Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX (Alternate Art Secret Rare) [SWSH05 170/163]
Estimated value
$45 - $65Rarity
Scarce(6/10)Category
Trading CardsBrand
PokémonEra
2021-2026Origin
United StatesArtist / Creator
kawayooAuthenticity
RAPID STRIKE URSHIFU VMAX (ALTERNATE ART SECRET RARE) [SWSH05 170/163]: IDENTIFICATION
This card lot includes a legitimate Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX alternate art from the Battle Styles expansion, alongside non-canonical 'custom' or counterfeit items such as a 'Giant Charizard GX'. The Urshifu features full-bleed textured artwork by artist kawayoo, depicting the Pokémon in a dynamic, brush-stroke style consistent with the Rapid Strike combat aesthetic. The 'Giant Charizard GX' is a known proxy or counterfeit variant featuring 1000 HP and non-standard font kerning which does not exist in any official Pokémon TCG set database.
CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS
Where This Object Echoes
Urshifu's design draws from the 'Nio' or 'A-un' guardian statues found at temple entrances, embodying focused physical strength.
Ritual & Ceremonial Use
- •The 'Pull' or 'Unboxing' ritual wherein the scarcity of 'Alternate Art' cards is celebrated within digital communities.
Meaning Through Time
The card shifted from a game piece to a speculative financial asset due to unprecedented market demand.
SET RELEASE & PRINT RUN
COLLECTOR INTEL
The official Urshifu VMAX card was part of a 163-card main set, appearing as a Secret Rare with a pull rate estimated at roughly 1 in 144 packs by TCGplayer data in 2021.
SCARCITY
Genuinely harder to find. Perhaps only dozens come to market annually. Collectors actively watch for these pieces.
Typical Characteristics
- Dozens per year at market
- Documented provenance valued
- Active collector pursuit
Confidence Factors
- Presence of an obvious counterfeit 'Giant Charizard GX' in the same lot
- Non-standard fonts and 1000 HP values on secondary cards
- Loose handling and lack of protective sleeving for high-value cards
Expert review recommended. Consider consulting a specialist before making purchasing decisions.
GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE
Trading Card Market Analyst
High confidence in the identification of the specific Urshifu variant and the counterfeit status of the Charizard, though the image resolution prevents a definitive texture verification on the VMAX.
KEY EVIDENCE
- 1Urshifu VMAX SWSH05 170/163 displays correct holofoil texture pattern matching kawayoo's illustration style.
- 2The 'Old PC' trainer card uses the correct Sword & Shield era border and card-stock sheen.
- 3The 'Giant Charizard GX' shows a '999' attack and '1000 HP', identifiers of 'fake' cards sold in unregulated marketplaces.
- 4Card corners show 'softness' indicating they have been handled as play-style cards rather than protective-stored collectibles.
UNCERTAINTIES
- •Mix of authentic and counterfeit cards in a single stack is a major red flag for lot provenance.
- •The Charizard card uses a 'GX' layout with an HP value that never existed in legal play.
WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY
- →Remove the Urshifu VMAX from the stack and place it in a Penny Sleeve and Toploader immediately.
- →Perform a 'light test' on the Urshifu to check for the correct card-stock layering (black ink core).
- →Discard or label the 'Giant Charizard GX' as a proxy to prevent accidental trade of a counterfeit.
CONDITION & GRADE
Grading breakdown
Visible whitening on corner edges and lack of sleeve protection likely result in surface micro-scratching; centering on the Urshifu appears slightly bottom-heavy.
Condition
The Urshifu VMAX shows soft corners and potential surface scuffs from being held in a loose stack without sleeves. The counterfeit Charizard shows identical corner wear, suggesting they have been stored together in high-friction conditions.
TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Who buys this
Standard market buyers are individual collectors looking for 'raw' binders pieces; however, the presence of counterfeits in the lot may deter serious investors.
What increases value
- •The Rapid Strike Urshifu VMAX [170/163] is the primary value driver as a high-tier chase card from Battle Styles.
What lowers value
- •Lack of protection (sleeves) likely reduced this from a 'Near Mint' to 'Lightly Played' condition.
- •The other surrounding cards in the stack have zero market value due to being common trainers or counterfeits.
What makes top-tier examples
- •Perfect centering (50/50 ratio)
- •Absence of 'silvering' on edges
- •Pristine surface with no micro-scratches from stack friction
Grade & condition
Centering, corner whitening, surface scratches, and edge silvering.
Rarity & demand
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 identified the brand as Pokemon
- User identified the language as English
What Conflicted
- User claim of 2026 period - official SWSH05 cards were printed in 2021, though the counterfeit items may be recent.
- User believes item is original/authentic - while the Urshifu appears visually consistent with an original, the 'Giant Charizard GX' is a definitive counterfeit.
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