What do the symbols mean on Pokemon cards?

The different symbols on Pokemon TCG cards can let a collector know their set, rarity, value, and other useful details. So, learn how to read Pokemon cards’ symbols to snatch the best cards out there!

Imagine cracking open a deck of Pokemon cards prepared to start playing, only to pause mid-draw, glance at that tiny symbol in the corner, and think: What on earth does that mean? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re dusting off your old collection or diving headfirst into the world of competitive play, understanding these symbols is imperative. So, here’s how to decode everything from rarity icons and set markings to regional exclusives and promotional emblems.

Pokemon TCG card symbols explained

Pokemon cards are filled with information; some is used for competitive play, and other bits can be considered the “background” of such a card.

The information for gameplay includes the Pokemon’s name, its stage, HP, type, abilities, attacks and effects, Energy requirements, damage, weaknesses, and retreat cost.

Meanwhile, everything that represents the origin of the card comes in symbols:

Example

• Series set symbol: Roaring Moon ex is from the English Paradox Rift set
• Series set language: EN – English
• Regulation checkmark: The letter ‘G’ indicates the card is legal in standard tournament play.
• Collector Number: The Golden Roaring Moon ex card is #262 out of a base set of 182. This card’s number is higher because all the Secret Rares, Illustration Rares, Full Art, and so on are counted above the base set.
• Rarity symbol: In this case, it has three stars, meaning the card is a Hyper Rare.
• Trait: Ancient means Roaring Moon ex can use the Awakening Drum, Explorer’s Guidance, Professor Sada’s Vitality cards, and a few more.
• Rule box: When Roaring Moon ex is knocked out, the opponent draws two Prize cards.

Set identifiers & symbols

Of the Pokemon symbols in the bottom left corner, one is either a set identifier, as seen in post-Scarlet & Violet expansions, or a set symbol from the 1999 Jungle set onwards.

You can find the different set identifiers and symbols in the table below from the base set to the present day.

Original Series

Neo Series

Legendary Collection Series

e-Card Series

EX Series

Diamond & Pearl Series

Platinum Series

HeartGold & SoulSilver Series

Call of Legends Series

Black & White Series

XY Series

Sun & Moon Series

Sword & Shield Series

Scarlet & Violet Series

Mega Evolution series

Other sets

Rarity symbols

These rarity symbols are stamped in the bottom left of your Pokemon cards. The designations go from common, represented by a circle, to Hyper Rare, represented by three golden stars.

Stamped Pokemon card symbols

Some Pokemon cards will have stamps to designate the set they came from. For example, the Pokemon holiday calendar cards all have a silvery snowflake.

• First given out in 2007 during Diamond and Pearl for promos, the STAFF stamped cards were typically given to stores and staff at events. They were discontinued after Vivid Voltage in 2020 and typically add value to a Pokemon card.
• Play! Pokemon watermark stamps were awarded from 2010 onwards, especially to championship and league competitors.
• Pokemon Professor stamped cards are handed out at Pokemon Professor cups, such as the 2022 Stuttgart cup, where the top 8 were given Professor Stamped “Friends in Galar” cards, where the winner received the card with an additional “Champion” stamp. These cards are scarce and therefore valuable.
• Anniversary stamped cards are given out for landmark anniversaries. Some of these cards can be quite pricey, and others not so much, like this Professor Burnett, 25th-anniversary card.

Type symbols

In Pokemon, every creature has a special type or two, and while the mainline games have 18 (+1 Stellar type), the TCG only uses 11:

That’s everything you need to know to understand the symbols in Pokemon TCG cards. Don’t forget to check the most expensive cards and make sure to brush up on Special Conditions and stalling techniques.