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Smeargle - EX Unseen Forces (Uncommon) [48/115]

A 2005 Pokemon Smeargle card from the EX Unseen Forces set, graded 9.5 Gem Mint+ by CCG, in a clear protective slab. - view 1
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Estimated value

$45 - $85

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Category

Trading Cards

Brand

Pokémon

Era

2005

Origin

🇺🇸 United States

Artist / Creator

Sumiyoshi Kizuki

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
3

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: SMEARGLE - EX UNSEEN FORCES (UNCOMMON) [48/115]

This is an original Smeargle card from the EX Unseen Forces expansion, released during the mid-2000s Delta Species era. The artwork by Sumiyoshi Kizuki features the Painter Pokémon in its characteristic storybook style, illustrating Smeargle using its tail to paint a rooftop scene. The card is a Basic Pokémon, Colorless-type, featuring the 'Makeover' Poké-Power and 'Split Spiral Punch' attack. It is protected within a CCG (Collectibles Certification Group) archival slab.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese FolkloreEdo Period

Echoes the Tsukumogami, or animated objects, specifically brushes or tools that gain a spirit through use.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • The ritual of competitive deck building and 'energy acceleration' strategies common in the 2005 tournament meta.

Meaning Through Time

2005

Primarily viewed as a tactical niche card for energy manipulation in play.

2020s

Valued as a high-grade specimen of a 'Golden Era' set for nostalgic Johto collectors.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

EX Unseen Forces was a landmark 2005 expansion that bridge the gap between Generation II nostalgia and the EX-era mechanics. It famously focused on the Johto region and the Ho-Oh/Lugia lore. Smeargle, as the 48th card in the set, captures the unique artistic identity of the early EX era, which was ...
EX Unseen Forces was a landmark 2005 expansion that bridge the gap between Generation II nostalgia and the EX-era mechanics. It famously focused on the Johto region and the Ho-Oh/Lugia lore. Smeargle, as the 48th card in the set, captures the unique artistic identity of the early EX era, which was characterized by shifting card layouts and experimental Poké-Powers like 'Makeover' that affected energy attachment.

COLLECTOR INTEL

1

Smeargle's design is inspired by a beagle and a French painter, and it's known for its signature move 'Sketch' in the video games.

2

The green fluid at the tip of Smeargle's tail changes color based on its emotions, though artists often depict it with its iconic green paint.

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

  • Card details (font, set symbol, copyright) match known 2005 production
  • Encapsulated in a verified CCG grading slab with a tracked certification number
How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

High confidence due to clear, high-resolution photos of both sides and the presence of a professional grading slab which provides independent verification of the card's status.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1EX Unseen Forces expansion symbol (lower right) is sharp and correctly sized
  • 2Font typography matches Nintendo-era 'Poke-POWER' bolding and spacing
  • 3CCG certification number 555720884 is consistent with laboratory labeling
  • 4Rear blue borders show zero whitening on the reverse edges
  • 5Sumiyoshi Kizuki artist credit is correctly placed and spelled

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • Verify the certification number directly on the CCG website database
  • Check eBay Sold listings for 'Smeargle Unseen Forces CCG 9.5' to track recent liquidity trends
  • Inspect the slab for any signs of tampering or cracking around the seams

CONDITION & GRADE

CCG 9.5

Grading breakdown

Subgrades: Corners 10, Edges 10, Surface 10, Centering 9. The overall Gem Mint+ grade is capped by the slight rightward centering of the front image frame.

Condition

The card exhibits exceptional preservation. Centering is slightly heavy to the right on the front, consistent with the CCG 9 subgrade for centering. Corners and edges appear pristine under magnification, aligning with the Gem Mint+ status.

Surface

Standard non-holo card stock with a matte finish. The CCG slab surface appears polished and clear with minimal scuffing.

Weight & feel

The encased item feels substantial and rigid due to the ultrasonic-welded acrylic holder.

TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE

$45 - $85

Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Who buys this

Johto region enthusiasts and set-completionists looking for high-grade mid-era EX series cards.

What increases value

  • Gem Mint+ (9.5) grade significantly outpaces raw card value
  • Unseen Forces is a highly desirable 'Set' for long-term collectors
  • Niche interest in Smeargle as a unique character among Johto fans

What lowers value

  • CCG is a less dominant market leader compared to PSA or BGS, which can slightly affect liquidity
  • Uncommon rarity means higher population relative to Holo Rares of the same set

What makes top-tier examples

  • Perfect subgrades (tens) in three categories
  • Zero 'silvering' on edges, which was common in this era's manufacturing

Grade & condition

Centering, edge whitening (chipping), and surface scratches or print lines.

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar trading cards objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCANNER FINDINGS

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

What Aligned

  • User stated 'Original/Authentic' - verified by card print quality and CCG slab
  • User stated 'Mint' - visual evidence of the card and the 9.5 grade confirm high-level preservation

FROM THE CABINET OF

The Collector

The Collector

Relic Hunter111 items

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