Staryu - XY Evolutions (Common) [30/108]

Name: Staryu - XY Evolutions (Common) [30/108]
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Pokémon TCG Staryu card from the XY Evolutions set, showing its star-shaped form on a blue and yellow background.

Estimated value

$1 - $5

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: STARYU - XY EVOLUTIONS (COMMON) [30/108]

This is a Base Set reprint Pokémon TCG card featuring Staryu, a Water-type Basic Pokémon. The artwork depicts Staryu in its characteristic star shape, with its prominent central core glowing, against a light blue and sandy background. The card bears the 'Quick Blow' attack, requiring one Water energy, and has 60 HP. The illustration is by Keiji Kinebuchi, known for his early Pokémon card artworks.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese Mythology/FolkloreAncient to Modern

Staryu's design and its evolutionary form, Starmie, draw inspiration from celestial bodies and marine invertebrates, particularly starfish, which are often associated with mystery and the deep sea in various cultures.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

The XY Evolutions set, released in 2016, was a special expansion designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Pokémon TCG. It paid homage to the original 1999 Base Set by reprinting many of the iconic Pokémon cards with updated mechanics (like 'Basic' designation and energy symbols) while largely retaining the original artwork and card design. This Staryu card is part of that nostalgic collection, directly referencing the Base Set Staryu (21/102).

COLLECTOR INTEL

Staryu is known for its ability to regenerate any lost appendages, similar to real-world starfish.

The central red gem on Staryu is called its 'core,' and it pulses with light in different patterns to communicate and even project energy blasts.

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-documented set.
No apparent signs of counterfeiting (e.g., incorrect font, color saturation, gloss texture).
Lower value items are less frequently targets for high-quality counterfeits.

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

The visible text, artwork, and set indicators (set number, copyright date, rarity symbol) are consistent and clearly legible, allowing for a confident identification of the card and its set. The condition assessment is limited by the image angle and resolution.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Card name: Staryu.
2Set identification: '©2016 Pokémon' and '30/108' indicate it's from the XY Evolutions set. The 'XY' evolutionary symbol (a three-star icon) is partially visible next to the card number, confirming the set.
3Rarity: The circle symbol '●' next to the card number '30/108' confirms it as a Common card.
4Artist credit: Illus. Keiji Kinebuchi, a classic artist for the franchise.

UNCERTAINTIES

•The image quality and angle prevent a detailed assessment of holo pattern, precise centering, or any minor surface imperfections like scratches or edge fraying.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Provide clear, high-resolution images of the card's front and back, placed on a neutral background.
→Submit the card for professional grading to establish an official condition and seal it for preservation, if value appreciation is desired.
→Verify edge and corner integrity up close, looking for nicks or whitening.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Visually, the card appears to be in good condition, with sharp corners and no obvious creasing or heavy surface scratching. Without viewing the reverse, it's difficult to assess centering or any back-of-card wear.

Surface

The card has a smooth, glossy surface typical of modern Pokémon cards. Edge wear appears minimal, suggesting it has been handled with some care, though precise assessment of scratches or indentations would require closer inspection under direct light.