Shining Gyarados

Numbered 65 of 66 in Neo Revelation, released in September 2001, Shining Gyarados is a Rare Shining, a Basic Water-type carrying 100 HP.

As a Basic Pokémon, Gyarados needs no prior evolution to put into play, which made it a practical card in the era's decks.

Shining Gyarados is an alternate-color print from the late Neo era, a chase rarity pulled at a fraction of the standard holo rate.

Illustrated by Ken Sugimori. Sugimori is the lead character designer of Pokémon itself, so his card art carries the tight, on-model look that defined how the creatures appear in the games.

Printed on the card, the Gyarados Pokédex entry reads: "Once it appears, it goes on a rampage. It remains enraged until it demolishes everything around it."

The fully evolved Magikarp. A massive serpentine water-flying dragon. Famous for the disproportionate evolution arc. Base Set holo Gyarados is one of the most aesthetically beloved holos in the set. Steady graded demand and appreciation.

Shining Gyarados is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Neo Revelation'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 Revelation 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.

Neo Revelation produced 1st Edition, Unlimited, Shining prints. For Shining Gyarados, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.

Expect the holo window to set the grade on Shining Gyarados. Print misregistration and fine scratches in the water foil are the usual reasons a copy lands at a 9, and edge whitening against the frame is the next thing a grader notes.

For Shining Gyarados, variant comes before condition. A 1st Edition and an Unlimited Shining Gyarados are different markets for the same art, so settle the print before you negotiate. Demand a clear photo of the Shining Gyarados holo for any raw purchase.