This particular card refers to a specific iteration of Umbreon, a Dark-type Pokmon, featured within the Evolving Skies expansion set of the Pokmon Trading Card Game. The card’s illustration, rarity, and associated gameplay mechanics distinguish it from other Umbreon cards released in different sets. Its value derives from a combination of factors including collectibility, playability in the trading card game, and overall demand from enthusiasts.
The significance of this specific card lies in its potential strategic value within the trading card game, as well as its collectibility among Pokmon card enthusiasts. High-rarity versions or those featuring alternate artwork often command premium prices due to their scarcity and perceived aesthetic appeal. Historically, particular Pokmon cards have risen in value dramatically, making them desirable assets for collectors and investors.
The following sections will delve into the factors contributing to this specific card’s value, including its rarity, artwork variations, strategic applications within the trading card game, and its overall position within the broader Pokmon collecting landscape. Further details will be provided regarding its pull rates and the potential for grading to enhance its value.
1. Rarity
Rarity serves as a primary determinant of value for a specific Umbreon card released within the Evolving Skies expansion. The scarcity of a card, dictated by its pull rate within booster packs, directly influences its desirability and subsequent market price.
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Pull Rate and Scarcity
Pull rates, the statistical probability of obtaining a specific card from a booster pack, directly correlate to scarcity. Cards with lower pull rates, such as Secret Rares or Alternate Art variants, are inherently scarcer, leading to increased demand and higher market values. The inverse holds true for more common cards.
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Designation within the Set
The Evolving Skies set employs specific designations to indicate card rarity, such as holographic patterns, reverse holographic patterns, and the presence of a star symbol ( ). These designations signal to collectors the relative scarcity of a card and contribute to its perceived value.
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Impact on Market Value
The combination of pull rate and set designation directly impacts the market value of the specific Umbreon card. A rare card, particularly one featuring desirable artwork, can command significantly higher prices on secondary markets, such as online auction sites and card trading platforms. This is especially true if the card is in mint condition.
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Grading Considerations
The potential for professional grading further amplifies the impact of rarity. A rare card in pristine condition, as assessed by a grading service like PSA or Beckett, can achieve a substantially higher grade, and thus, a substantially higher value. The rarity combined with a high grade makes these cards highly sought after.
In conclusion, the rarity designation assigned to this Umbreon card within the Evolving Skies* expansion directly influences its scarcity, which in turn dictates its market value and desirability among collectors. Understanding these relationships is crucial for assessing the overall worth and potential investment opportunity associated with obtaining and maintaining such a card.
2. Artwork
The artwork on a given iteration of Umbreon from Evolving Skies is a significant factor determining its collectibility and market value. Illustration style, artistic composition, and the presence of alternative art variants directly impact the card’s desirability among collectors. A visually appealing and well-executed depiction of the Pokmon can elevate its perceived worth beyond its gameplay utility. For example, versions featuring dynamic poses, vibrant colors, or unique background elements tend to be more sought after. This heightened demand translates into higher prices on secondary markets.
The specific artist responsible for the artwork also plays a role. Certain artists are known for their distinctive styles and are highly regarded within the Pokmon Trading Card Game community. Cards illustrated by these artists often command a premium. Furthermore, the inclusion of special effects, such as holofoil patterns, textured surfaces, or limited edition stamps, can enhance the visual appeal and exclusivity of the card. These artistic embellishments contribute to the card’s overall aesthetic value and influence its position within the collector’s market.
Ultimately, the quality and uniqueness of the artwork represent a core element of the Evolving Skies Umbreon card’s identity. The visual presentation creates an emotional connection with collectors, transforming the card from a mere gameplay component into a desirable piece of art. Therefore, understanding the artistic nuances of these cards is crucial for assessing their long-term value and appreciating their place within the broader cultural phenomenon of Pokmon card collecting.
