What does RR mean Pokémon?
Hey friend! As a fellow tech geek and Pokémon TCG enthusiast, I wanted to provide you with an extensive explainer on the Rainbow Rare card rarity – from how to identify them, where to find them, and why RR cards are so coveted by collectors. Get ready to geek out over the magical world of Rainbow Rares!
Decoding the RR Rarity Symbol
Rainbow Rare cards are signified by the ‘RR‘ rarity symbol printed on the bottom left corner of the card. This specifically indicates the holographic rainbow finish and premium gold borders that make Rainbow Rares so distinctive.
Appreciating the Stunning Rainbow Sheen
What really makes Rainbow Rares pop is the colorful, holographic rainbow sheen overlaid on top of the Pokémon‘s artwork. The shimmering rainbow finish reflects light back in prismatic flashes, making every Rainbow Rare uniquely captivating. The vibrant rainbow colors are dynamic and seem to dance off the surface of the card when tilted.
According to expert collectors, no two Rainbow Rares look exactly alike due to the randomness in the holo pattern. This makes each one feel special and magical in its own way!
Noticing the Luxurious Gold Borders
In addition to the rainbow finish, Rainbow Rares can also be identified by their premium gold borders instead of the standard yellow borders found on normal Pokémon cards. These metallic gold borders further add to the opulent, ultra rare vibe of Rainbow Rares.
When displayed in a binder, the gold borders make Rainbow Rares pop and stand out dramatically from other cards on the page. The eye is instantly drawn to them – exactly what you want for a treasured centerpiece card!
When Were Rainbow Rares Introduced?
Rainbow Rare cards first debuted in the Pokémon TCG with the Sun & Moon base set released in February 2017. They quickly became fan favorites among collectors for their incredible scarcity and visual appeal.
Since then, Rainbow Rares have appeared as chase cards in select Pokémon TCG expansions where they are ultra rare secret pulls. Some of the most popular sets featuring Rainbow Rares include:
- Sun & Moon Base Set
- Guardians Rising
- Burning Shadows
- Crimson Invasion
- Ultra Prism
- Forbidden Light
- Celestial Storm
- Dragon Majesty
- Unbroken Bonds
- Unified Minds
- Cosmic Eclipse
- Champion‘s Path
- Vivid Voltage
- Battle Styles
- Chilling Reign
- Evolving Skies
- Fusion Strike
- Brilliant Stars
- Astral Radiance
So if you‘re looking to add some Rainbow Rares to your Pokémon card collection, I‘d recommend focusing on booster boxes from these modern sets!
Why Are Rainbow Rares So Valuable?
There are a few key factors that make Rainbow Rare cards so highly coveted and valuable among collectors:
Scarcity – Rainbow Rares have very limited pull rates of around 1 in every 120 packs, or 3 to 4 per booster box on average. This scarcity significantly drives up demand.
Visual Appeal – The rainbow holo and gold borders are visual candy that make them stand out as true collector‘s pieces. Their beauty is undeniable!
Popular Pokémon – Rainbow Rares of fan favorite Pokémon like Charizard, Pikachu, Umbreon, and Mew command extremely high prices.
High Grades – Gem Mint 10 graded Rainbow Rares are very rare and fetch huge premiums when they come up for sale.
Nostalgia – Many collectors love Rainbow Rares because they evoke nostalgia for the ultra rare "shiny" cards of the past like Gold Stars.
Let‘s take a look at some of the most expensive and valuable Rainbow Rare cards on the market right now:
| Rainbow Rare Card | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Rare Charizard VMAX (Champion‘s Path) | $275+ |
| Rainbow Rare Pikachu VMAX (VMAX Climax) | $200+ |
| Rainbow Rare Umbreon VMAX (Evolving Skies) | $150 |
| Rainbow Rare Rayquaza VMAX (Evolving Skies) | $120+ |
| Rainbow Rare Reshiram & Charizard GX (Unbroken Bonds) | $100+ |
As you can see, the market prices for these Rainbow Rare chase cards are quite staggering!
Where Are the Best Places to Find Rainbow Rares?
If your goal is to add some Rainbow Rares to your personal Pokémon card collection, here are some of my tips as a collector on the best places to find them:
Booster Boxes – Your odds are exponentially better opening a freshly sealed booster box compared to loose booster packs. Aim for sets known to have Rainbow Rares.
Elite Trainer Boxes – Some special ETBs have guaranteed Rainbow Rares as promo cards. The Pokémon GO and Alolan Vulpix ETBs are great examples.
Collector‘s Items – Products like the Poncho Pikachu and Snorlax Special Delivery boxes have Rainbow Rare promos inside.
Local Game Stores – Check if your friendly local game store has any Rainbow Rares in their display case for sale. Support small businesses!
Online Retailers – Websites like TCGPlayer often have Rainbow Rares listed for sale from various sellers. Just be wary of inflated prices.
Trades – Trading duplicate ultra rares with fellow collectors is a great way to get your hands on specific Rainbow Rares you‘re chasing.
With booster boxes averaging 3 to 4 Rainbow Rares each, your odds are pretty good if you stick to opening packs from sets that contain them!
Should You Get Your Rainbow Rares Graded?
For super valuable and iconic Rainbow Rare cards, I definitely recommend getting them professionally graded and encased by companies like PSA or Beckett. Here‘s why:
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Grading authenticates the condition and guarantees the card is real.
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It assigns an official condition grade from 1 to 10, with 10 being pristine gem mint.
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Encapsulation protects the card from damage, scratches, and wear.
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Graded cards command significant premiums when reselling, especially grade 10s.
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Displays beautifully in a graded slab with the condition clearly visible.
Grading does cost money and take some time, so I‘d suggest only choosing your most cherished Rainbow Rares or super rare Charizards and Pikachus to submit for grading. The value appreciation will be well worth it long-term!
Storing and Protecting Your Rainbow Rares
As someone who has accumulated quite the Rainbow Rare collection over the past few years, I‘ve learned a lot about properly storing and protecting them:
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Double sleeve them with inner sleeves and outer sleeves to prevent scratches.
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Use ultra pro or KMC brand sleeves for the best fit and protection.
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Store them in a D ring binder with side loading pages to avoid damage.
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Top load your most valuable ones in semi rigid card holders.
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Keep them away from moisture, direct sunlight, and heat to prevent fading.
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Handle them gently by the edges and sleeves to maintain mint condition.
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Consider getting your most prized Rainbows graded for long term encapsulated protection.
Taking the time to carefully sleeve and store your Rainbow Rares will preserve both their condition and value over the years to come!
Should You Collect Rainbow Rares?
In my opinion as a Pokémon enthusiast and collector – absolutely! Here‘s why Rainbow Rares are must have cards for any Pokémon binder:
Gorgeous Artwork – The rainbow sheen makes the Pokémon seem to burst with color and life. They‘re true works of art!
Fun to Pull – That thrilling feeling when you pull a Rainbow Rare from a pack is such a rush!
Rarity & Value – Their insane scarcity gives Rainbow Rares very enticing collector and investment value.
Nostalgia – Longtime fans appreciate the callback to ultra rare "shinies" of the past like Gold Stars.
Customization – You can selectively collect Rainbows of your favorite Pokémon. I love the Eeveelutions!
At the end of the day, Pokémon cards are about having fun. And for me, Rainbow Rares exemplify the joy of collecting with their stunning art and treasures. What an awesome hobby!
So I hope this guide gave you some geeky insight into the fabulous world of Rainbow Rare Pokémon cards. Let me know if you have any other questions!
