You’re probably reading this article because you recently heard a Pokemon TCG maniac bragging about that time they pulled a valuable holo bleed card.
If you scratched your head and wondered what the hell they meant by holo bleed, we got your back! Read on to learn what it means, as well as how it affects the value of a card.
Whether you’ve just started collecting Pokemon cards or have been in the hobby for years, it’s easy to overlook this term. Holo bleeds often look nearly identical to regular holos, making them less of a bigger deal for most people.
For those who aren’t familiar with what holos are, we previously posted a separate guide about reverse holo cards, which also contain information about what regular holos look like.
Anyway, without further ado, let’s get right into all the things you need to know the next time you encounter the term holo bleed and how to spot one since there’s a good chance that you might have one in your collection right now.
Key Highlights:
- Holo bleed Pokemon cards are a unique type of holo where foil patterns appear in areas that are normally non-holo, such as the background or artwork.
- To tell if a card is a holo bleed, check its surface in a well-lit room.
- Holo bleed Pokemon cards are usually more valuable than their regular versions.
What Is Holo Bleed in Pokemon TCG?
A holo bleed is a rare type of holographic card where the foil pattern extends into areas that are typically non-holo.
For example, a regular holo usually had that shiny glow all around its illustration box and border. If you look closer at that regular holo and notice some faint holographic patterns in the background, especially around the text section, it is what you call a holo bleed.
For reverse holos, the foil effect typically covers the card’s border and background, while the illustration itself remains non-holo. With a holo bleed, however, that shine spills into the artwork as well, causing even the illustration to reflect the holographic pattern.
With holo patterns “leaking” in areas of the card where they shouldn’t be, the term “holo bleed” was coined.
How to Tell If a Card Is a Holo Bleed
When checking if a card has holo bleed signs, make sure that you’re in a well-lit place where the card can easily reflect light.
Make sure that you’re actually seeing clear holographic patterns within the non-holo area, and take a closer look at it to confirm that it’s not just a reverse holo card.
If the holographic patterns of the card you’re checking are present in all parts of the card, there’s a good chance that it’s not a holo bleed and it’s actually the way it was printed, like this Master Ball card featuring Pikachu.
Why Fans Are Looking for Holo Bleed Cards
Holo bleeds don’t differ that much from their regular counterparts, but why does a seemingly simple trait make many collectors go looking for it? The answer is simple: when it comes to trading cards, oddity plays an important role.
The more unique traits a card has, the more likely it is to be sought after by collectors. In the case of holo bleed Pokemon cards, it’s just one of several factors buyers and sellers consider when determining value. These cards are often grouped alongside misprints and other types of printing errors.
Final Thoughts
While a holo bleed Pokemon card doesn’t give that much of an aesthetic improvement compared to regular holos, it’s a clear indicator that a specific card is more valuable than usual.
Keep in mind that the increase in value might not be that big, especially for non-chase cards. A handful of cards, however, especially those that are low in supply, might get a massive jump in value, but they are quite rare.
If you’re unsure if a card is a holo bleed or not, it’s better to visit your local card shop and look for a second opinion, especially from those who already have a holo bleed collection of their own.
For more guides that shed light on various things related to Pokemon TCG, check out more of our content here at PokeCardHQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is holo bleed an error?
Technically yes, but we can consider it a type of error that manufacturers of Pokemon cards can’t avoid, especially since holo bleed cards are caused by insufficient white ink during printing.
Is holo bleed an error?
Technically yes, but we can consider it a type of error that manufacturers of Pokemon cards can’t avoid, especially since holo bleed cards are caused by insufficient white ink during printing.
Does holo bleed affect grading?
No, because holo bleed is more of a printing trait, and it doesn’t affect the physical condition of a card in any way. If you want a holo bleed card graded, you should pay more attention to the condition of its borders, corners, and centering.
Is holo bleed rare?
Holo bleed cards aren’t necessarily rare in terms of overall supply, as the printing issue that causes them is relatively common in factories. However, rarity can change when you look at specific cards, especially older or high-demand ones like a holo Charizard from a classic set.
In those cases, a valuable Charizard with a holo bleed can command a significantly higher price on the market.
