You've just opened a fresh Pokémon booster pack.
You flick through the usual suspects. A couple of Commons, an Uncommon, perhaps a Pokémon you've already pulled about 47 times.
Then suddenly, something shiny catches your eye.
Beautiful artwork. A bit of texture. Maybe even a Mega Evolution Pokémon ex.
Surely you've just pulled something incredible?
But then you look at the bottom of the card and spot a tiny gold star.
What on earth does that mean?
Welcome to the wonderfully confusing world of Pokémon card rarities.
Between Illustration Rares, Special Illustration Rares, Ultra Rares, Mega Attack Rares and Mega Hyper Rares, Pokémon has certainly given collectors plenty to get their heads around.
And if you're returning to the hobby after collecting in the 1990s or early 2000s, things have changed quite a bit since pulling a holographic Charizard was the pinnacle of excitement.
Don't worry, though. We've got you covered.
In this guide, we'll explain how to identify Pokémon card rarities, what the different symbols and abbreviations mean, and how the Mega Evolution era has changed the cards we're collecting today.
How Do You Tell How Rare a Pokémon Card Is?
First things first, let's find that rarity symbol.
On modern English Pokémon cards, you'll generally find a small symbol near the bottom-left corner, alongside the card number and expansion information.
Depending on the card, this might be a circle, diamond, one or more stars, or a special symbol.
These markings tell you the card's official rarity classification.
Sounds simple enough, right?
Well, it was. Until Pokémon decided that one star wasn't enough and introduced multiple colours and combinations.
The Scarlet & Violet era introduced a revamped English rarity system in 2023, bringing its categories much closer to those used in Japanese Pokémon cards.
Then the Mega Evolution era arrived in 2025, bringing even more exciting rarities into the mix.
English vs Japanese Pokémon Card Rarities: What's the Difference?
If you've collected English Pokémon cards for a while, you'll probably recognise the familiar circles, diamonds and stars.
Japanese Pokémon cards, however, commonly use letter-based rarity codes such as C, U, R, RR, AR, SAR and SR.
Here's where things can get confusing.
English Mega Evolution cards still use printed rarity symbols, rather than switching to Japanese letter codes.
However, the rarity categories are closely aligned, and collectors frequently use Japanese abbreviations when discussing English cards too.
For example:
-
IR (Illustration Rare) in English corresponds to AR (Art Rare) in Japanese.
-
SIR (Special Illustration Rare) corresponds to SAR (Special Art Rare).
-
Ultra Rare in English generally corresponds to SR (Super Rare) in Japanese.
-
Mega Hyper Rare (MHR) corresponds to MUR (Mega Ultra Rare).
So if somebody refers to an English card as an SAR, they're usually describing the equivalent Special Illustration Rare category, even though the physical English card displays two gold stars.
It's worth understanding both naming systems, particularly if you're collecting English and Japanese cards.
Pokémon Card Rarity Quick Reference
| English rarity | English card symbol | Japanese rarity code |
|---|---|---|
| Common | Black circle | C |
| Uncommon | Black diamond | U |
| Rare | Black star | R |
| Double Rare | Two black stars | RR |
| Ultra Rare | Two silver stars | SR |
| Illustration Rare | One gold star | AR |
| Special Illustration Rare | Two gold stars | SAR |
| Hyper Rare (Scarlet & Violet) | Three gold stars | UR |
| Mega Attack Rare | Pink and green stars | MA |
| Mega Hyper Rare | Gold star with dark outline | MUR |
Remember that these are broad equivalents. Not every rarity appears in every expansion, and special sets can introduce their own classifications.
Now, let's work through what they actually mean.
Common, Uncommon and Rare Pokémon Cards
We'll start with the basics.
Common Cards — Black Circle (●)
Common cards are the bread and butter of Pokémon booster packs.
They're the cards you'll encounter most frequently, usually featuring standard Pokémon artwork.
They're not generally worth much individually, but they're essential for completing sets and building decks.
And let's be fair, some Common cards have genuinely lovely artwork.
Not every card needs to cost £100 to deserve a spot in your binder.
Uncommon Cards — Black Diamond (◆)
Uncommon cards sit one step above Common cards.
You'll often find evolved Pokémon, Trainer cards and useful gameplay cards in this category.
Most are relatively inexpensive, although certain playable cards can attract additional demand.
Rare Cards — Black Star (★)
Rare cards are identified by a single black star.
