Ultra Rare Pokemon Cards: Guide to V, VMAX, VSTAR, ex & Full Art Cards

An Ultra Rare is a general term for Pokemon cards that sit above the standard holographic rare tier in terms of rarity and collectibility. While the exact definition has shifted across eras, Ultra Rares share common characteristics: they feature special card designs (full art, extended art, or textured foil), they have lower pull rates than standard rares, and they typically command higher prices on the secondary market.

In modern Pokemon TCG terminology, Ultra Rare is both an official rarity classification and a colloquial term. The Pokemon Company uses it officially in some set lists to denote specific card types like Full Art Pokemon ex, while collectors use it broadly to describe any card above the basic rare tier. For the purposes of this guide, we cover all cards that fall into the Ultra Rare classification or its functional equivalent across every era.

Ultra Rares are distinct from Secret Rares (which are numbered beyond the set total) and from Illustration Rares (which feature unique scenic artwork). However, in many sets, Ultra Rares, Secret Rares, and Illustration Rares coexist, giving collectors multiple tiers of chase cards to pursue. Understanding where Ultra Rares sit in this hierarchy is essential for accurate card identification and valuation.

The value of Ultra Rare cards ranges enormously, from $1-$2 for common modern Ultra Rares to tens of thousands of dollars for vintage examples in top graded condition. The factors that determine value include the specific Pokemon featured, the era and set, the card's condition, whether it is a Full Art variant, and overall market demand. Use our price checker to look up any specific Ultra Rare card.

The Pokemon TCG has reinvented its Ultra Rare mechanics roughly every 3-4 years, keeping the game fresh and creating new collectible categories. Here is a comprehensive history of every Ultra Rare type:

Pokemon-ex Era (2003-2007)

The original Pokemon-ex (lowercase "ex") were the first true Ultra Rare mechanic. These cards featured Pokemon with higher HP and more powerful attacks than standard cards, balanced by a rule that gave up two Prize cards when knocked out. Key points:

• Featured extended artwork beyond the standard frame
• Included both regular ex cards and Full Art ex cards
• Notable chase cards: Charizard ex (Fire Red & Leaf Green), Rayquaza ex (Deoxys), Mew ex (Legend Maker)
• 1st Edition copies of popular ex cards now command $500-$5,000+ in PSA 10

Pokemon LV.X Era (2007-2010)

LV.X cards were placed on top of existing evolved Pokemon to "level up" them with additional powers. These Half Art cards featured the Pokemon breaking out of the card frame:

• Could only be played on top of the corresponding evolved Pokemon
• Featured distinctive border-breaking artwork
• Notable chase cards: Charizard G LV.X (Supreme Victors), Arceus LV.X (Arceus), Luxray GL LV.X (Rising Rivals)
• PSA 10 copies of popular LV.X cards sell for $200-$2,000+

Pokemon Prime & LEGEND Era (2010-2011)

The HeartGold & SoulSilver era introduced two Ultra Rare types simultaneously:

• Pokemon Prime: Cards with a distinctive golden foil border and extended holographic artwork. Notable examples include Typhlosion Prime, Umbreon Prime, and Celebi Prime.
• LEGEND cards: Two-card combinations that formed a single panoramic illustration when placed side by side. Lugia LEGEND, Ho-Oh LEGEND, and Entei & Raikou LEGEND are among the most collectible.
• Prime cards in PSA 10 sell for $50-$500+, while complete LEGEND pairs in PSA 10 can reach $200-$1,000+

Pokemon-EX Era (2012-2016)

The EX mechanic returned with an uppercase "EX" and became the dominant Ultra Rare type for the Black & White and XY eras:

• EX cards featured powerful Basic Pokemon (often Legendary or fully evolved Pokemon) with high HP
• Full Art EX variants featured textured, full-card illustrations that became highly collectible
• Mega EX cards (XY era) added a Mega Evolution mechanic with even more powerful attacks
• Notable chase cards: Charizard EX (Flashfire), Mewtwo EX (Next Destinies), Mega Charizard EX Secret Rare
• Full Art EX cards in PSA 10 sell for $50-$1,000+ depending on the Pokemon

