IN Pokemon TCGThere are many levels of rare, which can be challenging for newcomers to differentiate. However, there are specific rarity symbols that help identify them, and each level has its own unique properties. One of these levels of rare is the rare cards of special illustration.

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Pokemon TCG: What are gold rare cards?
Rare, gold and absolutely amazing!
These cards stand out because of their fantastic and captivating works of art, which not only makes some of them very valuable but also offers a new perspective on Pokémon in their natural living environments. This guide will explain what special illustrations rare cards are, highlights their differences and gives a table that lists over 100 of these cards.
Special illustrations rare cards, explained
Short with the special illustration Rare Rarity was introduced with Scarlet & Violet expansion. These cards are exclusive to non-Asian regions. What makes them really special is that They are full art cardsAnd beyond that, they are also considered secret rare.
Keep in mind that each card has a collector's number, usually located in the lower left or lower right corner. Each set has a defined number of cards, and Secret Rares has numbers that go beyond the total set. For example, in a 90 card set, everything is numbered 91 or higher as a secret rare.
These full art cards often show Pokémon in their natural environments. In addition, they are usually Has an extra layer of glitter foil. Some of them are alternative art versions of Pokemon Ex, and there are also special illustrations rare versions of supporter coach cards. But objects, tools and stadium cards are not found in this rarity.
You can identify a special illustration rare card of The Double Gold Star icon is at the bottom of the card. This symbol has two gold stars, with the one on the left slightly higher than the one on the right.
Differences in special illustration rare compared to other rarenesses
In Japanese sets, special illustration has rare cards do not have the double gold star icon. Instead, They are marked with the SAR symbol. One of the Japanese sets introduced VStar universe, Special Art Rare Cards. But this type of rarity is not fully adapted to special illustration rare and is not the same as them.
Officially, special art rare cards from Sword & Shield Series called Galarian Gallery Ultra Rares, and they have either A white star or GGU label as their rarity symbol.
Trainer Gallery cards from the brilliant stars are also sometimes expanded with special illustration rares. As the name suggests, Coach Gallery cards usually have coaches, While special illustration is generally not doing so. Coach Gallery cards also have a white star as its rarity symbol instead of a double star.
It is also important not to confuse illustration rare cards with special illustration rare cards. Illustration Rares has a single gold star as their rarityAnd their Japanese counterpart is art rare, marked with the AR symbol. Like Special Illustration Rares, these cards also have alternative full pokemon and are considered secret rars.
Special illustrations rare cards always have double rare and ultra's rare versions by the same Pokémon in the same set. However, illustration rare cards do not have additional alternative art in the same set.
Do not confuse special illustrations rare cards with hyper rare cards. Hyper Rares is still rare and has a three-star icon instead of the two gold stars found on Special Illustration Rares. In addition, Hyper Rare Cards includes not only Pokémon but also energy, special energy, objects, tools and stadium.
However, unlike special illustrations rare cards, Hyper Rares has no supporter cards.
All special illustration rare cards
Below is a table that lists all special illustrations rare short name:

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Pokémon TCG: The 9 most valuable special illustration rare cards
Art? Yes. Investment? Definitely.