3. Set Symbol
The set symbol serves as a critical identifier for any particular iteration of Umbreon originating from the Evolving Skies expansion of the Pokmon Trading Card Game. Its presence distinguishes the card from Umbreon cards found in other expansions and provides essential context for collectors and players alike. This symbol is not merely decorative; it represents a direct link to the card’s origin and characteristics.
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Unambiguous Identification
The Evolving Skies set symbol, a stylized image specific to that expansion, allows for unequivocal identification of the card’s origin. Without this symbol, differentiating between multiple Umbreon cards printed across various sets becomes significantly more challenging, impacting valuation and collectibility. Accurate identification is crucial for both collectors and competitive players.
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Contextualization within the Expansion
The set symbol situates the Umbreon card within the broader context of the Evolving Skies expansion. The expansion’s theme, featured Pokmon, and gameplay mechanics collectively contribute to the card’s overall significance. Understanding the surrounding context enriches the appreciation of the card beyond its individual attributes. The set symbol functions as an anchor to that broader context.
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Impact on Market Value and Authenticity
The presence of the correct set symbol is a fundamental criterion for verifying the authenticity of the Umbreon card. Counterfeit cards frequently lack accurate set symbols, serving as a primary indicator of inauthenticity. Furthermore, the set symbol directly impacts the market value, as collectors and investors prioritize cards that can be positively identified as belonging to a specific, desirable set. Lack of a set symbol or an incorrect one greatly diminishes the value.
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Organizational Framework for Collections
For card collectors, the set symbol provides a valuable organizational framework. Collections are often structured by set, enabling easy cataloging and display. The Evolving Skies set symbol facilitates the organization of Umbreon cards within a broader collection, allowing collectors to track their holdings and identify any gaps in their collection. This systematic approach contributes to the overall enjoyment and value of the collecting experience.
In summary, the set symbol for an Evolving Skies Umbreon card is not merely an aesthetic element but a crucial identifier, contextual marker, and validation tool. Its presence ensures accurate identification, establishes authenticity, informs market value, and enables organized collection practices. This symbol is integral to the card’s significance within the Pokmon Trading Card Game ecosystem.
4. Market Price
The market price of any specific iteration of Umbreon from the Evolving Skies expansion is a dynamic figure, influenced by a confluence of factors operating within the trading card game market. Understanding these influences is essential for assessing the card’s value as a collectable item and a potential investment.
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Supply and Demand Dynamics
The fundamental principle governing market price is the interplay between supply and demand. Limited availability of a particular Umbreon card, stemming from low pull rates or limited print runs, contributes to increased demand and, consequently, higher prices. Conversely, increased supply, resulting from reprints or increased pack openings, can depress market value. The relative balance between supply and demand is constantly shifting.
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Grading and Condition
The assessed condition of the card significantly impacts its market value. Cards graded as “mint” or “near mint” by reputable grading services (e.g., PSA, Beckett) command substantial premiums compared to ungraded or damaged cards. Grading provides a standardized measure of condition, reducing uncertainty and enhancing buyer confidence. The higher the grade, the greater the potential return on investment.
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Collector Sentiment and Hype
Collector sentiment and market hype play a crucial role, often driving prices beyond levels justified by objective scarcity or utility. Social media trends, influencer endorsements, and speculative buying can create artificial demand spikes, leading to inflated prices. However, these hype-driven price increases are often unsustainable in the long term. Identifying genuine value versus fleeting hype is crucial for informed decision-making.
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Playability in the Trading Card Game
While primarily a factor for tournament-level players, the card’s utility and effectiveness within the trading card game format can influence its market price. A competitively viable Umbreon card, featuring a powerful attack or unique ability, often garners increased demand from players seeking to optimize their decks. This increased demand translates into higher market prices, particularly in the short term.
These facets collectively shape the market price of an Evolving Skies Umbreon card. Analyzing these factors provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the price fluctuations and assessing the card’s potential as a collectable item or speculative investment. The market price is a reflection of the complex interaction between scarcity, condition, sentiment, and utility within the Pokmon Trading Card Game community.
