Ever pulled a card from a booster pack that just made you stop and stare? You know the one—the artwork explodes off the card, covering every inch with vibrant color and incredible detail. That feeling is the magic of Full Art Pokemon Cards! These aren’t just game pieces; they are miniature masterpieces that collectors chase worldwide.
But hunting down the perfect Full Art can feel overwhelming. Should you focus on shiny textures, rare characters, or maybe just the ones that look the coolest? Knowing which ones hold value and which ones truly stand out in a collection takes real know-how. It’s easy to spend time and money on the wrong card!
This guide cuts through the clutter. We will break down exactly what makes a Full Art card special. You will learn how to spot the best ones, understand their appeal, and build a collection you are truly proud of. Get ready to turn those jaw-dropping pulls into smart collecting decisions!
Top Full Art Pokemon Cards Recommendations
- 5 Assorted Trainer Gallery / Illustration Rare Pokemon cards
- Stunning holographic art work!
- Immerse yourself in the world of Pokemon!
- Collect your favorite Character Rares and Pokemon!
- No duplicates! Will receive 5 different cards!
- 5 Assorted Ultra Rare Pokemon cards
- Variety may include all but not limited to only - V / Ex / Gx
- Will receive 5 different cards! No duplicates!
- Immerse yourself in the world of Pokemon!
- Collect powerful Pokemon!
- Authenticated by a third party authenticator
- Includes an individually numbered, tamper-evident hologram
- Whether a sports enthusiast or movie buff or music lover our authenticated memorabilia collection offers a unique opportunity to own pieces with genuine signatures to add quality and significance to your collection
- Single Pokemon Card
- 5 Assorted Full Art Trainer Pokemon Cards
- Will receive 1 Secret Rare Card - Assorted Gold Trainer, Rainbow Supporter, or Illustration Rare Supporter
- Will receive 4 Full Art Etched Trainer cards!
- Collect your favorite Characters from the video games and TV show!
- No Duplicates! Will receive 5 different cards!
- Pokemon TCG : 100 CARD LOT RARE, COMMON, UNC, HOLO OR FULL ART
- AMAZING GIFT FOR KIDS! ULTRA RARE & HOLO RARES
- Each lot includes a great assortment cards from the Pokemon Trading Card Game
- Cards are Near Mint Mint condition and English!
- Single Card
- in near mint condition
- Single Pokemon Card
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Full Art Pokémon Cards
Full Art Pokémon cards are some of the most exciting cards collectors chase. They feature stunning artwork that covers the entire card surface, making them look incredible. If you want to add these beautiful cards to your collection, this guide will help you pick the best ones.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a Full Art card, you must check a few things to ensure you get what you expect.
1. Artwork Coverage and Detail
- Full Coverage: A true Full Art card has artwork that stretches from edge to edge. The text boxes are usually semi-transparent or integrated neatly into the design.
- Texture: Many modern Full Art cards have a noticeable, raised texture you can feel with your fingers. This texture often follows the lines of the Pokémon’s design. This is a huge sign of a high-quality card.
- Rarity Symbol: Always check the bottom corner. Full Art cards usually have a secret rare (like a ‘Secret Rare’ or ‘Alternate Art’) symbol, which helps confirm its special status.
2. Card Subtypes
Not all Full Arts are the same. Know what you are buying:
- Standard Full Art (V/EX/GX): These feature the Pokémon taking up most of the space with a consistent background pattern.
- Alternate Art (Alt Art): These are the most popular right now. They show the Pokémon interacting with their environment in a unique scene (e.g., a Pikachu sitting by a campfire). These are often the most valuable.
- Rainbow Rares/Hyper Rares: These cards have a rainbow sheen or a solid gold/silver look over the entire card.
Important Materials and Construction
Pokémon cards are made from a specific type of card stock. Understanding the material helps you judge the card’s durability.
Card Stock Thickness
Good Full Art cards use thick, high-quality card stock. Thin, flimsy cards often indicate a counterfeit or a poorly made product. You should feel a satisfying weight when holding a genuine card.
Holo Foiling
The holographic material under the artwork must be smooth and vibrant. On legitimate cards, the shine is consistent. If the holo looks patchy or peels away easily, the card is likely fake.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The condition of the card drastically affects its value and appeal. Collectors use grading terms to describe quality.
Factors that Improve Quality (Near Mint/Mint Condition)
- Centering: The artwork should look perfectly centered within the borders. If the art is heavily skewed to one side, the quality score drops.
- Edge Condition: The edges must be sharp and clean, without any white showing where the card surface has rubbed off.
- Surface Integrity: Look closely for scratches, dents, or print lines across the artwork. A perfect, smooth surface earns the highest marks.
Factors that Reduce Quality (Played Condition)
Cards that have been played with often show wear. Creases (hard folds), deep scratches, or water damage severely reduce the card’s value. Always inspect the corners; rounded or fuzzy corners mean the card is worn.
User Experience and Use Cases
Why do people buy Full Art cards?
Collecting and Display
The primary use is collecting. People buy these cards because they are beautiful pieces of art. They look fantastic when displayed in a binder or a protective case. Collectors often seek out cards featuring their favorite Pokémon.
Investment Potential
Many collectors buy Full Art cards hoping they will increase in value over time, especially Alternate Arts from newer sets. If you buy a card intending to sell it later, keeping it in a protective sleeve immediately is crucial.
Gameplay (Less Common)
While you *can* use Full Art cards in official games, most players prefer to use cheaper, standard versions. This protects the expensive Full Art card from damage during play. If you use one, make sure it is sleeved properly to protect it.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Full Art Pokémon Cards
Q: What is the difference between a regular Full Art and an Alternate Art?
A: A standard Full Art usually has a patterned background, while an Alternate Art shows a unique scene where the Pokémon is interacting with nature or other objects. Alternate Arts are usually rarer and cost more.
Q: Are all Full Art cards holographic?
A: Yes, almost all modern Full Art cards have some form of holographic or shiny finish integrated into the artwork to make them stand out.
Q: How can I tell if my Full Art card is fake?
A: Check the texture; fakes often feel smooth. Also, compare the font and color saturation to a known real card. Real cards have crisp, clear printing.
Q: Do Full Art cards always cost more than regular rare cards?
A: Yes, because they are much harder to pull from booster packs, Full Art cards almost always have a higher market price.
Q: What does “Near Mint” mean for a Full Art card?
A: Near Mint (NM) means the card looks almost perfect. It might have one or two tiny flaws, like a tiny speck of whitening on an edge, but it looks great overall.
Q: Should I put my Full Art card in a plastic sleeve right away?
A: Absolutely! You should always immediately put a valuable Full Art card into a soft plastic sleeve, followed by a hard top-loader or a binder page for maximum protection.
Q: What set has the most popular Full Art cards right now?
A: Sets like *Evolving Skies* and *Crown Zenith* are very popular because they contain highly sought-after Alternate Art cards.
Q: Can I use a Full Art card in official Pokémon TCG tournaments?
A: Yes, as long as the card is sleeved and is an official version, it is legal to play with. However, most players keep them safe at home.
Q: What makes the texture on modern Full Arts important?
A: The texture is proof of the card’s authenticity and printing quality. If a modern Full Art card is perfectly smooth, it is probably not genuine.
Q: How often do you pull a Full Art card from a booster pack?
A: Pull rates vary by set, but generally, you might expect to pull one ultra-rare card (which includes Full Arts) roughly every 10 to 15 booster packs.