Pokemon-GX Era (2017-2020)

GX cards introduced a one-per-game GX Attack mechanic alongside standard attacks:

• Featured regular GX, Full Art GX, and Rainbow Rare GX (Secret Rare tier) variants
• Tag Team GX cards featured two Pokemon together with combined attacks and became extremely popular
• Notable chase cards: Charizard & Braixen GX (Cosmic Eclipse), Pikachu & Zekrom GX (Team Up), Umbreon GX (Burning Shadows)
• Rainbow Rare GX cards sell for $20-$500+ in PSA 10; Tag Team Full Arts sell for $30-$300+

Pokemon V / VMAX / VSTAR Era (2020-2023)

The Sword & Shield era introduced a three-tier Ultra Rare system:

• Pokemon V: The base Ultra Rare tier, similar to previous EX/GX cards. Both regular and Full Art versions.
• Pokemon VMAX: Gigantamax-inspired evolutions of V cards with massive HP. Available in regular, Full Art, and Rainbow Rare versions. Also featured the era-defining Alternate Art variants.
• Pokemon VSTAR: Introduced in the latter SWSH era with a once-per-game VSTAR Power ability.
• Notable chase cards: Umbreon VMAX Alt Art ($400-$600 raw), Charizard VMAX Rainbow ($100-$200), Pikachu VMAX Rainbow ($150-$250)

Pokemon ex Era - Scarlet & Violet (2023-present)

The current era returns to a lowercase "ex" mechanic with a modernized approach:

• Pokemon ex: The base Ultra Rare, available in regular art, Full Art, Special Art Rare (SAR), and Special Illustration Rare (SIR) versions
• Tera Pokemon ex: A variant featuring the Terastallize mechanic from the Scarlet & Violet games, with crystalline artwork effects
• Full Art versions feature embossed, textured foil treatments
• Notable chase cards: Charizard ex SAR (151, $250-$400), Charizard ex SIR (Obsidian Flames, $80-$150), Pikachu ex SAR ($60-$120)

The Scarlet & Violet era has the most complex rarity system in Pokemon TCG history, with multiple distinct Ultra Rare tiers. Here is a breakdown of each tier from most common to rarest, with expected pull rates and pricing:

Regular Pokemon ex

• Description: Standard Pokemon ex cards with bordered artwork in the traditional card frame. These are the most common Ultra Rares in SV sets.
• Pull rate: Approximately 1 in every 4-6 packs. Most booster boxes contain 6-8 regular ex cards.
• Price range: $1-$15 for most cards. Popular Pokemon like Charizard ex command $5-$15, while less popular species sell for $1-$3.
• Grading value: Generally not worth grading unless the card features Charizard or another high-demand Pokemon, as the PSA 10 premium on common ex cards is modest.

Full Art Pokemon ex

• Description: Extended artwork versions of Pokemon ex with textured foil surface and embossed details. The artwork fills more of the card than regular ex versions.
• Pull rate: Approximately 1 in every 8-12 packs. Most booster boxes contain 3-5 Full Art ex cards.
• Price range: $3-$40. Charizard ex Full Art cards command $15-$40, while others range from $3-$15.
• Grading value: Worth grading for high-demand Pokemon if the card appears to be in PSA 10 condition.

Full Art Supporter/Trainer

• Description: Full Art versions of Supporter and Trainer cards featuring character illustrations with textured foil. Popular characters like Iono, Crispin, and Nemona have dedicated followings.
• Pull rate: Approximately 1 in every 10-18 packs. Usually 2-4 per booster box.
• Price range: $3-$30. Popular characters command premiums; competitive staples also see elevated prices.

Illustration Rare (IR)

• Description: Extended artwork cards featuring scenic, artistic compositions. Part of the Illustration Rare category.
• Pull rate: Approximately 1 in every 12-18 packs. Usually 2-3 per booster box.
• Price range: $2-$30 depending on the Pokemon.

Special Art Rare (SAR)

• Description: Full-bleed artwork Pokemon ex cards with stunning illustrations covering the entire card. The primary chase cards of most sets.
• Pull rate: Approximately 1 in every 30-60 packs. About 0.5-1 per booster box.
• Price range: $5-$400+ depending on the Pokemon and set.