In the Scarlet & Violet and Mega Evolution eras, standard Rare cards generally feature holographic artwork.
These are the cards that used to make us lose our minds as kids.
Nowadays, you might pull a holographic Rare and barely give it a second glance.
How times have changed.
Double Rare Pokémon Cards (RR) — Two Black Stars (★★)
Double Rare cards are commonly associated with Pokémon ex, including Mega Evolution Pokémon ex.
They're identified by two black stars on English cards, while Japanese cards use RR.
These cards typically feature powerful Pokémon with impressive HP, attacks and abilities.
They're particularly important for competitive players, although they're not necessarily the most valuable cards in a set.
You could pull a Double Rare Mega Evolution Pokémon ex that's worth relatively little, while an Illustration Rare featuring a completely ordinary Pokémon could be worth considerably more.
Which brings us to an important lesson.
Rarity and value aren't always the same thing.
Ultra Rare Pokémon Cards (SR) — Two Silver Stars
Here's where things start getting a little more exciting.
Ultra Rare cards typically feature full-art versions of Pokémon ex and certain Trainer cards.
On English cards, they're identified by two silver foil stars.
In Japanese sets, the equivalent classification is generally called Super Rare, abbreviated to SR.
These cards often feature textured surfaces, striking backgrounds and artwork extending across the card.
They're popular with collectors who enjoy full-art Pokémon and Supporter cards.
Is an SR the Same as an SIR?
No, and this is a common point of confusion.
An SR in Japanese is generally equivalent to an English Ultra Rare.
An SIR in English is a Special Illustration Rare, equivalent to the Japanese SAR category.
Both can feature impressive artwork, but they occupy different rarity categories.
Yes, Pokémon could have made this easier.
No, they didn't.
Illustration Rare Pokémon Cards (IR / AR) — One Gold Star
Now we're talking.
Illustration Rares have become some of the most popular cards in modern Pokémon collecting.
And honestly, it's not difficult to see why.
Rather than featuring traditional Pokémon artwork, these cards showcase beautiful full-card illustrations that often tell a story.
You might find a Pokémon relaxing in a field, exploring a city or simply going about its day.
Sometimes the artwork is genuinely incredible.
What Makes Illustration Rares Special?
The artwork is the main attraction.
Unlike many higher-rarity cards that focus on powerful Pokémon or flashy effects, Illustration Rares can feature relatively ordinary Pokémon.
And that's exactly what makes them brilliant.
Take the Magikarp Illustration Rare from Paldea Evolved, for example.
It's a Pokémon best known for splashing around and generally being a bit useless.
Yet give it incredible artwork, and suddenly collectors can't get enough of it.
Not bad for a fish.
IR vs AR: What's the Difference?
These are equivalent rarity categories with different names.
English cards use Illustration Rare (IR), represented by one gold star.
Japanese cards use Art Rare (AR), identified by the AR abbreviation.
Both celebrate detailed, full-card Pokémon illustrations.
You'll also regularly hear English collectors use AR when discussing Illustration Rares, especially when comparing English and Japanese releases.
Are Illustration Rares Valuable?
Some certainly are.
However, not every Illustration Rare is expensive.
Value depends on the Pokémon featured, artwork, collector demand, condition and availability.
The good news is that plenty of beautiful IRs and ARs are available at relatively affordable prices.
If you enjoy collecting artwork rather than simply chasing expensive cards, they're a fantastic place to start.
Special Illustration Rare Pokémon Cards (SIR / SAR) — Two Gold Stars
If Illustration Rares are the beautiful artwork cards, Special Illustration Rares are often their even more desirable cousins.
Special Illustration Rares, commonly shortened to SIRs, feature elaborate full-card illustrations of Pokémon ex and Supporter cards.
These are frequently among the headline chase cards in modern Pokémon expansions.
Think incredible artwork, popular Pokémon and the kind of pull that makes you immediately reach for a sleeve.
What's the Difference Between IR and SIR?
The biggest difference is the type of card receiving the special artwork.
Illustration Rares generally feature regular Pokémon, while Special Illustration Rares feature Pokémon ex and Supporter cards.
Both offer beautiful artwork, but SIRs typically occupy a higher rarity tier.
A great example is Charizard ex 199/165 from Pokémon 151.
With its stunning artwork and the nostalgia surrounding the original 151 Pokémon, it's exactly the sort of card collectors love chasing.
