Skarmory · Expedition Base Set, what to know.
About the Skarmory card
Skarmory is card 27 of 165 in Expedition Base Set, released in September 2002, a Rare Holo. It is a Basic Metal-type with 60 HP.
As a Basic Pokémon, Skarmory needs no prior evolution to put into play, which made it a practical card in the era's decks.
Illustrated by Kimiya Masago.
What is Skarmory worth?
Skarmory is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Expedition Base Set'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, Expedition Base Set 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
Confirm the print and finish on Skarmory before pricing it, since variant and rarity set the market more than the card name alone.
Grading and condition
Expect the holo window to set the grade on Skarmory. Print misregistration and fine scratches in the metal foil are the usual reasons a copy lands at a 9, and edge whitening against the frame is the next thing a grader notes.
If you are collecting Skarmory
Buying Skarmory well means pricing the exact print and grade, not the card name. The 1st Edition Skarmory trades above the Unlimited copy, so confirm the stamp before you agree a number. Always see the holo surface in good light first.