5. Card Number
The card number assigned to each particular instance of Umbreon within the Evolving Skies expansion functions as a unique identifier, integral to its classification, organization, and authentication within the broader Pokmon Trading Card Game ecosystem. Its significance transcends simple enumeration, playing a critical role in both collecting and competitive play.
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Unique Identification and Cataloging
Each card within the Evolving Skies expansion, including variations of Umbreon, receives a distinct card number. This number, often presented as a fraction (e.g., “123/203”), provides a precise method for distinguishing one card from another, especially crucial when multiple versions of Umbreon exist within the same set. Collectors use these numbers to meticulously catalog their collections, ensuring completeness and accuracy. This system avoids ambiguity when discussing particular cards.
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Rarity Designation and Pull Rates
The card number, often in conjunction with the set symbol, implicitly indicates a card’s rarity. Secret Rare cards, for example, frequently possess card numbers exceeding the total number of officially numbered cards in the set (e.g., “204/203” or higher). This numerical anomaly signals their increased scarcity and contributes to their higher market value. The card number provides a clue regarding the likelihood of obtaining a specific Umbreon from booster packs.
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Market Value and Authenticity Verification
The card number is a critical element in determining the market value of a specific Umbreon card. Online marketplaces, such as TCGplayer or eBay, utilize card numbers to standardize listings and facilitate price comparisons. Further, the presence of a correct and legible card number is essential for verifying a card’s authenticity. Counterfeit cards often exhibit incorrect or missing card numbers, making this identifier a first line of defense against fraud. Scrutinizing the card number is a key step in avoiding inauthentic merchandise.
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Organizational Tool for Competitive Play
In the context of competitive play, deck-building often requires precise card identification. The card number, in conjunction with the card name and set symbol, allows players to accurately track and manage the cards included in their decks. Tournament rules often require players to provide a detailed list of their deck contents, relying on the card number for unambiguous identification. The card number contributes to the structured and standardized environment of competitive Pokmon TCG events.
In conclusion, the card number associated with an Evolving Skies Umbreon serves far more than a mere sequential listing. It provides a unique identifier for cataloging and trade, implicitly signals rarity, aids in authentication, and facilitates organized deck-building. These functions emphasize the importance of the card number within the multifaceted world of the Pokmon Trading Card Game.
6. Pull Rate
Pull rate, in the context of the Evolving Skies expansion and specifically concerning its Umbreon cards, represents the statistical probability of obtaining a specific card from a sealed booster pack. This probability exerts a significant influence on the card’s market value and collectibility.
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Statistical Probability and Scarcity
Pull rate directly quantifies the scarcity of a particular card. A lower pull rate signifies a rarer card, as fewer examples of it exist within the total pool of booster packs. For instance, a Secret Rare Umbreon card might have a pull rate of 1 in 200 packs, meaning, on average, 200 booster packs must be opened to acquire one. This inherent scarcity drives up demand among collectors.
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Impact on Market Price
The pull rate serves as a primary determinant of market price. The more difficult it is to pull a specific Evolving Skies Umbreon card, the higher its market value will likely be. This relationship is readily observable on online marketplaces, where prices reflect the relative rarity established by the pull rates. Collectors and investors use pull rate estimations to gauge the potential value of opening sealed product versus purchasing individual cards.
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Data Collection and Estimation
Estimating pull rates requires substantial data collection from community openings and statistical analysis. Websites and forums dedicated to the Pokmon Trading Card Game often compile data from numerous booster pack openings to approximate pull rates for various cards, including Umbreon variants. These estimations, while not official figures released by The Pokmon Company, provide valuable insights for collectors and buyers.
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Variations and Anomalies
It’s important to acknowledge that pull rates are theoretical averages and individual experiences may vary. Instances of unusually lucky or unlucky openings can occur, deviating from the established statistical probabilities. Furthermore, variations in print runs or regional distributions may lead to subtle differences in pull rates across different production batches of Evolving Skies booster packs. These anomalies contribute to the complexities of the collecting experience.
