Snorlax LV.30 Pokémon Card (Wizards of the Coast Black Star Promo #20)

QUICK FACTS
Categories
Era
late 1990s - early 2000s
Origin
🇺🇸 United States
Brand
Wizards of the Coast (WotC)
Artist/Maker
Ken Sugimori (original artwork for Snorlax character design)
Rarity
Average (4/10)
Discovered
Jan 22, 2026
1 months ago
DESCRIPTION
This is a holographic English Pokémon card featuring Snorlax at Level 30 with 130 HP. The artwork depicts Snorlax in its iconic sleeping pose, rendered with a sparkling holographic finish over the illustration box. The card is identifiable as a Black Star Promo card, specifically number 20, released by Wizards of the Coast. It's a Basic Pokémon with the Ability 'Immunity' and the attack 'Body Slam'.
CULTURAL ECHOES
Where This Object Echoes
Snorlax, known as Kabigon in Japanese, embodies a common archetype of a large, nature-bound entity whose slumber or presence can significantly impact its surroundings, akin to benevolent or neutral nature spirits in some folklore.
Ritual & Ceremonial Use
- •The collection and careful preservation of specific cards, often in sleeves or binders, is a contemporary ritual among TCG enthusiasts, mirroring how some communities protect culturally significant artifacts.
Meaning Through Time
Snorlax symbolized an immovable obstacle in the video games and a resilient, high-HP tank in the early TCG, representing durability and defensive power.
Beyond its playability, this Snorlax card has become a nostalgic artifact for many collectors, representing the initial boom of the Pokémon franchise and the specific 'Wizards of the Coast' era of the TCG.
HISTORICAL STORY
DID YOU KNOW?
Snorlax is famous in the Pokémon games for often blocking pathways, requiring players to wake it up using a special Flute.
The 'Immunity' Ability on this card was a powerful defensive trait in the early TCG meta, preventing common status effects like sleep or paralysis.
MATERIAL & CONDITION
Surface
The card features a glossy, reflective holographic surface over the Snorlax illustration, indicating a 'foil' or 'holo' variant. The remainder of the card surface is a standard matte cardstock.
Weight & Feel
Lightweight and flexible, typical of standard trading cards. The card stock feels smooth with a slight texture from the printing process.
Condition
Visually, the card appears to be in relatively good condition from the front. Edges and corners seem mostly intact, but detailed inspection would require clearer, higher-resolution images of the front and back. The holographic surface appears to have minimal scratching, which is a common point of wear for old holographic cards.
RARITY ANALYSIS
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
EXPERT ANALYSIS
Trading Card Market Analyst
I have high confidence in identifying this as a Snorlax Black Star Promo #20 due to clear text, visible set symbol, and design consistent with early Wizards of the Coast Pokémon cards. However, the exact condition remains an estimate due to image resolution.
KEY EVIDENCE
- 1The card clearly displays 'Snorlax LV.30 130 HP' at the top.
- 2The holographic pattern visible in the artwork box is characteristic of early Pokémon holo cards.
- 3The set symbol for Black Star Promos (a black star) is faintly visible in the bottom right corner of the illustration box and the card number '20' is visible as '20/179' below the copyright.
- 4The copyright line '©1995-2000 Nintendo, Creatures, GAMEFREAK. ©2000 Wizards' confirms it as a Wizards of the Coast English release.
UNCERTAINTIES
- •Image clarity is moderate, making it difficult to assess minor surface scratches, edge wear, and corner condition in detail.
- •The reverse side of the card is not visible, which is crucial for a complete condition assessment and authenticity check (e.g., specific printing patterns or legitimate blue backing).
WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY
- →Provide clear, high-resolution images of the card's front, back, and close-ups of all four corners and edges.
- →Inspect the holographic surface under angled light to check for minor scratches or indentations.
- →Measure the centering of the card's print from front and back (especially the borders) relative to the cut.
ESTIMATED VALUE
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.
SIMILAR CURIOSITIES
![Teal Mask Ogerpon - Twilight Masquerade (Special Illustration Rare) [177/167]](https://smpgbcsonkmwzognzosu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/curiosity-images/5260d8ba-ec48-496f-bd5d-1338a8b5e906/1-1769111347354.jpg)
Teal Mask Ogerpon - Twilight Masquerade (Special Illustration Rare) [177/167]
![Team Skull Grunt - Sun & Moon: Burning Shadows (Gold Full Art Trainer) [167/147]](https://smpgbcsonkmwzognzosu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/curiosity-images/5260d8ba-ec48-496f-bd5d-1338a8b5e906/1-1769111530678.jpg)
Team Skull Grunt - Sun & Moon: Burning Shadows (Gold Full Art Trainer) [167/147]
![Rayquaza-GX (Rainbow Rare) - SM Cosmic Eclipse [109/108]](https://smpgbcsonkmwzognzosu.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/curiosity-images/5260d8ba-ec48-496f-bd5d-1338a8b5e906/1-1769110319157.jpg)
Rayquaza-GX (Rainbow Rare) - SM Cosmic Eclipse [109/108]

Mew ex Special Art Rare - Pokémon Card (Japanese)
ABOUT TRADING CARDS
Pokemon cards, sports cards, gaming cards, TCGs, and collectible card games.
Browse all Trading CardsSHARE THIS CURIOSITY
Have your own curiosities to discover?
Scan Your Curiosity
COMMENTS
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Sign in to leave a comment