Blaziken VMAX (Alternate Art Secret Rare) [Chilling Reign 201/198]

Name: Blaziken VMAX (Alternate Art Secret Rare) [Chilling Reign 201/198]
Brand: adeboer
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Pokémon Blaziken VMAX Alternate Art Secret Rare card from the Chilling Reign set, number 201/198. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$180 - $240

Rarity

Rare(7/10)

BLAZIKEN VMAX (ALTERNATE ART SECRET RARE) [CHILLING REIGN 201/198]: IDENTIFICATION

This is a high-value Alternate Art Secret Rare of Blaziken VMAX from the Sword & Shield: Chilling Reign expansion. The card features a dynamic, playful illustration by Shigenori Negishi, showcasing a giant Blaziken towering over a traditional Japanese-style building where several smaller Pokémon (including Zangoose and Sobble) are depicted in a miniature scene. This 'Special Illustration' style is sought after for its departure from standard game 3D renders in favor of unique artistic interpretations.

Compare with other trading cards in the archive: Boldore - Sun & Moon: Guardians Rising (Common) [SM2A 70/149], Blaziken VMAX (Secret Rare - Alternate Art) [Chilling Reign 201/198], Cavallone Tropicale (Tropical Tidal Wave) - Italian 2006 World Championships Promo #36.

SET RELEASE & PRINT RUN

Released in June 2021, Chilling Reign was a cornerstone set for the 'Rapid Strike' and 'Single Strike' play mechanics. Blaziken is a fan-favorite starter from the Hoenn region (Generation III). This specific alternate art quickly became the 'chase card' of the expansion due to its vibrant color ...

SCARCITY

Rare90-95%

CommonLegendary

Exceptional items that serious collectors actively seek. Only a handful appear at major auctions each year.

Rarity 7/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 18 trading cards items at rarity 7 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Few examples at auction yearly
Specialist dealer networks
Strong collector competition

Confidence Factors

Font weight and text spacing appear consistent with authentic print runs.
Correct expansion symbol and set numbering for the Alternate Art variant.
Texture pattern is visible in light reflections, which is difficult for low-end fakes to replicate.

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

The card is clearly identifiable as a genuine Chilling Reign Alt Art due to the visible texture and correct fonts. Confidence is capped at 0.82 because the exact nature of the central line (scratch vs. crease) is hard to confirm without a tactile check.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Correct card ID: 201/198 (Secret Rare).
2Presence of proper textured 'etching' visible in the light reflections of the third image.
3Typography matches the Chilling Reign print standard.
4Significant damage/creasing across the center of the mid-section visible in all three samples.

UNCERTAINTIES

•The large horizontal mark across the center may indicate structural creasing rather than just a scratch, which devastates market value.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Clean the card surface gently with a microfiber cloth to distinguish debris from surface damage.
→Inspect the back of the card for whitening (edge wear) or matching crease marks.
→Place the card in a penny sleeve and top-loader immediately to prevent further damage.

CONDITION & GRADE

PSA 4-5

Grading breakdown

The most significant factor is the prominent horizontal line across the center of the artwork, which appears to be a physical crease or deep surface scratch. Without this, the card would have trended toward a 9, but structural damage significantly lowers the grade into the 'Very Good' to 'Excellent' range.

Condition

Visible heavy horizontal play wear or a deep scratch/crease across the center-left on the Blaziken's leg. Centering appears slightly bottom-heavy. There is noticeable debris and potential surface scuffing visible in the overhead lighting.