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Altaria - VSTAR Universe (Art Rare) [s12a-194/172]

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Estimated value

$25 - $45

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Category

Trading Cards

Brand

Pokémon

Era

2022

Origin

Japan

Artist / Creator

Asako Ito

Visual assessment

Photo-based interpretation · not authenticated

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ALTARIA - VSTAR UNIVERSE (ART RARE) [S12A-194/172]: IDENTIFICATION

This Japanese-language Altaria card features the Art Rare (AR) variant from the High-Class Pack VSTAR Universe set. The artwork by Asako Ito utilizes a signature amigurumi (crocheted) style, depicting Altaria sitting on a bed in a warmly lit room. The card is a Stage 1 Dragon-type Pokémon with 90 HP, featuring the 'Tempting Tune' Ability (いざなうしらべ) and the Glide attack (かっくう). It is securely housed in a third-generation PSA sonic-welded slab with a red-bordered label.

Compare with other trading cards in the archive: Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR (Special Illustration Rare) [s12a-234], Origin Palkia V (Special Illustration Rare) [S10P-071], Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX (Alternate Art Secret Rare) [SWSH05 170/163].

SET RELEASE & PRINT RUN

Released in Japan on December 2, 2022, VSTAR Universe served as the final High-Class subset of the Sword & Shield Era. This set introduced the Art Rare rarity tier to the Japanese market, focusing on full-bleed illustrations that prioritize artistic storytelling over traditional game mechanics.

Read full story

Parallel English releases appeared in the Crown Zenith expansion in early 2023.

SCARCITY

Average · 4/10 estimated rarity

This is a qualitative collection score, not a measured survival count, market percentile or proof of authenticity.

Visual assessment

Photographs alone cannot establish authenticity. The following analysis notes have not been independently verified; references to a match or confirmation are interpretations, not documentary evidence.

  • PSA slab shows correct security holographic features
  • Certification number is formatted correctly for recent 11-series submissions
  • Print quality and texture on the card face match known s12a production standards
What photo analysis can and cannot establish

ANALYSIS NOTES

AI-assisted notes based on the photographs and supplied context. These are interpretations, not an examination by a human specialist or proof of authenticity.

The card identification, set details, and grading authentication are clearly visible through high-resolution images of both the front and back of the slab.

OBSERVATIONS & INTERPRETATIONS

  • 1Confirmed set symbol for s12a (VSTAR Universe) in the bottom left corner.
  • 2Card number 194/172 identifies it as a Secret Rare (Art Rare) tier.
  • 3PSA label typography and font spacing match current authentic lighthouse-label standards.
  • 4Asako Ito's distinctive crochet-photography style is present and consistent with her other TCG contributions.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Verify the certification number directly on the PSA Smash website for registry confirmation.
  • →Check the slab for the 'PSA' etched logo in the bottom right corner of the plastic.
COLLECTOR GLOSSARY (3 terms)
Art Rare (AR)
A rarity tier featuring full-card illustrations, usually categorized as Secret Rares.
Gem Mint 10
The highest standard grade, indicating a card is virtually perfect to the naked eye.
Slab
A protective sonic-welded acrylic case used by professional grading companies.

Condition & estimated grade

A visual condition estimate. This is not a professional grading certificate.

PSA 10

Grading breakdown

Official PSA Gem Mint 10 grade. Registry number 111302914. Centering appears 50/50 on the front and back; corners are sharp with no visible paper loss or silvering.

Condition

The card is professionally graded Gem Mint 10 by PSA. Visual inspection confirms excellent top-to-bottom and left-to-right centering on the face. The reverse shows clean blue borders free of the 'whitening' often found on Japanese high-class pack cards.

TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE

$25 - $45

Estimate recorded: May 11, 2026

Estimate context (not a documented sale): Recent sales on eBay and PriceCharting for PSA 10 copies of this card have fluctuated between $30 and $45 USD in 2024.

Who buys this

Entry-level slab collectors and 'set-builders' looking to complete a PSA 10 VSTAR Universe master set.

What increases value

  • •PSA 10 grade carries a significant premium over raw copies
  • •Popularity of Asako Ito's unique crochet art style among niche collectors

What lowers value

  • •High population reports for modern Art Rares can limit long-term price appreciation
  • •Potential for price softening if Japanese market supply increases

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Perfect 50/50 centering
  • •Absence of print lines, which occasionally plague High-Class Pack holos

Grade & condition

Centering, surface print lines, and corner sharpness are the primary determinants for Art Rares.

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandSells quickly
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For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

TH

The Collector

Relic Hunter•166 items

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