Japanese Dark Hypno Holographic No. 097 (Team Rocket Set)
Nintendo/Wizards of the Coast (Produced by Media Factory in Japan) · Collectibles > Trading Card Games
Era / Decade
Late 1990s (specifically released in Japan in 1997)
Material
Cardstock with holographic foil layer and glossy finish
Condition
Good (Light to Moderate Wear). Visible whitening on the yellow borders and edges suggests it was played or handled without sleeves. There appear to be light surface scratches on the holo foil.
Demand Level
Moderate. Vintage Japanese Pokemon cards have a steady collector base, though lower than English Charizards or higher-level evolutions.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
Low: $10 (Heavy Wear) | Mid: $20 (Moderate Wear) | High: $50+ (If graded PSA 9-10)
Estimated Retail Value
Original MSRP was approximately 300 Yen per pack in 1997
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sales for raw copies in similar played condition range from $12 to $25 USD. Near Mint copies can reach $40+.
Description
Authentic Japanese version of Dark Hypno from the Team Rocket (Rocket Gang) expansion. Features art by Kagemaru Himeno with a cosmic-style holographic foil background and the iconic black 'R' logo for the set. Text is entirely in Japanese.
Key Features
Vintage 'Wizards of the Coast' era aesthetics, holographic finish, collectible status among Pokemon nostalgic fans, Japanese 'R' set mark.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct holographic pattern distribution, appropriate font metrics for Japanese characters, 'Illus. Kagemaru Himeno' credit present. High confidence (95%).
Flaws to Note
Visible edge wear and corner whitening. Surface scratches on the holographic window are likely present due to lack of a protective sleeve.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for trading cards), TCGPlayer, or specialized Pokemon Facebook groups.
Selling Tips
Photograph in high resolution without a flash to show holographic detail. Use a penny sleeve and top loader immediately to prevent further damage. Mention 'Vintage Japanese Pokemon' in titles.