If you have a passion for collecting Japanese Pokemon cards, it is crucial to have a thorough comprehension of the various types of rare cards present in the game.
Rare cards vary in both appearance and worth, with a wide range of options including standard Uncommons and Rares, as well as more intriguing Double Rares and Super Rares. Among these, Art Rares stands out as a particularly captivating category, both visually and potentially in terms of value.
Recent expansions such as Night Wanderer and the highly anticipated Stellar Miracle have solidified Art Rares as highly sought-after cards for collectors. This is due to the distinct artwork from notable artists and the inclusion of full art designs that showcase mesmerizing scenes featuring Pokémon.
A diagram showing the Art Rare symbol on a Cresselia Pokemon card.
As previously mentioned, Art Rare cards are distinguished by the letters ‘AR’, which is why they are commonly referred to as AR cards. These unique cards are exclusively found in Japanese Pokemon card expansion sets. In English sets during the Scarlet & Violet era, the equivalent to an AR card would be an Illustration Rare.
How to tell if you have an Art Rare Pokemon card
To ensure your success in identifying Art Rares in your Pokemon card hauls, make sure to check the following items:
- Does the bottom left-hand corner of your card have an ‘AR’ mark? This is the key question to consider. If the card does not have an ‘AR’ mark, it is not an Art Rare and instead belongs to a different type of full art card.
- Does the card feature full artwork? Every AR card is a full art card. If the artwork is contained to the standard box, you may be looking at a Double Rare card instead.
- Can the card be identified as being from a legitimate Booster Pack or product? Counterfeit AR cards may not display the rarity symbol or set symbol in the correct placement, as an example.
If you’re not completely certain about the card you have pulled, it may be helpful to visit a website like Bulbapedia for additional information. This site can provide digital versions of the card and help verify its rarity and authenticity.
Having a card graded can assist in streamlining the resale process.
If you’re seeking additional information on card rarity, we recommend comparing our guides on Special Illustration Rares and Special Art Rares to understand the distinctions between the two categories. While SIR and SAR cards share similarities, it’s important for collectors to be aware of their differences.
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