What Exactly Are Black Pokemon Cards?
Black Pokemon cards are those displaying black circular symbols on the bottom right corner, indicating Common rarity; black diamonds marking Uncommon cards; or the iconic black stars – the hallmark of Rare cards.
Beyond this signature rarity symbol, black Pokemon cards stand out for their predominantly darker color schemes, allowing the artwork to take center stage on the sleek layouts.
The Thrill of Chasing Elusive Black Star Rares
While black circle Commons are readily available in almost every Pokémon TCG expansion with pull rates ranging between 70-80%, the black Uncommon diamonds and Star Rares have substantially lower odds of being found in packs.
According to The Pokemon Company, your probabilities for black cards in a typical Sword & Shield base set booster pack are:
| Rarity | Odds |
|---|---|
| Common | 5 per pack (100%) |
| Uncommon | 1 per 2 packs (50%) |
| Rare | 1 per 3.3 packs (33%) |
This rarity is a large reason why prices for black Star Rares from old sets like Base, Jungle, Fossil, and Team Rocket command healthy premiums amongst collectors, especially for chase cards like 1st Edition Dark Charizard Holo.
A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy recently sold for $950, while even heavily played raw copies fetch over $400 at auction. Consider that a normal unlimited Base Set Charizard sells for under $100 in similar condition, revealing the scarce nature of the early black Star Rares.
Popularity Surge for Vintage Black Cards
The excitement associated with collecting cards from my childhood is a feeling many fans of the Pokémon TCG can relate to. It‘s a large reason why vintage black cards have seen renewed interest and skyrocketing prices with the resurgence of Pokemon cards among adult collectors over the past 3 years.
Total PSA submissions containing black Star Rares and early Trophy cards have rapidly multiplied since 2019, reflecting this surge in demand:
| Year | Black Star PSA Submissions |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 8,624 |
| 2017 | 7,846 |
| 2018 | 6,971 |
| 2019 | 15,327 |
| 2020 | 138,296 |
| 2021 | 425,037 |
Equally telling is the exponential growth in PSA 10 Gem Mint black cards population reports over the same period:
| Year | PSA 10 Black Stars |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 2,903 |
| 2017 | 3,176 |
| 2018 | 3,307 |
| 2019 | 4,281 |
| 2020 | 5,986 |
| 2021 | 11,296 |
From these trends, we can gather that collectors are reconnecting with – and placing immense value on – the iconic black Rare cards from the early Pokémon TCG sets.
What Makes Black Cards So Special?
For many collectors, the sleek black color scheme itself is aesthetically stunning and a welcome diversion from the typical holofoil and rainbow rare treatments permeating modern sets. They allow the exceptional artwork on these cards to shine.
But beyond the strong visual appeal, black cards also tend to evoke nostalgia for the early years of Pokemania among adult fans. Vivid memories of eagerly ripping open fresh Jungle & Fossil packs as a kid, praying to see that beautiful black star symbol, are potently sentimental.
Issues like 1st Edition Team Rocket with the striking black Dark themed cards capture a moment in time for Generation 1 fans. Their unique designs transport us back to a period filled with discovery, adventure, and battling friends on the schoolyard. This powerful nostalgia understandably drives demand today.
Finally, as some of the very first Pokemon cards released internationally, the black cards of the Wizards of the Coast era hold cultural and historical significance for collectors. They laid vital foundations for the global mega brand Pokémon has become today.
Spotting Fake Black Cards
Unfortunately, the spiking values for vintage black rarities has seen counterfeits flooding the market. But armed with a few tips, we can confidently spot fake black Pokemon cards:
1. Light Test
Real cards allow some light to pass through the cardstock when held up. Fakes will appear too dark.
2. Rip Test
Carefully rip the edge of a black rare card to check for the vital black core layer in between the front/back cardboard. No black = fake card.
3. Rosette Pattern Check
Under magnification, only authentic cards will reveal the complex dotted rosette printing patterns. Fakes look blurry.
4. Microprint Analysis
Real black foils contain hard to replicate micro text elements. Fakes often use incorrect fonts, symbols, or omit such details completely.
By leveraging these authentication techniques and cross-checking multiple security points, collectors can avoid falling victim to counterfeit black card scams when buying singles or opening vintage booster boxes.
Closing Thoughts
As early pioneers in the Pokémon TCG filled with nostalgia, sentimental value, and exciting chase cards, black Pokemon cards hold a special place amongst fans. Their sleek, iconic look combined with genuine rarity forged an aesthetic that still captures attentions and imaginations today.
For these reasons, mint condition black Star Rares and early Trophy cards should continue appreciating into the future. So if you pools a few gems in your childhood collection, keep them safeguarded!