Special Illustration Rare (SIR)

• Description: The rarest standard pull, featuring elaborate full-bleed narrative scenes. Can feature Pokemon ex or Trainer characters.
• Pull rate: Approximately 1 in every 50-100+ packs. 0-1 per booster box.
• Price range: $10-$500+ for the most desirable cards.

Hyper Rare / Gold (Secret Rare tier)

• Description: Gold-bordered Secret Rares of Pokemon ex, Trainer items, and Energy cards. Technically Secret Rares rather than Ultra Rares, but often discussed alongside them.
• Pull rate: Approximately 1 in every 36-72 packs.
• Price range: $5-$200+ depending on the card.

Here are the most valuable Ultra Rare Pokemon cards across every era, with current 2026 market prices:

Vintage Ultra Rares (2003-2011)

• Charizard ex (Fire Red & Leaf Green #105, 1st Edition): Raw NM: $500-$1,200 | PSA 10: $8,000-$15,000. The original Charizard ex remains one of the most collectible Ultra Rares ever printed. First Edition copies in top grade are increasingly rare.
• Rayquaza ex (Deoxys #102): Raw NM: $200-$500 | PSA 10: $3,000-$6,000. Rayquaza has always been a fan favorite, and the original ex version is no exception.
• Charizard G LV.X (Supreme Victors #143): Raw NM: $80-$200 | PSA 10: $1,000-$2,000. The LV.X era's most popular card, featuring Cyrus's Charizard in dramatic artwork.
• Luxray GL LV.X (Rising Rivals #109): Raw NM: $50-$120 | PSA 10: $800-$1,500. Once the most dominant competitive card in the game, and still highly collectible.
• Umbreon Prime (Undaunted #86): Raw NM: $30-$60 | PSA 10: $400-$700. The golden-bordered Umbreon Prime has become a sought-after collectible as the HGSS era gains nostalgic appeal.

EX/GX Ultra Rares (2012-2020)

• Charizard EX Full Art (Flashfire #100): Raw NM: $80-$150 | PSA 10: $600-$1,000. The XY era's most iconic Full Art EX card. The flame-engulfed artwork is a collector favorite.
• Mega Charizard EX Full Art (Flashfire #108): Raw NM: $100-$200 | PSA 10: $800-$1,500. The Secret Rare Full Art version of Mega Charizard with black border treatment.
• Pikachu & Zekrom GX Full Art (Team Up #162): Raw NM: $30-$60 | PSA 10: $200-$400. Tag Team GX cards proved immensely popular, and this Pikachu pairing leads the pack.
• Charizard & Braixen GX Full Art (Cosmic Eclipse #212): Raw NM: $60-$120 | PSA 10: $400-$700. The Tag Team featuring Charizard and Serena's Braixen is one of the most valuable GX-era cards.
• Charizard GX Shiny (Hidden Fates #SV49): Raw NM: $100-$200 | PSA 10: $600-$1,000. The black Shiny Charizard from the Shiny Vault subset became an instant chase card. Hidden Fates' limited print run has kept prices elevated.

V/VMAX/VSTAR Ultra Rares (2020-2023)

• Umbreon VMAX (Alternate Art, Evolving Skies #215): Raw NM: $400-$600 | PSA 10: $3,500-$5,000. The most valuable modern Ultra Rare by a significant margin. The moonlit rooftop scene is the defining card of the SWSH era.
• Charizard VSTAR (Rainbow, Brilliant Stars #174): Raw NM: $60-$120 | PSA 10: $300-$500. The Rainbow Rare version of Charizard VSTAR is the top chase card from Brilliant Stars.
• Pikachu VMAX (Rainbow, Vivid Voltage #188): Raw NM: $150-$250 | PSA 10: $600-$1,000. The viral "Chonkachu" Rainbow Rare continues to command premium prices.
• Charizard VMAX (Rainbow, Champion's Path #74): Raw NM: $100-$200 | PSA 10: $500-$800. Champion's Path's notoriously low pull rates have kept this Charizard highly valuable.
• Rayquaza VMAX (Alternate Art, Evolving Skies #218): Raw NM: $150-$250 | PSA 10: $700-$1,000. The second most valuable pull from Evolving Skies after Umbreon VMAX.

