It’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years since the introduction of the iconic Dark Gyarados 1995 card. While it was first released as part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s Team Rocket expansion, it quickly became one of the most sought-after cards in the franchise’s history.
But what exactly makes the Dark Gyarados card so special? And why are fans still celebrating its existence 25 years later? In this article, we’ll dive into the history of the Dark Gyarados 1995 card, its rarity, and how much it’s worth today.
Dark Gyarados 1995 Celebrations: A Rarity in the Trading Card World
When the Team Rocket expansion was released in 1999, it introduced a new type of card that would change the game forever: the Dark Pokémon. These cards featured the same characters fans had grown to love, but with a sinister twist. The set introduced Dark versions of some of the game’s most popular characters, including Charizard, Blastoise, and of course, Gyarados.
The Dark Gyarados card was not only unique in its design but also in its rarity. It was the first holo card to be included in the Team Rocket set and quickly became a favorite among collectors. And while the set itself wasn’t rare, the Dark Gyarados card, in particular, was difficult to obtain due to its low print run.
What Pack is Dark Gyarados in?
The Dark Gyarados card was part of the Team Rocket expansion set and could be found in the booster packs for that set.
Dark Gyarados 1st Edition and PreRelease
Not only was the Dark Gyarados card rare due to a low print run, but it was also made even more valuable by the fact that it was only released as a 1st Edition and PreRelease. The 1st Edition stamp can be found in the bottom left corner of the card and indicates that it was printed during the first print run of the set. A PreRelease card is a promotional card that was given out to participants in a pre-release event before the official release of the set.
Is Dark Gyarados Rare?
Yes, the Dark Gyarados card is rare and highly sought after. It’s not only valued for its rarity but also for its unique design and status as one of the most popular cards in the Team Rocket set.
How much is a Dark Gyarados made in 1995 worth?
The value of a Dark Gyarados card can vary widely depending on many factors, including its condition, edition, and whether or not it’s been professionally graded. However, an ungraded first-edition Dark Gyarados card in near-mint condition can sell for several hundred dollars.
Dark Gyarados Price
The price of Dark Gyarados cards can vary depending on condition, edition, rarity, and other factors. As mentioned, a 1st Edition, near-mint condition Dark Gyarados card can sell for several hundred dollars. However, prices for lower-grade versions of the card can be much lower.
Dark Gyarados 25th Anniversary Japanese
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, a special Japanese set was released in 2021 called the Silver Lance and Jet Black Spirit expansion. This set includes a commemorative Dark Gyarados holo card that features the original Dark Gyarados design but with updated artwork and a silver anniversary stamp.
Dark Gyarados 8/82 PreRelease
The 8/82 PreRelease Dark Gyarados card is a highly sought-after version of the card that was only given out to participants in the Team Rocket PreRelease event. It features a different artwork than the regular printing of the card and has a “PreRelease” stamp in the bottom right corner. Due to its rarity, this version of the card can sell for thousands of dollars.
What is the Rarest Gyarados?
While the Dark Gyarados card is undoubtedly rare and highly sought after, it’s not necessarily the rarest version of the Gyarados card. Other rare Gyarados cards include the Shining Gyarados card, which was released as part of the Neo Revelation expansion in 2001, and the Gold Star Gyarados card, which was released as part of the Delta Species expansion in 2005.
Final Thoughts
The Dark Gyarados 1995 card is a piece of Pokémon Trading Card Game history that has stood the test of time. It’s rarity and unique design have made it a highly sought-after card among collectors, and its 25th-anniversary celebration in 2021 is a testament to its enduring popularity.
Whether you’re a long-time collector or just getting started with the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the Dark Gyarados card is a must-have for any serious collection. So, if you happen to come across a first-edition, near-mint version of the card, you might want to hold onto it for a while – it could be worth a pretty penny in the future.