Raticate - XY Evolutions (Common)

Name: Raticate - XY Evolutions (Common)
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

English Raticate Pokémon card from the XY Evolutions set, featuring classic Ken Sugimori artwork, displayed on a wooden surface.

Estimated value

$1 - $5

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: RATICATE - XY EVOLUTIONS (COMMON)

This is an English Pokémon Trading Card Game card featuring Raticate, the Mouse Pokémon. The card is a reprint from the popular XY Evolutions set, released in 2016, which reimagined much of the original Base Set. The artwork by Ken Sugimori depicts Raticate in its classic pose, showcasing its nimble, albeit fierce, design. The card is clearly marked with the set code for Evolutions at the bottom right.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese FolkloreAncient to Modern Japan

Raticate's 'Mouse Pokémon' classification and design draws parallels to various small, clever, and sometimes even destructive rodent spirits or creatures found in Japanese folklore, often associated with challenges or plagues.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•The ritual of collecting, trading, and battling with Pokémon cards, a global pastime that fosters social interaction and strategic thinking among players of all ages.
•The 'pack opening' experience, a modern ritual involving the anticipation and reveal of new cards, central to the trading card game hobby.

Meaning Through Time

1990s-early 2000s

Early Pokémon cards like Raticate were primarily seen as collectibles and elements in a burgeoning children's game, a novel fusion of video game characters with strategic card play.

2010s-Present

With the release of sets like XY Evolutions, these cards gained new meaning as nostalgic artifacts, allowing older players to revisit their childhood and newer players to experience the game's origins.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

The XY Evolutions set (released in 2016) was a nostalgic release, primarily composed of reprints of cards from the very first Pokémon TCG set, the Base Set, which debuted in 1999. This particular Raticate card mimics its original Base Set counterpart, bringing classic artwork and mechanics to a new generation of players and collectors while integrating modern card design elements like updated attack costs and the Fairy type symbol. This set was highly popular for its ability to tap into the early days of the Pokémon TCG.

COLLECTOR INTEL

Raticate's design is heavily inspired by rats, common rodents known for their adaptability and often large incisors, characteristics reflected in the Pokémon's sharp teeth and evolutionary line.

The XY Evolutions set marked the return of the iconic 'red cheeks' Pikachu, a sought-after variant from the original Base Set print run, making the set a treasure hunt for 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

Common card from a well-known set, reducing incentive for forgery.
Text and artwork are consistent with legitimate versions of this card.
No visible signs of counterfeit materials or print quality.

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

The card is clearly identifiable by its character, set symbol, card number, and copyright date, all of which are consistent. The visible condition notes are also clear enough for an accurate preliminary assessment.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Card identifies as 'Raticate' a Stage 1 Pokémon with 60 HP.
2Set symbol 'XY' confirms it is from the XY Evolutions set (identified also by 'XY' in the set code).
3Card number '67/108' with the common rarity symbol (a circle) further confirms its identity.
4Copyright date '©2016 Pokémon' aligns with the release year of the XY Evolutions set.
5Artist credit 'Illus. Ken Sugimori' indicates the original designer for this Pokémon.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Image quality prevents detailed inspection of holo pattern (if any) or surface texture for print defects.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Provide a clear, well-lit photo of the card's back to assess back centering and edge wear further.
→Examine the card's surface under angled light to detect any subtle scratches, indentations, or creases not visible in flat lighting.
→Verify if this is a reverse holo variant, which would affect its value slightly (though the common symbol still applies to the base card).
→Consider professional grading if condition warrants for a verified, objective assessment and to encase the card.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The card appears to be in played to light play condition. There is noticeable whitening on the edges and corners, particularly on the top and right side. The surface shows minor scuffs or scratches, though no major creases or bends are immediately apparent. Centering seems acceptable.

Surface

The card exhibits a smooth, semi-glossy finish typical of modern Pokémon cards. There appears to be some minor surface wear visible, particularly around the edges and corners, suggesting it has been handled without a sleeve.