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Azumarill - Steam Siege (Ancient Trait / Shiny) [77/114]

A shiny yellow Azumarill Pokémon card from the Steam Siege set being held in a hand.

Estimated value

$2 - $12

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Category

Trading Cards

Brand

Pokémon

Era

2016

Origin

🇺🇸 United States

Artist / Creator

Sanosuke Sakuma

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
34

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: AZUMARILL - STEAM SIEGE (ANCIENT TRAIT / SHINY) [77/114]

A Dual Type Stage 1 Azumarill from the XY Steam Siege expansion. This specific variant is notable for its 'Shiny' coloration—featuring a golden-yellow body rather than the standard blue—and its 'Ancient Trait' (Theta Stop) indicated by the extended artwork frame and specific icon. The card's background features a split pink and blue color scheme, reflecting its Fairy and Water typing during the XY era. The artwork by Sanosuke Sakuma depicts the Aqua Rabbit Pokémon leaping through bubbles in a glittery, starry environment.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese FolkloreFolklore origins

Azumarill's design is heavily influenced by the 'Moon Rabbit' (Tsuki no Usagi) myth, often associated with water and longevity.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • Competitive TCG gameplay where 'Ancient Traits' provided tactical immunity to opponent's abilities.

Meaning Through Time

Pre-2013

Azumarill was viewed purely as a Water-type utility character.

Post-2013

Became a symbol of the new Fairy-type dragon-slaying meta in both the video games and cards.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

Released in August 2016 as part of the Steam Siege expansion, this card marked the return of 'Shiny' Pokémon to the standard set list rather than being hidden as secret rares. During the late XY era, 'Ancient Traits' were unique mechanic enhancements that functioned similarly to Abilities but were ...
Released in August 2016 as part of the Steam Siege expansion, this card marked the return of 'Shiny' Pokémon to the standard set list rather than being hidden as secret rares. During the late XY era, 'Ancient Traits' were unique mechanic enhancements that functioned similarly to Abilities but were harder to negate. This card's dual-typing was a response to the introduction of Fairy types in Gen VI, showcasing the transition of the Marill evolution line from pure Water to Water/Fairy.

COLLECTOR INTEL

1

Azumarill is famously known as the 'Aqua Rabbit' Pokémon, and its stomach pattern is said to help it camouflage in water.

2

This was one of the few cards from the Steam Siege set to feature the 'Shiny' coloration as a regular rare, making it a favorite for 'gold star' or color-variant collectors.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

  • Correct font sizing and spacing for the XY era
  • Correct set symbol and numbering for Steam Siege
  • Material and wear patterns are consistent with authentic 2016 cardstock
How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

Identification is highly certain due to the clear visibility of the set number, artist credits, and unique card mechanics like the Ancient Trait. Condition is estimated based on visible corner wear.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Confirmed set code '77/114' corresponds exactly to the Steam Siege Azumarill rare.
  • 2Dual-type pink/blue border confirms XY era authenticity.
  • 3Presence of 'Theta Stop' Ancient Trait symbol at the top right of the text box.
  • 4Shiny yellow coloration is the intended artistic choice for this specific set number.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • Visible whitening on the back-side edges (inferred from front edge quality) could drop the grade significantly if submitting for professional service.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • Check the back of the card for more extensive whitening or 'silvering'.
  • Place in a penny sleeve and top-loader to prevent further edge degradation.
  • Use a bright light at an angle to check for surface scratches or 'waxing' from the original pack.

CONDITION & GRADE

PSA 6-7

Grading breakdown

Significant corner whitening visible on the bottom right and slight roughness on the top edge prevent a Mint grade. Centering is roughly 65/35.

Condition

The card shows visible whitening on the bottom right corner and some edge wear. The centering appears slightly heavy toward the left and bottom borders.

Surface

Standard gloss finish over cardboard stock; the artwork features a 'shining' starlight pattern integrated into the print, though this particular card appears to be a non-holo or reverse-holo rare variant.

Weight & feel

Lightweight and flexible, consistent with standard 300gsm TCG cardstock.

TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE

$2 - $12

Updated: Apr 8, 2026

Who buys this

Completionist set collectors for Steam Siege and 'Shiny' Pokémon enthusiasts.

What increases value

  • The 'Shiny' variant status
  • The 'Ancient Trait' artwork style which is visually distinct from standard rares

What lowers value

  • Steam Siege is generally considered one of the 'lower demand' sets of the XY era
  • Condition issues like corner whitening severely cap the ceiling for raw cards

What makes top-tier examples

  • PSA 10 Gem Mint status
  • Perfect centering on the dual-colored frame

Grade & condition

Edge whitening, surface scratching, and centering of the artwork within the yellow borders.

Rarity & demand

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

FROM THE CABINET OF

MO

Momofthecircus

The Connoisseur91 items

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