Garchomp ex (Special Illustration Rare) - 245/182
Pokémon TCG (The Pokémon Company / Nintendo) · Collectibles & Antiques > Trading Card Games
Era / Decade
2023 (Modern Scarlet & Violet Era)
Material
Cardstock with holographic foil layer and textured finish. High-quality production for Secret Rare tiers.
Condition
Excellent to Near Mint (NM). Based on the image, the surface appears clean and it is protected in a sleeve. No visible whitening on the front edges or corners; centering appears slightly bottom-heavy but within acceptable range for retail.
Demand Level
Strong. Garchomp is a top-tier collectible. Since the set is still in rotation but no longer the newest release, supply has peaked and price is beginning to stabilize.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$18.00 - $28.00 (Raw); $60.00 - $120.00+ (If graded PSA 10)
Estimated Retail Value
$4.50 - $5.00 (MSRP of a single Scarlet & Violet: Paradox Rift Booster Pack)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sold listings (Ungraded/Raw) range from $20.00 to $26.00 plus shipping. Graded PSA 10 copies have recently fetched between $95.00 and $130.00.
Description
Authentic Pokémon TCG card: Garchomp ex Special Illustration Rare from the Paradox Rift expansion (Set Code: PAR). Featuring unique artwork by Oswaldo KATO, this card depicts the Tera Water-type Garchomp in a vivid swirl of water. It is card 245/182, designated by the double gold star rarity symbol.
Key Features
Special Illustration Rare (SIR) is the highest rarity tier in the set; playable 'Tera' mechanic; popular 'fan-favorite' Pokémon (Garchomp); distinct textured etching unique to authentic high-rarity cards.
Authenticity Indicators
High Confidence. The 'fingerprint' texture visible on the water swirls is the primary anti-counterfeit measure. The font kerning, correct set symbols (PAR EN), and holographic sheen matching the illustration are all consistent with genuine cards.
Flaws to Note
Possible minor centering issues (the bottom border looks slightly thicker than the top). Potential 'silvering' on edges typical of English Scarlet & Violet sets, though not clearly visible here.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
TCGplayer (best for market price), eBay (best for high-quality photos), or Mercari (fast sales for collectors). Local card shops (LCS) will typically offer 50-60% of value in cash.
Selling Tips
Use keywords: 'Paradox Rift SIR', 'Alt Art', 'Near Mint'. Ship using 'eBay Standard Envelope' for cards under $20 to save on costs while providing tracking. Include photos of the card back (out of sleeve) to prove no whitening/damage to serious buyers.