Understanding the pull rate of a specific Umbreon card within Evolving Skies is crucial for informed decision-making within the Pokmon Trading Card Game community. Whether assessing the value of a collection, considering an investment, or simply seeking a particular card, knowledge of the pull rate provides a valuable framework for understanding scarcity and market dynamics.
7. Grading Potential
Grading potential represents a critical factor influencing the perceived value and ultimate market price of any Evolving Skies Umbreon card. Professional grading services assess the condition of trading cards based on standardized criteria, assigning a numerical grade that reflects the card’s physical state. This grade significantly impacts the card’s desirability among collectors and investors.
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Impact of Centering and Surface Condition
Centering, referring to the alignment of the card’s printed image within its borders, is a primary criterion evaluated during grading. Even minor misalignments can lower the assigned grade. Similarly, the surface condition of the card is scrutinized for imperfections such as scratches, print lines, or blemishes. A pristine surface is essential for achieving a high grade. For example, a slight surface scratch, barely visible to the naked eye, could drop a Gem Mint 10 candidate to a Mint 9.
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Edge and Corner Integrity
The condition of the card’s edges and corners significantly impacts its grading potential. Sharp, undamaged edges and corners are highly valued, while any signs of wear, such as fraying, whitening, or rounding, will negatively affect the grade. These are areas prone to damage during handling and storage, therefore well-preserved edges and corners are indicative of meticulous care.
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Rarity and Grading Premiums
The interplay between a card’s rarity and its grading potential creates opportunities for substantial premiums. A rare Umbreon card from Evolving Skies, such as a Secret Rare or Alternate Art variant, in pristine condition can command a significantly higher price when professionally graded. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for graded rare cards, as the grading process provides assurance of authenticity and condition, mitigating the risk of purchasing counterfeit or damaged items.
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Long-Term Investment Considerations
Professional grading is often viewed as a means of securing a card’s long-term value. A high grade provides a standardized and objective assessment of condition, making the card more liquid and desirable in the secondary market. Investors frequently seek graded cards as a store of value, anticipating that their scarcity and condition will contribute to price appreciation over time. However, grading is not a guarantee of future price increases, and market trends should be carefully considered.
The grading potential of an Evolving Skies Umbreon card, therefore, is intricately linked to its physical attributes, rarity, and the overall demand within the collecting community. Achieving a high grade requires meticulous handling and storage, but can result in a substantial increase in the card’s value and appeal as a collectable asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section addresses common inquiries regarding Umbreon cards originating from the Evolving Skies expansion of the Pokmon Trading Card Game. The information provided aims to offer clarity on value, rarity, and authentication.
Question 1: What factors primarily determine the value of an Umbreon card from Evolving Skies?
Several factors influence value. Rarity, as designated by pull rates and set symbols, plays a significant role. Artwork variations, especially alternate art versions, command premiums. Furthermore, the card’s condition, as assessed through professional grading, substantially impacts its market price.
Question 2: How can one identify a legitimate Evolving Skies Umbreon card?
Authenticity verification involves several steps. Scrutinize the set symbol to ensure it matches the Evolving Skies designation. Examine the card number and compare it with established databases. Assess the printing quality and paper stock. Cross-reference the card’s attributes with reputable online resources to confirm its legitimacy.
Question 3: What is the significance of “pull rate” in relation to Umbreon cards from this set?
Pull rate represents the statistical probability of obtaining a specific card from a sealed booster pack. Lower pull rates signify greater scarcity, directly correlating to higher market values. Understanding pull rates assists collectors in assessing the relative difficulty of acquiring particular Umbreon variants.
Question 4: How does professional grading impact the value of these cards?
Professional grading provides a standardized assessment of a card’s condition, assigning a numerical grade. Cards graded as “mint” or “near mint” receive significant value premiums compared to ungraded or damaged versions. Grading mitigates risk and enhances buyer confidence in the secondary market.
Question 5: Are there specific Umbreon artwork variations within Evolving Skies that are particularly sought after?
