Magneton LV.30 - Evolutions (Holo Rare) [30/108]

Name: Magneton LV.30 - Evolutions (Holo Rare) [30/108]
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

English Pokémon TCG Magneton Holo Rare card from the Evolutions set, card number 30/108, featuring Ken Sugimori artwork.

Estimated value

$2 - $8

Rarity

Average(4/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: MAGNETON LV.30 - EVOLUTIONS (HOLO RARE) [30/108]

This is a "Magneton" Pokémon trading card, explicitly identified as a Stage 1 Pokémon evolving from Magnemite, with 80 HP. The artwork, by Ken Sugimori, features three Magneton units floating in what appears to be an electrified or sparkling background, indicative of its Electric/Steel typing. The card specifies its attacks as "Thunder Wave" (30 damage, with a chance to Paralyze) and "Self-Destruct" (80 damage, with self-inflicted damage). The card's set symbol and numbering identify it as a Holo Rare from the Evolutions set, specifically card 30/108, printed in English.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese Mythology/FolkloreShinto to modern era

Magneton, like many Electric-type Pokémon, draws inspiration from Japanese folklore surrounding kami and yōkai associated with natural phenomena, particularly lightning and storms. Its metallic, industrial design also taps into the 'mecha' aesthetic prominent in Japanese popular culture.

Electromagnetism/ScienceLate 19th Century to present

The fundamental concept of Magneton's design, three Magnemite connected by magnetic forces, directly reflects the principles of electromagnetism, making it an accessible, engaging representation of scientific concepts for a young audience.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Collecting as a hobby: The pursuit of completing sets and acquiring rare variants forms a significant ritualistic aspect of the Pokémon TCG community.
•Strategic gameplay: Players engage in card battles, constructing decks and executing strategies based on card abilities, mirroring tactical games and competitive sports.
•Celebrating franchise milestones: The Evolutions set itself was a celebratory release for the Pokémon franchise's 20th anniversary, creating a 'ritual' of nostalgia and historical appreciation among fans.

Meaning Through Time

1990s-early 2000s (Base Set era)

Magneton represented a powerful Stage 1 Pokémon, often used for its unique abilities and moderate damage output in competitive play. Its evolution from Magnemite was an early example of multi-stage creature design.

2010s (Evolutions release)

This particular Magneton card from the Evolutions set carries a strong nostalgic value, symbolizing the early days of the Pokémon TCG while being playable with modern rules. It's a bridge between the game's past and present.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

The Evolutions set, released in 2016, was designed as a modern reinterpretation of the original Base Set, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise. This Magneton card, therefore, pays homage to the classic design and mechanics of early Pokémon cards while incorporating contemporary card frame elements. Magneton itself is an iconic Generation I Pokémon, known for its unique evolution concept where three Magnemite join together, reflecting early Pokémon design principles that often blended everyday objects with elemental themes.

COLLECTOR INTEL

Magneton's design is based on electromagnets, and its evolution from three Magnemite is a visual representation of magnetic polarity attracting and combining.

The Evolutions set, from which this card originates, was released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokémon, reintroducing classic Base Set Pokémon with updated card layouts and mechanics.

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

Common card from a widely distributed modern set.
No obvious print errors or material inconsistencies seen from front.
Reproduction of this specific card is not financially rewarding enough to be widely faked.

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

High confidence in identification of the card, set, rarity, and artist due to clear text, set symbol, and number. Confidence in condition and value is moderate given the limited view and image quality typical for raw cards.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Card text clearly identifies it as 'Magneton' with LV.30 and 80 HP.
2Set code '30/108' and copyright '©2016 Pokémon' confirm it is from the 'XY—Evolutions' set.
3The presence of a visible holographic pattern on the artwork indicates it is the 'Holo Rare' variant.
4Artwork is identifiable as by Ken Sugimori, the primary Pokémon character designer.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Back of the card is not visible, preventing assessment of back centering, edge wear, and any potential indentations or marks.
•Image quality is not high enough to definitively assess surface condition (e.g., micro-scratches, print lines) or pinpoint accuracy of edges and corners for grading potential.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Provide clear, well-lit images of the card's back to assess centering and any back surface/edge wear.
→Take detailed close-up images of all four corners and edges to check for whitening or damage.
→Upload a video or image under angled light to inspect the holographic foil for scratches or print lines.
→Provide an image of the card inside a penny sleeve and top loader for safer handling and viewing.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Based on the image, the card appears to be in moderately played to near-mint raw condition. There's some visible edge wear, particularly on the bottom and right edges, and possibly some surface scratching discernible under direct light, though this isn't fully clear. The centering looks reasonable from the front, but a view of the back is needed for full assessment.

Surface

The card exhibits a glossy holographic surface on the art portion, characteristic of a Holo Rare. The borders appear to be a standard matte card stock. Given the visible reflections, the surface integrity on the holographic area is crucial for condition.

Weight & feel

Standard for a Pokémon trading card; lightweight and flexible but sturdy enough to maintain its form. Composed of several layers of paper and plastic.