And yes, it's another Charizard.
Some things never change.
What Does SAR Mean?
SAR stands for Special Art Rare.
It's the Japanese equivalent of the English Special Illustration Rare classification.
Japanese cards display SAR as their rarity code, while English cards use two gold stars.
Collectors often use SAR and SIR interchangeably in conversation, but it's useful to know the difference when identifying a physical card.
Are SIRs Always More Valuable Than IRs?
Nope!
While Special Illustration Rares occupy a higher rarity tier, their market value can be lower than that of particularly desirable Illustration Rares.
Collectors don't just buy rarity symbols.
They buy Pokémon they love, artwork they enjoy and cards they want in their collections.
Mega Attack Rare Pokémon Cards (MA)
Now for something introduced during the Mega Evolution era.
Mega Attack Rare cards are one of the most distinctive additions to the modern Pokémon TCG.
Introduced as an English expansion rarity in Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes, these cards feature Mega Evolution Pokémon ex with bold, stylised attack names incorporated into their artwork.
And here's the interesting part.
On English Mega Attack Rare cards, the featured attack names appear in Japanese characters.
Meanwhile, their Japanese counterparts feature English attack lettering.
It's a brilliant throwback to the Mega Evolution Pokémon cards from the XY era.
What Makes Mega Attack Rares Different?
Unlike traditional full-art cards, Mega Attack Rares have a bold, almost comic-book-inspired appearance.
The attack lettering becomes part of the illustration itself.
English Mega Attack Rare cards can be identified by their distinctive pink and green star rarity symbol.
They're immediately recognisable and a great addition for collectors who enjoy unusual card designs.
If you're a fan of Mega Evolution Pokémon, these are definitely cards worth looking out for.
Mega Hyper Rare Pokémon Cards (MHR / MUR)
And now we reach one of the biggest additions to the Mega Evolution era.
Mega Hyper Rare.
These are spectacular gold Mega Evolution Pokémon ex cards introduced with the Mega Evolution expansion.
They feature elaborate gold artwork and a distinctive gold rarity symbol with a dark outline.
In Japan, the corresponding rarity is known as Mega Ultra Rare (MUR).
What Makes Mega Hyper Rares Special?
Mega Hyper Rares feature a premium gold treatment and are positioned among the most difficult cards to obtain in their expansions.
A standout example is Mega Lucario ex 188/132 from the original Mega Evolution expansion.
The detailed gold finish makes these cards instantly recognisable.
And unlike the older three-gold-star Hyper Rare classification, Mega Hyper Rares have their own distinctive symbol.
Are Mega Hyper Rares Worth More Than SIRs?
Not necessarily.
Although Mega Hyper Rares occupy a particularly high rarity tier, that doesn't automatically make them the most valuable cards in a set.
A popular Special Illustration Rare can still command a higher market price.
It all comes down to collector demand, artwork, condition and availability.
So if you've just pulled a gold Mega Hyper Rare, congratulations!
Just don't start shopping for a new car before checking what it's actually worth.
What Happened to Hyper Rare Pokémon Cards?
If you collected during the Scarlet & Violet era, you'll probably remember Hyper Rare cards.
These were the distinctive gold cards identified by three gold stars.
They featured gold versions of Pokémon ex, Trainer cards and certain Energy cards.
The corresponding Japanese classification was generally Ultra Rare, abbreviated to UR.
With the arrival of the Mega Evolution era, the English Mega Hyper Rare category replaced the previous Hyper Rare gold-card tier in the standard rarity lineup.
That doesn't mean your older Hyper Rares have suddenly stopped being collectible.
It simply means the rarity system has evolved.
When identifying Pokémon cards, always consider the expansion they came from.
The rarity classifications used in one era won't necessarily match those used in another.
What About Shiny Rare, ACE SPEC and Other Special Rarities?
Just when you thought you'd figured everything out, Pokémon throws a few more categories into the mix.
Certain expansions feature special rarity classifications that don't appear in every set.
Shiny Rare and Shiny Ultra Rare
Special expansions such as Paldean Fates introduced Shiny Rare and Shiny Ultra Rare cards.
These feature Shiny Pokémon with their alternate colour schemes.
They're particularly popular with collectors who enjoy building Shiny Pokémon collections.
ACE SPEC Rare
ACE SPEC cards returned during the Scarlet & Violet era, featuring their distinctive magenta designs.
