Charizard VSTAR - VSTAR Universe (RRR) [s12a-014/172]

Name: Charizard VSTAR - VSTAR Universe (RRR) [s12a-014/172]
Brand: antoine
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Japanese Charizard VSTAR trading card from the VSTAR Universe set, showing holographic foil and gold borders in a protective sleeve. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$5 - $12

Rarity

Average(4/10)

CHARIZARD VSTAR - VSTAR UNIVERSE (RRR) [S12A-014/172]: IDENTIFICATION

Japanese holofoil trading card featuring Charizard in its VSTAR form. The card displays a Triple Rare (RRR) rarity designation, characterized by a textured holofoil finish and 'VSTAR' mechanic branding. It includes the attacks 'Explosive Fire' (130+) and the VSTAR Power 'Star Blaze' (320 damage). The bottom left corner identifies the set as s12a, VSTAR Universe, with card number 014/172.

Compare with other trading cards in the archive: M Charizard EX - Flashfire (Secret Rare) [108/106], Alolan Golem GX - Crimson Invasion (Hyper Rare) [113/111], Dialga GX - Forbidden Light (Hyper Rare) [164/156].

SET RELEASE & PRINT RUN

Released on December 2, 2022, in Japan as part of the High-Class Pack VSTAR Universe (s12a), this set served as the final expansion of the Sword & Shield era. Unlike standard expansions, High-Class Packs are known for high pull rates of holofoil cards and are heavily collected for their inclusion ...

COLLECTOR INTEL

The VSTAR Universe set had such high demand that Pokémon Center Japan implemented a lottery system for its initial December 2022 release.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

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

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 125 trading cards items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

Holographic pattern and font match known s12a production standards
Correct Japanese 'VSTAR' reverse side design
Consistent set-code and card number alignment

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

The card is well-lit and clearly identifies all official markers including set code, card number, and rarity tier; however, micro-surface condition cannot be fully verified through a sleeve.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Visible set code 's12a' confirms origin from VSTAR Universe (2022).
2Triple Rare (RRR) rarity marker visible in bottom left corner.
3Japanese language text and original back design confirm regional variant.
45ban Graphics artist credit matches official production records.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Centering remains the primary obstacle to a Gem Mint 10 assessment if submitted for grading.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Remove from sleeve carefully to check for surface micro-scratches under a 10x jeweler's loupe.
→Verify the four-digit holographic print pattern against a known authentic s12a card.

CONDITION & GRADE

PSA 8-9

Grading breakdown

Clean surface and sharp edges; minor top-to-bottom centering variance on the reverse side prevents a higher raw grade estimate.

Condition

The card appears in excellent condition with sharp corners and clean edges visible through the sleeve. Front centering shows a slight left-to-right bias but remains within acceptable factory tolerances for raw specimens.

TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE

$5 - $12

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Who buys this

Casual Charizard fans and set-completionists looking for standard versions of popular cards.

What increases value

•Charizard character premium - always the most liquid character in the franchise
•Mint condition edges and corners

What lowers value

•High print volume of the RRR tier compared to the SAR chase variants
•Raw market saturation for standard VSTAR Universe cards

What makes top-tier examples

•Perfect 50/50 centering on both front and back
•Absence of 'corner whitening' (chipping) on the dark blue reverse edges

Grade & condition

Centering (60/40 limit for PSA 10), corner whitening, and surface silvering on the foil borders.

Rarity & demand

AverageHigh demandSells quickly

Browse similar trading cards objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCAN

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

What Aligned

User context 'Japonai' correctly aligns with the visible Japanese text and reverse-side design.
User context 'Vstar' aligns with the visible VSTAR mechanic and card type.
User context '2000-2026' encompasses the 2022 release date of VSTAR Universe.