“What is a Reverse Holo Pokemon card?”
I also had the same question when I started watching content creators on YouTube as they open a bunch of booster packs.
And like me, you might have already heard the term Reverse Holo multiple times, and if you’re just a beginner in Pokemon TCG, knowing what it means must be a part of your basic vocabulary as a card enthusiast.
So, for this article, we’re going to discuss everything you need to know about Reverse Holo cards, such as what they are, what makes them unique, and if they are worth anything of value.
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What Is a Reverse Holo Pokemon Card?
A Reverse Holo Pokemon card is a type of Holofoil card wherein the entirety of the card is printed with a metallic finish, making it appear shiny except the artwork.
Such card type was called reverse because a regular Holofoil will have a shiny metallic finish all around the card, including the artwork.
Reverse Holofoil cards entered the Pokemon TCG scene in May 2002 with the release of the Legendary Collection Series.
Holo vs. Reverse Holo Pokemon Cards
If you will compare Holofoils to Reverse Holos, Reverse Holos often stand out as their artwork is much easier to look at, and additional decorative patterns are added outside their art boxes.
But of course, the debate about which is better between Holo and Reverse Holo remains a matter of personal preference.
Apparently, Reverse Holos tend to be cheaper than their Holo counterparts.
Are Reverse Holos Valuable?
A Pokemon card printed as a Reverse Holo can be treated as any other cards. The only unique feature they have is the way they are printed, so their value may still depend on their rarity, as well as supply and demand.
Reverse Holo Pull Rate
In the latest sets, specifically those from the Scarlet & Violet era, you are guaranteed to get at least two Reverse Holos for every pack, making their actual rarity comparable to rare cards.
However, it is still possible for some Reverse Holos to receive hype from the community, making them extremely hard to find and expensive.
Most Expensive Reverse Holos in the Market
Notable examples of high value Reverse Holo cards are those from the Legendary Collection expansion, including this classic copy of Charizard, which has the same artwork as the 1999 1st Edition Charizard:
Other highly-sought after Reverse Pokemon cards can also be found in Skyridge, which was released a year after the Legendary Collection.
A Reverse Holo Ho-oh card from Skyridge is currently priced at $448, while this Reverse Holo Charizard from the same set can be sold ungraded at $3,500!
More contents about expensive Pokemon cards in PokeCardHQ’s Collector’s Corner.
How to Take Care of Your Reverse Holo Collection?
Now that you know what is a Reverse Holo Pokemon card, it’s time to give you some advice as to how you can store and keep them as pristine as possible.
The most common problem with foil cards like Holos and Reverse Holos is that they have the tendency to warp and curl.
Such a problem usually happens if you put your foil cards in a room with high humidity. And if you’re like me who’s living in a tropical country, things might get even worse if you do nothing to your collection.
Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to prevent your cards from warping if you have the following:
1. Card Sleeves
Investing in card sleeves can protect your foil Pokemon cards from the air’s humidity.
If the sleeve won’t work, you can have them double sleeved, which I don’t recommend, since you might find yourself overspending on card accessories.
2. Airtight Card Boxes
An airtight card storage with a piece of desiccant can keep your cards dry and unexposed to outside elements.
Are Reverse Holo Pokemon Cards Legal?
Yes, you are allowed to use Reverse Holo Pokemon cards in tournaments given the condition that they don’t occupy all or most slots in your deck.
Additionally, every Reverse Holo card in your deck must not exhibit features that make them very easy to identify while face down, so this means that you have to keep them flat and free from warping and curling.
But remember, all rules regarding the usage of such cards may vary, so it’s better to ask the tournament organizers first before adding any Reverse Holos to your deck build.
Related article: Pokemon TCG Rotation: A Complete Format Guide
Final Thoughts
Reverse Holo cards are still Holos with the sole difference of having a non-shiny artwork. Their shiny decorations come in different designs and patterns to keep them unique and more related to their actual card type.
It’s fun to collect Reverse Holo cards, so if it’s your thing to find more of them, feel free to do so. Amassing massive piles of these cards is a good idea, especially for those who want to focus their collection on a particular printing of Pokemon cards.
You can also use Reverse Holo copies of cards in tournaments, as long as they’re all in good condition.
Are you planning to get more Reverse Holo cards from now on? Let us know in the comments section below!
Also, it would help us a lot if you’ll check more of our contents here on PokecardHQ, your best site for everything Pokemon TCG.
