Collection: Special Illustration Rare

What is a Special Illustration Rare?

Special Illustration Rare (often shortened to SIR or SAR) is a rarity tier introduced with the Scarlet and Violet era in 2023. It sits above the standard Illustration Rare and is typically the chase pull of a modern set. Where an Illustration Rare features a regular Pokemon in a full-art scene, a Special Illustration Rare reserves that storytelling treatment for ex Pokemon and Trainer cards, pairing them with a character or environment that nods to the wider Pokemon world. Card numbers always sit above the standard set total, which is how you can recognise them at a glance.

Cards collectors are chasing

This collection brings together SIRs from across the Scarlet and Violet run, including Paldea Evolved, Obsidian Flames, Paradox Rift, Temporal Forces and Twilight Masquerade. Standout pulls in stock include Pikachu EX 238/191 from Surging Sparks, Walking Wake EX 205/162 from Temporal Forces, and Lacey 172/142, a Trainer SIR that has become a favourite with Dragapult ex players. You will also find heavy hitters like Zekrom EX, Iron Hands EX and Ogerpon EX alongside Trainer art such as Tulip, Grusha and Eri.

Condition and shipping

Every card is graded mint or better before it goes on the site, sleeved and toploaded for protection. We ship Australia-wide with tracked postage from our Brisbane base, and orders are usually packed the same day. If you are also hunting the regular tier, have a look at our Illustration Rare collection.