Tyranitar GX - Lost Thunder (Ultra Rare) [121/214]

Estimated value
$5 - $12Rarity
Ordinary(3/10)Category
Trading CardsBrand
PokémonEra
2018Origin
🇺🇸 United StatesArtist / Creator
5ban GraphicsAuthenticity
TYRANITAR GX - LOST THUNDER (ULTRA RARE) [121/214]: IDENTIFICATION
Standard size 2.5 by 3.5 inch Ultra Rare card featuring full-card artwork of Tyranitar by illustrator 5ban Graphics. The layout utilizes the GX game mechanic with a specialized 'Lay the Smackdown GX' attack bar and a holofoil finish. Centering appears slightly weighted toward the bottom edge on the front, with standard blue-backed English Pokémon TCG printing on the reverse.
Compare with other trading cards in the archive: Charizard VSTAR - VSTAR Universe (RRR) [s12a-014/172], M Charizard EX - Flashfire (Secret Rare) [108/106], Alolan Golem GX - Crimson Invasion (Hyper Rare) [113/111].
CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS
Where This Object Echoes
Tyranitar's bipedal armor-plated design directly parallels Daikaiju figures like Godzilla, representing unstoppable geological power.
Ritual & Ceremonial Use
- •Competitive TCG gameplay where 'GX' attacks are restricted to once-per-game usage as a strategic climax.
Meaning Through Time
Represented a 'Stage 2' power creep in the Sun & Moon competitive meta.
SET RELEASE & PRINT RUN
SCARCITY
Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.
Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 161 trading cards items at rarity 3 or higher.
Typical Characteristics
- Moderate production runs
- Common at estate sales
- Entry-level collectibles
Confidence Factors
- Correct set symbol and font metrics for the Lost Thunder expansion
- Holofoil pattern and sheen are consistent with 2018 Sun & Moon era production
GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE
Trading Card Market Analyst
High clarity on set indicators and condition markers allowed for a precise identification and grade estimation.
KEY EVIDENCE
- 1Serial number 121/214 at bottom left matches Tyranitar GX in Lost Thunder
- 2Card text 'Lay the Smackdown GX' is consistent with the Ultra Rare print variant
- 3Visible condition issues on the back corners lower the potential grading tier to 7-8 range
WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY
- →Examine the surface under a raking light to check for hidden micro-scratches
- →Measure horizontal centering on the reverse side to confirm grading potential
- →Store in a PVC-free sleeve and top-loader to prevent further edge whitening
CONDITION & GRADE
Grading breakdown
Assessed as 'Minor wear' due to visible edge whitening on the reverse consistent with Near Mint to Excellent condition; centering is roughly 60/40.
Condition
Minor whitening is visible on the top-right corner of the card back. The front surface maintains a clear holofoil luster with no major visible scratching or creasing.
TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Who buys this
Standard Pokémon set collectors and Tyranitar character completists.
What increases value
- •Character popularity of Tyranitar
- •Increasing age of the Sun & Moon series sets
What lowers value
- •Corner whitening on reverse significantly impacts professional grading upside
- •High population of raw copies from the mass-produced Lost Thunder set
What makes top-tier examples
- •Perfect 50/50 centering
- •Zero 'silvering' or edge wear on the card border
Grade & condition
Edge whitening, surface scratching on holofoil, and centering ratio.
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 stated 'usa' origin - confirmed by English text and card back design
- User stated 'Minor wear' - confirmed by visible corner whitening on the reverse side
- User identified 'Pokemon' - confirmed by brand logos and character identification
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MORE BY 5BAN GRAPHICS
M Charizard EX - Flashfire (Secret Rare) [108/106]
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Dialga GX - Forbidden Light (Hyper Rare) [164/156]
Tyranitar ex (Tera) - Obsidian Flames [066/197]
Charizard VSTAR - VSTAR Universe (RRR) [s12a-014/172]
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