Scarlet & Violet Ultra Rares (2023-present)

• Charizard ex SAR (151 #199): Raw NM: $250-$400 | PSA 10: $600-$900. The crown jewel of the SV era's most popular set.
• Mew ex SAR (151 #205): Raw NM: $100-$180 | PSA 10: $300-$500. Mew's watercolor-inspired SAR is a collector favorite.
• Charizard ex SIR (Obsidian Flames #223): Raw NM: $80-$150 | PSA 10: $350-$500. The narrative SIR treatment of Charizard ex is one of the best-illustrated modern cards.
• Pikachu ex SAR (151 #204): Raw NM: $60-$120 | PSA 10: $200-$350. The mascot Pokemon's SAR from the nostalgia-driven 151 set.
• Umbreon ex SAR (Shrouded Fable): Raw NM: $50-$120 | PSA 10: $200-$350. Umbreon's enduring popularity continues into the SV era.

Check the most valuable Pokemon cards page for a broader look at the overall market, or use our price checker for real-time pricing on any Ultra Rare.

Understanding Ultra Rare pull rates helps you set realistic expectations for pack openings and explains the pricing dynamics of the secondary market. Here is detailed pull rate data for every Ultra Rare tier:

Scarlet & Violet Booster Boxes (36 packs)

Based on large-scale opening data from the community, here are the average pulls per SV-era booster box:

• Regular Pokemon ex: 6-8 per box (very common, approximately 1 every 4-6 packs)
• Full Art Pokemon ex: 3-5 per box (roughly 1 every 8-12 packs)
• Full Art Supporter: 2-4 per box (roughly 1 every 10-18 packs)
• Illustration Rare: 2-3 per box (roughly 1 every 12-18 packs)
• Special Art Rare: 0-1 per box (roughly 1 every 30-60 packs)
• Special Illustration Rare: 0-1 per box (roughly 1 every 50-100+ packs)
• Gold Hyper Rare (Secret Rare): 0-1 per box (roughly 1 every 36-72 packs)

A typical SV-era booster box provides 12-16 total Ultra Rare or higher cards, with 6-8 being regular ex cards and the remainder split among the higher tiers. Getting a SAR or SIR is not guaranteed in every box.

Sword & Shield Booster Boxes

• Regular V/VMAX/VSTAR: 5-8 per box
• Full Art V: 2-4 per box
• Alternate Art V/VMAX: 0-1 per box (approximately 1 every 2-3 boxes for specific sets)
• Rainbow Rare: 0-1 per box
• Gold Secret Rare: 0-1 per box

Sun & Moon / GX Booster Boxes

• Regular GX: 4-6 per box
• Full Art GX: 1-3 per box
• Rainbow Rare GX: 0-1 per box

How Many Boxes to Pull a Specific Card?

The odds of pulling a specific Ultra Rare depend on how many Ultra Rares exist at that tier in the set. For example, if a set has 6 Special Art Rares and SARs appear at a rate of 1 per 45 packs, pulling the specific Charizard SAR would require an average of 270 packs (about 7.5 booster boxes). At $130-$150 per box, that is roughly $975-$1,125 in packs for a card that might cost $100-$400 as a single.

This math consistently shows that buying singles is more cost-effective than chasing specific cards through pack openings. Open packs for the experience and fun, but buy singles for specific cards you need for your collection. For the best packs to open, see our best packs buying guide.

Professional grading can dramatically increase the value of Ultra Rare cards, but it is not always worth the investment. Here is a comprehensive grading guide specific to Ultra Rares:

Value Thresholds for Grading

• $50+ raw value: Worth grading if the card appears to be in PSA 9-10 condition. The potential 2-5x value increase from a PSA 10 grade justifies the $18-$150 grading fee.
• $20-$50 raw value: Consider grading only if you are confident the card can achieve PSA 10. A PSA 9 on a $30 card may not justify the cost after fees and shipping.
• Under $20 raw value: Generally not worth grading. The exception is vintage Ultra Rares where authentication alone adds value, or if you are grading for personal collection purposes.

