Hitmontop · Neo Discovery, what to know.
About the Hitmontop card
Numbered 3 of 75 in Neo Discovery, released in June 2001, Hitmontop is a Rare Holo, a Basic Fighting-type carrying 60 HP.
As a Basic Pokémon, Hitmontop needs no prior evolution to put into play, which made it a practical card in the era's decks.
Illustrated by Sumiyoshi Kizuki.
Hitmontop carries this Pokédex flavor text: "If you become enchanted by its smooth, elegant, dancelike kicks, you may get drilled hard."
What is Hitmontop worth?
Hitmontop is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Neo Discovery's value. The print variant decides most of it: a 1st Edition copy in high grade commands a large premium over a Shadowless or Unlimited one. In top-grade 1st Edition, Neo Discovery holos range from the mid hundreds for the lesser cards up to the set's marquee chase; raw and Unlimited copies trade for a fraction of that. The live market price above shows the current figure by grade.
Print variants and how to spot them
Neo Discovery produced 1st Edition, Unlimited prints. For Hitmontop, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.
Grading and condition
Grading Hitmontop comes down to the holo surface and the borders. The era's foil scratches easily, so even a pack-fresh Hitmontop can drop from a 10 to a 9 on a single hairline. Inspect the window at an angle and the corners against the frame.
If you are collecting Hitmontop
When you go to buy Hitmontop, settle three things in order: the print variant, the condition, and a comp for that exact combination. A blended average across variants will mislead you on Hitmontop, so price the specific copy in front of you.
