Lugia · Neo Genesis, what to know.
About the Lugia card
Numbered 9 of 111 in Neo Genesis, released in December 2000, Lugia is a Rare Holo, a Basic Colorless-type carrying 90 HP.
As a Basic Pokémon, Lugia needs no prior evolution to put into play, which made it a practical card in the era's decks.
Illustrated by Hironobu Yoshida.
Lugia carries this Pokédex flavor text: "It is said that it quietly spends its time deep at the bottom of the sea, because its powers are too strong."
About Lugia in the Pokémon world
A Psychic-Flying Legendary. The cover Pokémon of Pokémon Silver. Massive winged serpent silhouette. Neo Genesis holo Lugia is the marquee chase of the entire Neo era. 1st Edition PSA 10 Lugia commands prices comparable to top Base Set holos. Silver Tempest Lugia VSTAR is the modern equivalent and a tournament staple.
What is Lugia worth?
Lugia is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Neo Genesis'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 Genesis holos range from the mid hundreds for the lesser cards up to Lugia at the top; 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 Genesis produced 1st Edition, Unlimited prints. For Lugia, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.
Grading and condition
Lugia lives and dies on its holo surface in grading. The colorless foil catches light at angles that hide hairlines in a flat photo, so tilt it under a lamp, then measure the borders, where Wizards-era centering is the second-most-common grade cap.
If you are collecting Lugia
When you go to buy Lugia, 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 Lugia, so price the specific copy in front of you.
