 or 284/264) sits in secret rare territory. The classification has been part of the Pokemon TCG for decades, covering everything from gold trainer reprints in the Sun and Moon era through to the rainbow VMAX and gold energy cards that closed out the Sword and Shield run. Pull rates are low, print runs are finite, and once a set rotates out of production these numbers tend to hold their value with collectors.

What you will find in this collection

Our Secret Rares range covers cards across multiple eras and rarity tiers. You will find gold trainers and gold items such as Rugged Helmet 228/198, Urn of Vitality 229/198 and Lost Vacuum 217/196, gold special energy like Fire Energy 284/264, and rainbow or alternate art chase cards including Mewtwo VSTAR 086/078. Expect a mix of Hyper Rare (gold), Rainbow Rare, Full Art trainer, GX, VMAX and VSTAR Secret Rare finishes, with sought after sets like Chilling Reign and Evolving Skies well represented.

Condition and shipping

Every card is graded mint or better before listing, sleeved and toploaded for postage, and shipped Australia-wide with tracking from our Brisbane base. If you are chasing a specific number to finish a master set, have a look through our Full Arts and Illustration Rare collections as well.

Secret Rares FAQs

What is a secret rare Pokemon card?

A secret rare is any card numbered above the printed set total, for example 271/264. They include gold cards, rainbow rares, alternate arts and special illustration rares depending on the era, and they are the hardest cards to pull from packs.

How do I know if my card is a secret rare?

Check the collector number in the bottom corner. If the first number is higher than the second, such as 199/165, the card is a secret rare. The card will also carry a distinct finish like gold foil, rainbow holo or full scene artwork.

What are the most valuable secret rares you stock?

Our range has included cards like Gengar VMAX 271/264 from Fusion Strike at the top end, along with rainbow and gold rares from across the Sword and Shield and Scarlet and Violet eras. Stock changes constantly, so the collection page always shows what is currently available.

How much do secret rares cost?

Gold and rainbow rares often start around $5 to $20, while the most chased secret rares run into the hundreds. Our stock has spanned roughly $5 to $975.

What condition are your secret rares in?

Every secret rare we sell is a raw card in mint condition or better, inspected by hand before listing. Orders ship from Brisbane with tracking and rigid protection.