Charizard VMAX - SC Starter Set VMAX (Triple Starter Set) [002/021]

Name: Charizard VMAX - SC Starter Set VMAX (Triple Starter Set) [002/021]
Brand: The Collector
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Japanese Charizard VMAX Pokemon card, number 002/021 from the Sword & Shield era, showing the orange dragon in Gigantamax form with flames. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$15 - $35

Rarity

Average(4/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: CHARIZARD VMAX - SC STARTER SET VMAX (TRIPLE STARTER SET) [002/021]

This is a Japanese Charizard VMAX from the 'Sword & Shield Starter Set VMAX Charizard' (later released as part of the Triple Starter Set). The card features the Gigantamax form of Charizard, illustrated by aky CG Works, showcasing the iconic massive wings of flame and belly-diamonds. This specific variant is the non-holofoil version typically found in the Japanese construction decks, featuring 330 HP and the powerful 'G-Max Wildfire' (Kyodai Gokuen) attack which deals 300 damage.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese MythologyModern/Heisei-era interpretation

Charizard's fire-breathing dragon design echoes the 'Ryu' or Western-influenced dragons, representing untamed elemental power.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Competitive TCG play and 'deck building' where this card serves as a high-damage finishing piece.
•The 'unboxing' or 'deck opening' experience where this card is the primary reveal.

Meaning Through Time

1990s

Charizard symbolized the peak of rare 'Base Set' collecting.

2020s

Charizard serves as a primary driver of modern market liquidity and cross-generational investment.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

Released in March 2020 in Japan, this card served as the centerpiece for the VMAX Starter Deck. During the Sword & Shield era, Charizard remained the ultimate 'chase' subject, and this specific artwork became the baseline for several high-value Western variants, including the Champion's Path Secret Rare. In the competitive meta of the time, its 300-damage output was a significant benchmark, though the energy discard cost required specific deck build-around strategies.

COLLECTOR INTEL

While the English version of this artwork is a high-rarity 'Ultra Rare' in packs, this specific Japanese print was guaranteed as a lead card in its starter deck.

The Gigantamax form depicted here is canonically over 92 feet tall in the Galar region lore.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

Correct Japanese 'Sword & Shield' back design with high-quality printing
Font weight and spacing in the '330 HP' and attack text match authentic deck prints
Card number 002/021 correctly identifies the non-holo starter deck variant

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

High confidence due to very clear images of both front and back, allowing for precise identification of the specific deck-variant and a thorough check of centering and corner wear.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Set code 'SC' and card number 002/021 confirm this is specifically the Starter Set VMAX (Charizard) version.
2Absence of holofoil pattern is correct for this specific starter deck printing.
3Japanese back design features the modern 'Sun & Moon/Sword & Shield' era Pokeball layout.
4High-resolution printing shows crisp border lines and no 'dot matrix' patterns indicative of fakes.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Inspect the side profile to ensure the signature black 'layer' of genuine card stock is visible.
→Place in a penny sleeve and top-loader immediately to preserve the specified 'Mint' condition.

CONDITION & GRADE

PSA 9-10

Grading breakdown

The user specifies 'Mint' condition, which aligns with the lack of visible surface scratches or edge wear. However, minor centering shifts on the reverse likely cap this at a Mint 9 rather than a Gem Mint 10 if submitted for formal grading.

Condition

The card visually presents in exceptional condition. Front centering is slightly heavy toward the left; rear centering shows a slight bias toward the top-right. No visible silvering on the edges or whitening on the rear corners.

Surface

Standard modern Japanese card stock with a matte finish; notably, this variant lacks the textured etching found on 'Full Art' or 'Hyper Rare' versions of the same art.

Weight & feel

Typical lightweight Japanese card stock, which is slightly thinner and more flexible than Western (English) card stock.

TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE

$15 - $35

Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Who buys this

Entry-level Charizard collectors and Japanese Pokémon set completists who prefer the unique 'clean' look of Japanese card stock.

What increases value

•Charizard character popularity
•High condition grade (Mint/Gem Mint potential)
•Japanese language appeal for localized collectors

What lowers value

•Abundant supply as it was a guaranteed pull in a starter deck
•Non-holofoil status makes it less desirable than its 'Shiny' or 'Hyper Rare' counterparts
•Minor centering shift on the reverse

What makes top-tier examples

•Perfect 50/50 centering on both sides
•Absence of 'print lines' which are occasionally found on these factory-sealed decks

Grade & condition

Surface scratches (unlikely here), corner whitening, and centering ratios.

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandSells quickly

Browse similar trading cards objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCANNER FINDINGS

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

User stated 'Original/Authentic' - print quality, typography, and card back are consistent with genuine Japanese production.
User stated 'Mint' - visual inspection confirms sharp corners and clean edges with no visible surface damage.