These powerful cards are primarily associated with competitive gameplay, and decks are limited to one ACE SPEC card in total.
Master Ball and Poké Ball Reverse Holos
Some special expansions also feature distinctive reverse-holo patterns, including Poké Ball and Master Ball designs.
These are important for collectors, but they shouldn't automatically be confused with separate official rarity tiers.
A special foil treatment and a card's printed rarity aren't necessarily the same thing.
Does a Rarer Pokémon Card Mean It's Worth More Money?
Here's probably the most important thing to understand about Pokémon card collecting.
A card's official rarity doesn't determine its market value.
It's certainly a factor, but it's only one piece of the puzzle.
Popularity of the Pokémon
Let's face it, some Pokémon are simply more popular than others.
Charizard, Umbreon, Pikachu, Gengar and other fan favourites regularly attract strong collector interest.
The Artwork
Some Pokémon cards become desirable purely because the artwork is incredible.
A beautifully illustrated card featuring an otherwise overlooked Pokémon can attract more attention than a technically rarer card.
And personally, we think that's one of the best things about modern Pokémon collecting.
Condition
Condition matters, especially when dealing with expensive singles.
Scratches, whitening, dents, print lines and centring can all influence a card's value.
Two copies of exactly the same card can sell for very different prices depending on their condition.
Playability
Some cards become desirable because they're particularly useful in competitive Pokémon TCG decks.
Demand from players can influence prices, even when the card isn't especially rare.
Availability and Demand
Ultimately, a card is worth what somebody is willing to pay for it.
Reprints, changing collector preferences and market trends can all affect prices.
A card that's expensive today might be cheaper in six months, and vice versa.
Should You Grade Your Rare Pokémon Cards?
Pulled something particularly nice?
You might be wondering whether it's worth sending it off for grading.
Professional grading companies such as PSA, ACE and CGC assess trading cards and assign grades based on their condition.
A high grade can make a desirable card more attractive to collectors, particularly when it's difficult to find in excellent condition.
However, grading isn't always worthwhile.
There are submission fees, waiting times and the possibility that your card receives a lower grade than expected.
Before grading a card, we'd recommend comparing its raw value with recent sales of graded copies.
And remember, just because you've pulled an SIR or Mega Hyper Rare doesn't automatically mean it's going to receive a perfect 10.
If only it were that easy.
Our Advice for New Pokémon Collectors
If you're relatively new to Pokémon collecting, don't worry too much about chasing the rarest possible cards straight away.
Start by collecting Pokémon you actually like.
Explore the different artwork styles, discover your favourite expansions and learn which rarities appeal to you most.
Illustration Rares are a fantastic starting point because they offer some genuinely beautiful artwork without necessarily requiring a huge budget.
And if you've got your eye on a particular card, remember that buying it individually can often be considerably cheaper than trying to pull it from booster packs.
In fact, we've already explored that debate in our guide to whether you should open Pokémon booster boxes or keep them sealed.
We've all convinced ourselves that the next pack is the lucky one.
Sometimes it is.
Usually, it isn't.
Final Thoughts: What's Your Favourite Pokémon Card Rarity?
From humble Common cards to stunning Special Illustration Rares and gold Mega Hyper Rares, there's a huge variety of Pokémon cards to collect.
And while the rarity symbols might seem confusing at first, they become much easier to recognise once you know what you're looking for.
The Mega Evolution era has made things even more interesting, especially with the introduction of Mega Attack Rares and Mega Hyper Rares.
Our personal favourites are still Illustration Rares and Special Illustration Rares.
There's something brilliant about seeing Pokémon brought to life through detailed artwork, especially when it's a Pokémon that doesn't usually get much attention.
But whatever you enjoy collecting, remember that the best Pokémon cards aren't always the most expensive ones.
They're the ones that mean something to you.
Looking to Add Something New to Your Collection?
Whether you're hunting for your next Illustration Rare, chasing a Special Illustration Rare or trying to pull your first Mega Hyper Rare, JET Cards has plenty to explore.
Browse our Pokémon singles and sealed Pokémon TCG products to find your next addition.
And here's a question for you:
What's the best Pokémon card you've ever pulled?
We're talking about the one that made you jump out of your chair, immediately grab a sleeve or message your mates at a ridiculous hour.
We've all got one!
https://jetcards.uk