Every Pokemon set has a total card count printed on each card. A card numbered higher than that total - say, 200/197 - is a secret rare. That numbering convention is the origin of the name, and it's been the standard way to identify chase cards in Pokemon since Generation 5. Understanding what types of secret rares exist and why they command premium prices is essential for any serious Pokemon collector.

What Are Secret Rares?

Secret rares are cards numbered above the official set total. They appear in booster packs at lower rates than standard rare cards, making them harder to pull and more valuable on the secondary market. The "secret" framing reflects that they're bonus cards beyond the advertised set - you can complete the numbered set without pulling one.

The category has evolved significantly since its introduction. Early secret rares were often gold-bordered versions of useful trainer cards. Modern secret rares include multiple distinct card types, each with its own visual identity and collector appeal.

Types of Secret Rares

Full Art Cards

Full art cards extend the artwork across the entire card face, eliminating the standard bordered window. The Pokemon, character, or scene fills the whole card. Full arts were among the first premium card types and remain highly sought after, particularly for popular Pokemon and beloved trainer characters. A full art Charizard or a full art Cynthia from a popular set can command prices well above other secret rares in the same set.

Rainbow Rare (Hyper Rare)

Introduced in Sun and Moon sets, rainbow rares feature a holographic rainbow-textured finish applied across a full art card. The rainbow treatment is visually striking and remains one of the most recognizable premium card types. Rainbow rares exist for Pokemon GX, Pokemon V, and various trainer cards depending on the set. They have their fans and detractors - some collectors specifically target them, others prefer more restrained alternative art versions.

Gold Rares

Gold card versions of items, energy cards, and some Pokemon feature a gold-colored card border and gold-colored artwork. These are often the hardest to pull within a set and carry strong demand among players who appreciate the aesthetic and completionists who want one of every card type.

Special Illustration Rares (SIR)

Introduced in the Sword and Shield era and accelerating through Scarlet and Violet sets, Special Illustration Rares feature painterly, cinematic artwork that often depicts Pokemon in realistic environments or trainer characters in narrative scenes. SIRs have become the most coveted modern card type for many collectors - the artwork quality is genuinely impressive and distinctly different from standard card illustrations. Specific SIRs from popular sets can command the highest prices of any non-vintage Pokemon card.

Print Ratios and Scarcity

Secret rares appear at low rates in booster packs. The exact ratios are not officially published by The Pokemon Company, but the collector community has developed pull rate estimates through large-scale opening data. As a rough guide, you might expect one secret rare per several booster boxes, with the rarest types appearing even less frequently. The rarest SIRs or gold cards within a set may appear at half the rate of more common secret rares.

This scarcity drives secondary market prices. A popular SIR from a sought-after set may cost more than an entire booster box on the secondary market, reflecting the statistical difficulty of pulling it alongside pure collector demand.

The Evolution of Secret Rares

The category has grown considerably more complex since Black and White. Gen 5 introduced the numbering convention and basic secret rares. XY expanded to full arts and gold cards. Sun and Moon introduced rainbow rares. Sword and Shield established alternate arts and the foundations of modern SIRs. Scarlet and Violet continued to refine and expand the premium card tier.

For collectors buying sealed product specifically to chase secret rares, understanding which types exist in a given set and which specific cards are most desirable saves money. Not every SIR commands equal demand - character and Pokemon popularity matter enormously.

Browse Pokemon sets and track the secret rares you're missing at CollectionPlnr Pokemon Sets. See which cards are most sought after at our most valuable Pokemon cards guide.

What Are Pokemon Secret Rares? The Complete Guide to Chase Cards