Era-Specific Grading Considerations

Each Ultra Rare era has unique grading challenges:

• Original Pokemon-ex (2003-2007): Cards from this era are prone to silvering (metallic edge showing through), surface scratches on the holographic portions, and print inconsistencies. PSA 10 hit rates for ex-era cards submitted in apparently good condition run around 15-25%.
• LV.X / Prime (2007-2011): LV.X cards with their border-breaking artwork are susceptible to edge wear at the protruding artwork portions. Prime cards with their golden foil borders show whitening very easily. Be especially careful checking the gold edges under bright light.
• EX / Mega EX (2012-2016): Full Art EX cards with textured surfaces can develop micro-scratches from pack insertion. These scratches are often invisible to the naked eye but visible under grading-level magnification. English prints from this era tend to have better centering than earlier eras.
• GX (2017-2020): Print quality improved significantly in this era, but Rainbow Rare GX cards with their textured surfaces still show surface imperfections. Tag Team GX Full Arts grade well overall.
• V / VMAX / VSTAR (2020-2023): English SWSH-era print quality was inconsistent, with some sets having systemic centering issues and print lines. Alternate Art cards are the most worth grading due to their high values, but surface quality can vary pack to pack.
• Scarlet & Violet ex (2023-present): SV-era print quality has been generally good, with better centering than late SWSH. SARs and SIRs grade well when handled carefully from pack to case. The textured foil surfaces can still reveal light scratches under magnification.

Grading Company Recommendations for Ultra Rares

• PSA: Best for maximizing resale value on high-end Ultra Rares ($100+ raw). PSA 10 commands the highest market premium for Ultra Rares.
• CGC: Best for mid-range Ultra Rares ($20-$100 raw) where cost savings on grading fees matter. CGC 10 Perfect grades can rival PSA 10 premiums for some cards.
• BGS: Best for cards you believe could achieve a Black Label or Pristine 10. BGS sub-grades provide detailed condition feedback that PSA does not offer.

Pre-Submission Checklist

• Inspect the surface under a bright light, tilting the card to reveal any scratches or print lines
• Check all four edges and corners for whitening or wear
• Measure centering visually: front centering should be within 55/45 and back within 70/30 for PSA 10 consideration
• Look for print defects: ink spots, roller marks, or color inconsistencies that could lower the grade
• Double-sleeve in a penny sleeve inside a Card Saver I for submission

The modern Pokemon TCG has more rarity tiers than ever, which can be confusing for collectors. Here is a clear breakdown of how Ultra Rares compare to other high-rarity classifications:

Ultra Rare vs Secret Rare

• Collector number: Ultra Rares are numbered within the official set total (e.g., 150/198). Secret Rares are numbered beyond the set total (e.g., 201/198).
• Typical card types: Ultra Rares include regular ex, Full Art ex, and Full Art Trainers. Secret Rares include Gold Hyper Rares, Gold Trainers, and Gold Energies.
• Pull rates: Ultra Rares are generally more common than Secret Rares. You might get 12-16 Ultra Rares per booster box vs 0-2 Secret Rares.
• Value: While Secret Rares are rarer, the most valuable cards in many sets are Ultra Rares (specifically SARs and SIRs) rather than Gold Secret Rares.

Ultra Rare vs Illustration Rare

• Artwork style: Standard Ultra Rares (regular ex, Full Art ex) feature conventional Pokemon card artwork with enhanced treatments. Illustration Rares feature scenic, painterly artwork that transforms the card into a miniature art piece.
• Rarity: Standard Ultra Rares (regular ex) are more common than Illustration Rares. However, top-tier Ultra Rare variants (SAR, SIR) are rarer than standard IRs.
• Overlap: SARs and SIRs technically bridge both categories. They are Ultra Rare in terms of card type (featuring Pokemon ex) and Illustration Rare in terms of artwork treatment (full-bleed scenic art). The terminology depends on context: card databases may classify them differently.

