Reprints

A reprint is a new edition of an existing Pokémon card. It can be a card included in a new set, or a fresh print run of a set that has already been sold. The term covers several different things, and the effect on collector value depends on which type of reprint is involved.

Reprints in new sets

Well-known cards often return in anniversary and collection sets. Examples are Legendary Collection from 2002, Evolutions from 2016, which brought back Base Set cards in a modern look, and Celebrations from 2021, which marked the 25th anniversary. Such cards share their artwork and name with the original, but the set symbol, card number and often the layout set them apart. Reprints are therefore usually easy to tell apart if you look at the details.

New print runs of the same set

Modern sets are often printed in several rounds, since demand can exceed the first run. The cards then have the same set symbol and number and can be hard to tell apart. Older examples are the difference between first edition and Unlimited, which were successive printings of the same set. Publishers do not always say when and how much was printed again (see print runs).

What reprints mean for collectors

• They give more collectors access to a card that is otherwise scarce.
• They can affect the price of the original, since the supply of the card grows; see reprint risk.
• New editions may have different foil patterns or artwork details; see holo and reverse holo.
• Some collectors prefer the original for historical reasons, while others do not care about the print year.

How to check a card

Check the set symbol, the card number and the copyright year at the bottom of the card, and compare with the set list in the card catalog. If you are unsure whether a card is an original or a reprint, the set symbol and card number are the most reliable guide. Appearance alone is not enough, since reprints are often designed to resemble the original.

In summary

Reprint is a broad term covering both cards in new sets and new rounds of the same set. The card's set symbol, number and copyright line are the simplest way to determine which edition it is. For someone collecting the original card, the original is often what counts, while others collect the design regardless of which printing it comes from. Both attitudes are common in the hobby.