Rarity symbols

The rarity symbol is a small mark, usually at the bottom of the card beside the card number, showing which rarity level the card has within its set. The three classic symbols are the circle, the diamond and the star. Newer sets also use several kinds of stars and extra marks, so the symbol is a quick guide, but not the whole truth about how hard a card is to get.

The classic symbols

• Circle: common, the most frequent rarity.
• Diamond: uncommon, scarcer than common.
• Star: rare, the highest of the three classic levels. Rare cards can also be holo.

The symbol sits together with the set symbol and the card number; see anatomy of a card for placement. Cards without a rarity symbol also exist, particularly promos.

Newer sets

In newer English sets, from the Scarlet & Violet era, stars of different colors and numbers are used to separate the higher tiers from one another, including the cards called Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare. Sets released after this may have their own symbols, so it is best to check the set's own list. Cards with a card number higher than the printed set total are normally secret rares; they do not necessarily have a symbol of their own.

What the symbol does not tell you

• How many copies were printed. Print figures are not public; see print runs.
• How sought after the card is. A circle can be more desirable than a star, depending on the Pokémon, the artwork and the condition.
• What price the card commands, which depends on the market and its condition.

A caveat

The symbols are tied to each set and can mean slightly different things between eras. Newer eras have added new tiers, and older ones are not always directly comparable. Always read the set's rarity list, which you can find in the card catalog. To see how rarity is used in a particular era, start with the overview of the eras of the Pokémon TCG.

In summary

The rarity symbol is a starting point and not an answer. It tells you which tier the publisher placed the card in, but says little about how many were printed, how often it is pulled or how popular it is. When comparing cards across sets or eras, read each era's rules for symbols and tiers, since they have changed several times over the years.