Ultra Rare vs Holo Rare

• Pull rates: Standard holo rares appear approximately 1 per 3 packs, while Ultra Rares appear approximately 1 per 4-6 packs for basic ex cards and much less frequently for higher tiers.
• Card type: Holo rares are standard Pokemon or Trainer cards with holographic foil. Ultra Rares are a specific card type (ex, V, GX, etc.) with different gameplay mechanics.
• Value: Most holo rares sell for $0.50-$5, while Ultra Rares range from $1-$50+ for common variants and up to hundreds or thousands for chase cards.

Quick Reference Table

• Holo Rare: Within set numbering, standard holo treatment, ~1 per 3 packs, $0.50-$5
• Ultra Rare (Regular ex): Within set numbering, enhanced card type, ~1 per 4-6 packs, $1-$15
• Ultra Rare (Full Art): Within set numbering, textured full art, ~1 per 8-12 packs, $3-$40
• Illustration Rare: Beyond base numbering, extended scenic art, ~1 per 12-18 packs, $2-$30
• Special Art Rare: Beyond base numbering, full-bleed art, ~1 per 30-60 packs, $5-$400+
• Special Illustration Rare: Beyond base numbering, narrative full-bleed art, ~1 per 50-100 packs, $10-$500+
• Secret Rare (Gold): Beyond set total, gold treatment, ~1 per 36-72 packs, $5-$200+

For help identifying a specific card's rarity tier and current market value, use our price checker.

Building an Ultra Rare collection is one of the most rewarding aspects of the Pokemon TCG hobby. Here are strategies for different collector types:

Set Completion Collecting

Collecting every Ultra Rare from a specific set is a popular goal. For a modern SV-era set, this might mean acquiring 30-50+ Ultra Rare and higher cards. Strategic tips:

• Open 1-2 booster boxes to acquire common ex cards and some Full Arts organically
• Buy remaining Ultra Rares as singles, starting with the cheapest and working up to the most expensive chase cards
• Wait 3-6 months after release for singles prices to bottom out before completing the set
• Budget $400-$1,500+ for a complete Ultra Rare set depending on the chase cards included

Pokemon-Focused Collecting

Many collectors focus on a specific Pokemon across all eras and card types. The most popular Pokemon to collect include:

• Charizard: The single most collected Pokemon, with Ultra Rares in every era. A complete Charizard Ultra Rare collection spanning ex, LV.X, EX, GX, V/VMAX, and ex would include 50+ cards and cost $2,000-$10,000+ depending on condition.
• Pikachu: The mascot Pokemon has Ultra Rares in every era, including some of the most valuable modern cards (Pikachu VMAX Rainbow, Pikachu ex SAR).
• Umbreon: One of the most popular Eeveelutions, with the Ultra Rare market dominated by the Umbreon VMAX Alt Art at $400-$600.
• Mewtwo: Legendary status ensures strong demand across all eras, from Mewtwo EX to Mewtwo VSTAR.

Era-Focused Collecting

Some collectors focus on a specific era that resonates with their nostalgia or aesthetic preferences:

• ex era (2003-2007): Smaller card pools make completion feasible. Prices have been climbing as this era gains nostalgic appeal from collectors who grew up with it.
• GX era (2017-2020): Abundant supply keeps prices reasonable. Tag Team GX Full Arts are the highlight of this era.
• SWSH Alternate Arts: The Alternate Art cards from 2021-2023 represent a distinct "golden era" of Pokemon card art that many consider the peak of modern card design.
• SV era SARs/SIRs: The current era offers the freshest artwork and most accessible prices, making it ideal for new collectors.

Investment Collecting

If you are collecting Ultra Rares with an eye toward appreciation, focus on these principles:

• Iconic Pokemon in top rarity tiers (Charizard, Umbreon, Pikachu SARs and Alt Arts)
• PSA 10 graded copies, which appreciate faster than raw cards
• Cards from sets with limited or ended print runs
• Unique "first of type" cards (first Alternate Art, first SAR, etc.)
• Cards with genuinely exceptional artwork that drives persistent demand

Monitor your collection's value and track market trends with Poketrace, which provides real-time pricing and historical data for every Ultra Rare card across all eras.