Is Milotic V Rare? A Definitive Guide to the Value and Rarity of Milotic Pokemon Cards
The simple answer is yes – the Milotic V card is considered quite rare, valuable, and sought after by Pokémon TCG collectors and investors. As an Ultra Rare card limited to the Rebel Clash expansion, it has an increased rarity compared to common cards. But Milotic V is far from the rarest or most expensive Milotic card available. Let‘s explore the full landscape of Milotic card rarity and values!
Background on Milotic Pokemon Cards
Before analyzing specific Milotic cards, let‘s provide some quick background. Milotic first appeared in the 2002 Generation III Ruby/Sapphire games as a rare evolution of the unappealing Feebas. The serpentine Water-type immediately became a fan favorite for its elegance and difficulty to obtain in-game.
Milotic made its debut in the Pokémon TCG during the EX Hidden Legends expansion in 2003. It has since been featured across many sets as a Stage 1 card, normally evolving from Feebas:
- Total Milotic Cards: 17
- Regular Cards: 8
- Full Arts/Secret Rares: 5
- Shiny Versions: 4
As an uncommon and sought after Pokémon, Milotic cards tend to carry increased value compared to more common species. Let‘s explore the rarity and valuation of specific Milotic cards.
Analysis of Milotic V Rarity and Value
As mentioned, the Milotic V appeared in the May 2020 Sword & Shield – Rebel Clash set as card number 043/192.
Key facts about the Milotic V card:
- Card Type: Water V Pokemon
- Rarity: Ultra Rare (V cards)
- Print Run: Unknown, but much lower than common cards
- Current Value: Roughly $7 – $10 for Near Mint copies
As an Ultra Rare V card, Milotic V has a unique vertical orientation and texture. Its holofoil artwork of Milotic extends past the card borders for a dynamic look. These V cards also have higher HP and stronger attacks than regular Pokémon cards.
The major booster set run of Sword & Shield – Rebel Clash contained 192 cards total. Milotic V was card #043 within this set, meaning there were only 42 different Ultra Rare or higher rarity cards. The exact print run numbers are not public, but we can reasonably conclude far fewer Milotic V cards were printed compared to common cards from the set.
Overall, while not the absolute rarest card, the desirable traits of Milotic V‘s Ultra Rare status and role as the evolution of Feebas make it a chase card for collectors. Its current market value of around $7 to $10 for Near Mint copies reflects that elevated demand.
Full Art and Secret Rare Milotic Cards
Beyond the normal Milotic V, there are even rarer Secret Rare and Full Art versions that depict Milotic with expanded artwork. These premium cards have lower print runs and higher values.
Full Art Milotic (Rebel Clash)
- Card Type: Water Full Art
- Rarity: Ultra Rare
- Print Run: Not public, but far fewer than 176 regular cards in the set
- Value: $15 to $25 Near Mint
Appearing at card #179 in Rebel Clash, this Full Art Milotic has a sweeping artwork with Milotic elegantly swimming across the card. The metallic borders and textures make it dazzling in person. As a Full Art Ultra Rare, its supply was highly limited compared to standard cards from Rebel Clash.
Secret Rare Rainbow Milotic VMAX (Darkness Ablaze)
- Card Type: Water VMAX Secret Rare
- Rarity: Secret Rare
- Print Run: Extremely small, #192 of 192 cards in the set
- Value: $50 to $70 Near Mint
The pinnacle Milotic card from the Sword & Shield era so far is the Rainbow Rare VMAX in Darkness Ablaze. As card #192/192, it was a Secret Rare chase card with fantastic rainbow coloring and textures. This card currently sells for $50 to $70 in Near Mint condition.
Other Secret Rare Milotics
- 2009 Supreme Victors Secret Rare Milotic EDITION – Up to $600 PSA 10
- 2018 Dragon Majesty Full Art Shiny Milotic GX – Up to $400 PSA 10
Secret Rare Milotics are always highly coveted by collectors and investors. Their low supply and stunning art create immense demand.
Shiny Milotic Cards
Shiny Pokémon cards always command a premium due to their scarcity. Shiny Milotic‘s purple and pink color scheme is a major departure from its usual colors.
