Onix - XY Evolutions (Non-Holo Rare) [88/108]

    Close-up of a Pokémon TCG Onix card from the XY Evolutions set, featuring classic Ken Sugimori artwork.
    Ordinary (3/10)
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    QUICK FACTS

    15

    Era

    2016

    Origin

    🇺🇸 United States

    Artist/Maker

    Ken Sugimori

    Rarity

    Ordinary (3/10)

    Discovered

    Jan 22, 2026

    1 months ago

    DESCRIPTION

    This is a non-Holo Rare card featuring the Rock Snake Pokémon Onix, specifically from the XY Evolutions expansion set. The artwork, credited to Ken Sugimori, depicts Onix in its classic, serpentine form, winding across a rocky terrain. The card is a Basic Pokémon, Level 12, with 100 HP, and includes the attacks 'Harden' and 'Rock Throw'. This particular card is a reprint of the original Base Set Onix.

    CULTURAL ECHOES

    Where This Object Echoes

    Japanese MythologyAncient to modern

    Onix, as a giant rock snake, draws parallels to mythological serpentine creatures or dragons often associated with geological formations and immense power in various Japanese folklore.

    Earth Elementals/TitansVarious historical periods

    Its design and abilities ('Rock Throw', 'Harden') align with the concept of earth elementals or titanic beings made of natural minerals, a trope found across global mythologies and fantasy narratives.

    Meaning Through Time

    1990s-early 2000s (Initial Pokémon Boom)

    Onix represented raw, unyielding power and the challenge of geological environments, often associated with rock-type Gym Leaders like Brock, making it a symbol of foundational strength in the Pokémon world.

    2010s (XY Evolutions Era)

    With sets like XY Evolutions, Onix's card reappeared as an icon of nostalgia, connecting newer players to the franchise's roots and reminding older collectors of their original journey with the game. It became a symbol of enduring legacy.

    HISTORICAL STORY

    The XY Evolutions set, released in 2016, was designed as a homage to the original Pokémon Trading Card Game's Base Set, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the franchise. It featured modern reprints of classic cards like this Onix, bringing nostalgic artwork and mechanics to a new generation of ...
    The XY Evolutions set, released in 2016, was designed as a homage to the original Pokémon Trading Card Game's Base Set, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the franchise. It featured modern reprints of classic cards like this Onix, bringing nostalgic artwork and mechanics to a new generation of players while updating the card frame and game mechanics (like Fairy type Pokémon, which were introduced in XY). This specific card captures the essence of early Pokémon TCG with its familiar artwork and attack names.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    1

    Onix's impressive height of 28'10" and weight of 463.0 lbs on the card reflects its status as one of the largest early Generation I Pokémon, emphasizing its rock-hard serpentine body.

    2

    The XY Evolutions set was notable for intentionally recreating the card numbers and some minor design elements of the original Base Set, aiming to evoke strong nostalgia among long-time collectors and players.

    MATERIAL & CONDITION

    Surface

    The card appears to have a standard matte finish typical of non-holo Pokémon cards from this era. The surface generally looks clean, though the image quality makes it difficult to assess for minor scuffs or scratches.

    Weight & Feel

    Given its standard trading card material, it is very lightweight and thin, consistent with typical cardstock used for Pokémon cards.

    Condition

    The visible edges and corners of the card appear relatively sharp with minimal whitening (wear), suggesting it is in light play to near mint condition. The centering appears decent from the front. A detailed assessment would require examination of the back and under focused light.

    RARITY ANALYSIS

    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

    EXPERT ANALYSIS

    Trading Card Market Analyst

    Card Specialist

    High confidence is assigned due to clear visibility of the Pokémon name, artwork, card number, set symbol (partially visible), and copyright date, all of which align with a known official release. The identification of the specific set is strong based on the card's characteristics and the 2016 copyright.

    KEY EVIDENCE

    • 1The card clearly depicts 'Onix' as the Pokémon character.
    • 2The copyright date '©2016 Pokémon' indicates it's from a modern set, likely XY Evolutions given the re-release of classic cards.
    • 3The lack of holographic shimmer on the main artwork confirms it as a non-Holo card.
    • 4The bottom right corner reveals '88/108', confirming the set code for XY Evolutions and its card number.
    • 5Artist credit 'Bus Ken Sugimor' (likely 'Illus. Ken Sugimori') points to the iconic original artist.

    WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

    • Provide clear, well-lit images of the card's back to assess back centering and edge wear more accurately.
    • Examine the card's surface under angled light to check for minor scratches, indentations, or print lines.
    • Use a jeweler's loupe to inspect the print dots and text clarity, ensuring no signs of common counterfeiting.
    • Inquire about the card's storage history to understand potential environmental damage.

    ESTIMATED VALUE

    $1 - $3

    Updated: Feb 27, 2026

    • Market comparables from auctions & retail
    • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
    • Current collector demand & trends
    • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

    For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

    FROM THE CABINET OF

    MO

    Momofthecircus

    The Connoisseur91 items

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