Yes, alternate art Umbreon cards, featuring unique illustrations distinct from the standard versions, are highly prized by collectors. These variants are often rarer and visually striking, contributing to their increased desirability and market value.
Question 6: Is the market value of these cards stable, or does it fluctuate significantly?
Market values are subject to fluctuation, influenced by supply and demand dynamics, collector sentiment, and overall market trends within the Pokmon Trading Card Game community. Values may experience both increases and decreases over time, requiring ongoing monitoring and assessment.
This FAQ section serves to provide a foundation for understanding the nuances surrounding Umbreon cards from the Evolving Skies expansion. Continued research and engagement with the community are encouraged for informed decision-making.
The following segment explores the practical aspects of acquiring and maintaining these valuable cards.
Essential Tips
This section outlines critical strategies for acquiring and maintaining Umbreon cards from the Evolving Skies expansion, emphasizing informed decisions and proper care.
Tip 1: Thoroughly Research Market Values: Prior to any purchase, diligently investigate current market prices for the specific Umbreon card of interest. Utilize reputable online resources such as TCGplayer, PriceCharting, and eBay sold listings to establish a fair market value benchmark. Discrepancies between asking prices and established market values should raise concerns.
Tip 2: Prioritize Authenticity Verification: Before committing to a purchase, meticulously examine the card for authenticity indicators. Scrutinize the set symbol, card number, and printing quality. Compare the card’s features against verified images from trusted sources. When feasible, request high-resolution images from the seller to facilitate detailed inspection.
Tip 3: Assess Condition with Precision: Closely evaluate the card’s condition, paying particular attention to centering, surface integrity, edge sharpness, and corner integrity. Utilize established grading scales (e.g., PSA, Beckett) to estimate the card’s potential grade. Undisclosed imperfections can significantly impact the card’s long-term value.
Tip 4: Utilize Reputable Sellers and Platforms: Transact only with reputable sellers on established platforms such as TCGplayer, eBay (with high seller ratings), or dedicated Pokmon Trading Card Game marketplaces. Exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar sellers or platforms offering prices significantly below market value.
Tip 5: Implement Proper Storage Protocols: Once acquired, implement strict storage protocols to preserve the card’s condition. Sleeve the card immediately using acid-free, archival-quality sleeves. Store sleeved cards in rigid top loaders or graded card holders to prevent bending or damage. Maintain a controlled environment with stable temperature and humidity to minimize degradation.
Tip 6: Avoid Overexposure to Light: Limit the card’s exposure to direct sunlight or prolonged periods of artificial light. Ultraviolet radiation can cause fading and discoloration, permanently diminishing the card’s aesthetic appeal and market value. Store the card in a dark, protected environment.
Tip 7: Insure High-Value Acquisitions: For Umbreon cards representing significant investments, consider obtaining insurance coverage to protect against loss, theft, or damage. Consult with insurance providers specializing in collectibles to secure appropriate coverage.
Adhering to these guidelines minimizes the risks associated with acquiring and preserving Evolving Skies Umbreon cards, safeguarding their value and ensuring their longevity as collectable items.
The subsequent section will provide a concluding summary of the key insights discussed throughout this article.
Concluding Remarks
This exploration has comprehensively examined the Pokmon Evolving Skies Umbreon, dissecting the multifaceted factors that contribute to its value and desirability within the trading card game community. Rarity, artwork, set symbol, market price, card number, pull rate, and grading potential each exert a significant influence, collectively shaping its standing as both a collectable item and a potential investment.
The Pokmon Evolving Skies Umbreon represents more than a mere card; it embodies the convergence of artistic merit, strategic gameplay, and market dynamics within a vibrant collector ecosystem. Vigilant acquisition practices, rigorous authentication protocols, and meticulous preservation efforts are essential for those seeking to engage with this segment of the Pokmon Trading Card Game. The insights presented herein should serve as a foundation for informed decision-making and responsible engagement within this dynamic market.