Here are two of the most valuable Shiny Milotic cards:
- 2004 EX Hidden Legends Shiny Milotic – This first Shiny Milotic card can sell for over $200 PSA 10. A true collector‘s item.
- 2018 Dragon Majesty Full Art Shiny Milotic GX – With sweeping artwork, this modern Shiny Milotic sells for $400-$500 in flawless PSA 10 condition.
Owning these exclusives Shiny Milotics is a badge of honor among collectors given their rarity and appeal. Their value is also likely to continue appreciating over time.
Most Valuable Milotic Cards
Let‘s highlight some of the most expensive and rarest Milotic cards:
| Milotic Card | PSA 10 Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 Skyridge 1st Edition Holo Rare | $350+ | Very limited 1st Edition run |
| 2009 Supreme Victors δ Holo Rare | $500+ | Unique δ Lightning-type variant |
| 2006 EX Crystal Guardians δ Holo Rare | $600+ | Another rare δ version |
| 2004 EX Hidden Legends Shiny Holo Rare | $200+ | First Shiny Milotic card |
| 2018 Dragon Majesty Full Art Shiny GX | $400-$500 | Modern Shiny chase card |
These premium Milotic cards trade for serious money in flawless PSA 10 condition due to their exclusivity and collector appeal. But even in lesser grades, they carry strong values.
Should You Grade Your Milotic Cards?
Since professional grading costs $10 to $15 per card, you need to consider how grading will impact your goals as a collector:
- For casual collectors, grading likely won‘t enhance enjoyment enough to be worth the cost.
- For high-end collectors seeking PSA 10s, grading gives you the chance at a perfect Milotic.
- If you plan to resell cards, grading verifies authenticity and condition. This makes them more attractive to buyers.
- Investors should strongly consider grading to maximize potential appreciation over time.
Here are the current PSA grading populations of some Milotic cards, which influences their valuation:
| Milotic Card | Total PSA Graded | PSA 10 Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Milotic V (Rebel Clash) | 1,248 | 143 |
| Full Art Milotic (Rebel Clash) | 500 | 55 |
| Rainbow Rare VMAX (Darkness Ablaze) | 349 | 44 |
| Shiny Milotic (EX Hidden Legends) | 489 | 60 |
Population reports from PSA‘s website show relatively few Milotic cards have been graded so far. And only around 10% of submissions achieve the flawless PSA 10 grade. If you have any of these cards in excellent condition, grading could significantly boost their value based on the limited PSA 10 supply that exists currently.
Investment Appeal of Milotic Cards
With stunning artwork and a prestigious status in the Pokémon universe, Milotic cards are an appealing long-term investment:
- As an elegant and rare Pokémon, Milotic has enduring popularity that should persist for generations.
- Rare Secret Rares, Shiny versions, and PSA 10s are likely to keep appreciating as demand outpaces very limited supply.
- Milotic‘s high collectibility and strong nostalgic ties to Gen 3 make it a safer bet than flash-in-the-pan Pokémon.
- Cards like the 2003 Skyridge 1st Edition and 2004 Shiny Milotic have tremendous upside from their current price levels.
- Even lower grade copies of rare Milotic cards command good money due to iconic status.
Targeting the rarest Milotic cards in the highest grades possible and holding for the long term could prove to be a fruitful investment.
The Allure of Milotic Pokemon Cards
Milotic‘s natural beauty and rarity as a Pokémon translate perfectly to the desirable aesthetics and exclusivity of its Pokemon cards. While not the singular rarest card, premier Milotic cards like Secret Rares and Shinies are highly coveted cornerstones of any serious Pokémon card collection.
Even more common Milotic cards like the Rebel Clash V and Full Art have appeal as Ultra Rare evolutions of the humble Feebas. Collectors know the difficulty of evolving Milotic in the video games, so pulling a Milotic card straight from a booster pack allows you to essentially bypass that challenge!
While the investment outlook is bright, Milotic cards also simply look fantastic as display pieces. Flawless PSA 10 and Pristine 10 examples of the most beautiful Milotic cards would make awe-inspiring additions to any card collection.