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    Dark Charizard - Team Rocket (Holo) [No. 006]

    A Japanese holographic Dark Charizard Pokémon card from the Team Rocket set, No. 006, illustrated by Ken Sugimori. - view 1
    1/3
    Uncommon (5/10)
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    QUICK FACTS

    3

    Categories

    Trading Cards,Memorabilia,Collectibles

    Era

    1997

    Origin

    🇯🇵 Japan

    Brand

    Pokémon

    Artist/Maker

    Ken Sugimori

    Rarity

    Uncommon (5/10)

    Discovered

    Feb 28, 2026

    1 day ago

    DESCRIPTION

    This is the classic わるいリザードン, or Dark Charizard, from the original Japanese Team Rocket expansion. The card features the star rarity symbol, confirming it as a holographic rare. The artwork, by the legendary Ken Sugimori, captures a more sinister and aggressive version of the iconic Pokémon, consistent with the set's theme. The 'Cosmos' holographic pattern shines through the background, a hallmark of this printing era. With 80 HP and its signature 'Continuous Fireball' attack, this was a formidable card in its day and remains a cornerstone for vintage Japanese collectors.

    CULTURAL ECHOES

    Where This Object Echoes

    Dragon MythologyMedieval to Modern

    Charizard's design borrows heavily from Western dragons, representing power, fire, and territorial aggression. The 'Dark' variant emphasizes its more monstrous and untamed draconic aspects.

    Ritual & Ceremonial Use

    • •For collectors, obtaining the 'big three' starters (Venusaur, Blastoise, Charizard) in their various forms is a rite of passage. This 'Dark' version is a key part of completing a vintage Charizard collection.

    Meaning Through Time

    1990s

    A powerful game piece and a 'cool' collectible representing the edgy Team Rocket theme.

    2020s

    A significant artifact of 90s nostalgia and a tangible asset in the collectible investment market, valued for its condition and history.

    HISTORICAL STORY

    Released in Japan on November 21, 1997, the Team Rocket set was the first expansion to introduce 'Dark' Pokémon, characters that were presented as twisted or badly trained versions of their normal selves. Dark Charizard was one of the chase cards of the set, a must-have for fans of the character. ...
    Released in Japan on November 21, 1997, the Team Rocket set was the first expansion to introduce 'Dark' Pokémon, characters that were presented as twisted or badly trained versions of their normal selves. Dark Charizard was one of the chase cards of the set, a must-have for fans of the character. The Japanese versions of these early cards are the originals, predating the English release and prized by some collectors for their distinct card stock and print quality.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    1

    The 'Dark' Pokémon concept, introduced in this set, was a major thematic innovation, suggesting a moral dimension to Pokémon training that wasn't previously explicit.

    2

    This Japanese version has a different, more subtle 'Cosmos' holographic pattern compared to the 'Starlight' pattern used on its international English counterpart.

    MATERIAL & CONDITION

    Surface

    The surface features a glossy finish with the characteristic 'Cosmos' holographic foil behind the main character art. The holo appears clean with no obvious scratches in the provided images.

    Weight & Feel

    Standard trading card weight. Feels light but stiff, consistent with Japanese card stock from the 1990s, which is slightly different from its American counterpart.

    Condition

    The card appears in excellent, Near Mint to Mint condition based on the images. Centering is slightly skewed to the left on the front. Edges and corners look sharp with no visible whitening, but close-up inspection under light is required to confirm the 'Mint' status and check for surface scratches.

    RARITY ANALYSIS

    Uncommon70-80%
    CommonLegendary

    Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.

    Typical Characteristics

    • Limited production
    • Named makers
    • Growing collector demand

    EXPERT ANALYSIS

    Trading Card Market Analyst

    Card Specialist

    Confidence is high as all key identifiers—set symbol, card number, illustrator, and Japanese-specific holo pattern—are clearly visible and consistent with authentic examples of this widely documented card.

    KEY EVIDENCE

    • 1Identification as 'わるいリザードン' (Dark Charizard) from the Japanese Team Rocket set.
    • 2Presence of the star rarity symbol and 'Cosmos' holographic pattern, confirming it as a Holo Rare.
    • 3Card No. 006 and illustrator credit to Ken Sugimori.
    • 4Correct 1996 copyright dates and 'Pocket Monsters Card Game' back for a vintage Japanese card.
    • 5Slightly off-center printing on the front, a key factor for grading potential.

    UNCERTAINTIES

    • •Cannot confirm surface condition (micro-scratches) from photos, which is crucial for determining Mint vs. Near Mint status.

    WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

    • →Examine the holo foil under a single, angled light source to check for fine scratches.
    • →Use a magnifying tool to inspect the corners and edges for any microscopic signs of wear or 'whitening'.
    • →Consider submitting to a professional grading service like PSA or BGS for definitive condition assessment and encapsulation.

    ESTIMATED VALUE

    $50 - $100

    Updated: Feb 28, 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.

    CONTEXT ANALYSIS

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

    What Aligned

    • User's claim of 'Original/Authentic' is supported by the correct holo pattern, font, and copyright marks.
    • The 'Japan' origin is confirmed by the Japanese text and the 'Pocket Monsters' card back.
    • The 'Pokémon' brand is correct.

    What Conflicted

    • User stated 'Mint' condition. While the card is in excellent shape, the front centering is slightly off-center, which would likely prevent a top 'Gem Mint' grade from a professional service.

    FROM THE CABINET OF

    The Collector

    The Collector

    The Connoisseur•56 items

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