The rarity symbol on a Pokémon card is in the bottom left corner, next to the set code. A black circle means common, a black diamond means uncommon and a black star means rare. Two black stars mark a Double Rare (usually a Pokémon ex), one gold star an Illustration Rare, two gold stars a Special Illustration Rare, two silver stars a full art Ultra Rare and, before Mega Evolution, three gold stars a Hyper Rare. Mega Evolution sets replaced the Hyper Rare with the gold Mega Ultra Rare. This guide covers every modern English rarity, how to tell a reverse holo from a regular holo, and the new rarities in 30th Celebration.
Where is the rarity symbol on a Pokémon card?
- Bottom left corner: on English Scarlet & Violet and Mega Evolution cards, the rarity symbol and the set code box sit together in the bottom left.
- Set code box: shows the set code (for example PFL or MEG) and EN for English. The color of this box also helps you spot reverse holos (see below).
What does each Pokémon rarity symbol mean?
| Rarity | Symbol | What it looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Common | ● black circle | Non-holo, simple art |
| Uncommon | ◆ black diamond | Non-holo, often support or evolution cards |
| Rare | ★ black star | Holo or non-holo, stronger or unique cards |
| Double Rare | ★★ black | Pokémon ex, textured and holo |
| Illustration Rare | ★ gold | Full art with a unique illustrated background, not textured |
| Ultra Rare (full art) | ★★ silver | Full art Pokémon or Trainer, textured, silver shine |
| Special Illustration Rare | ★★ gold | Full art, textured, premium foil, often story scenes |
| Hyper Rare (before Mega Evolution) | ★★★ gold | Gold textured card with the art in the center |
| Mega Ultra Rare (MUR) | Gold MUR symbol | Solid gold card, top rarity in Mega Evolution sets |
| Promo | ★ black with PROMO | Only in special products, not booster packs |
| Reverse Holo | No extra symbol | Holo background, not art; white set code box |
Common (●)
A black circle. Basic, non-holo cards and the most common cards in a pack.
Uncommon (◆)
A black diamond. Slightly rarer, non-holo, often support or evolution cards.
Rare (★)
A single black star. Can be holo or non-holo, usually a stronger or more unique card.
Double Rare (★★ black)
Two black stars. These are the Pokémon ex cards: textured, holographic and a main chase for players and collectors.
Illustration Rare (★ gold)
One gold star. A full art card with a unique illustrated background. It isn't textured.
Ultra Rare full art (★★ silver)
Two silver stars. Full art Pokémon and Trainer cards with texture and a silver shine. The silver stars are what set them apart from illustration rares.
Special Illustration Rare (★★ gold)
Two gold stars. Full art, textured and foiled, often showing a story scene or several Pokémon. These are usually the top chase cards in a set.
Hyper Rare (★★★ gold) and Mega Ultra Rare (MUR)
Before Mega Evolution, the top rarity was the Hyper Rare: three gold stars on a gold, textured card with the art in the center.
Mega Evolution sets retired the three-star Hyper Rare and introduced the Mega Ultra Rare (MUR). The whole card is gold, including the border, background and artwork, and the set code box is gold with black text. Look for the gold MUR symbol next to the card number to confirm it.
How do you tell a reverse holo from a regular holo?
- Reverse holo: the colored background around the text, name and Energy symbols is holographic, but the artwork isn't. The set code box is white with black text.
- Regular holo: the artwork is holographic and the rest of the card isn't. The set code box is black with white text.
The set code box color is the quickest way to tell them apart on modern English cards.
How do you spot a promo card?
Promo cards have a single black star with the word PROMO inside it. You won't find them in regular booster packs. They come in special products such as Ultra-Premium Collections, Elite Trainer Boxes, blister packs, tech sticker collections and Build & Battle kits, and often have exclusive art, stamps or foil.
What rarities are new in 30th Celebration?
The Pokémon TCG: 30th Celebration set (September 16, 2026) works differently from a normal expansion. Every card is foil, including the Basic Energy, and the set adds three special card types:
- Pikachu rares: 30 Pikachu cards numbered 01/30 to 30/30, each with its own illustration, a different holofoil pattern and the 30th anniversary logo behind the text. Every pack has one.
- Futuristic rares: a brand-new rarity with vivid lighting and 3D-style graphics, starting with Mew and Mewtwo by the artist YOSHIROTTEN.
- Classic Collection: 30 reprints of famous cards from Base Set to today with a sparkling gold border. They aren't legal in the Standard format.
The full set has 199 cards: 128 main-set cards, 33 secret rares, 30 Classic Collection cards and 8 Basic Energy. Read our full guide: what's in 30th Celebration, and is it worth buying?
Quick tips for reading Pokémon rarities
- Count the stars and check their color: black for standard rares and ex, silver for full arts, gold for illustration rares and above.
- Check the set code box: white means reverse holo, black means regular holo.
- Gold card with an MUR symbol: the top rarity in Mega Evolution sets.
- PROMO in the star: a promo from a special product, not a booster pack pull.
Keep reading
- How to tell if Chinese Pokémon cards are real or fake
- How to tell if Japanese Pokémon cards are real or fake
- The best time to buy sealed Pokémon products
Where can you buy Pokémon cards near Newport, TN?
Landfall Outpost carries Pokémon sealed product and singles at 138 North St, Newport, TN 37821, and ships nationwide. Shop Pokémon cards or Pokémon singles online, or stop in Friday and Saturday 12–8 or Sunday 12–6, with free on-site parking. Catch us opening packs live Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 PM Eastern on TikTok. Plan your visit.