Holo or Reverse Holo?
On a holo card the artwork shines; on a reverse holo, the rest of the card does. Here is how to tell them apart and what that means for value.
In short
On a holo card, the artwork window is shiny. On a reverse holo, the shine covers everything except the artwork. Which is worth more depends on the set and the card.
How to recognise them
- Holo: the picture shimmers, the border is matte.
- Reverse holo: the border and text area shimmer, the picture is matte.
- Regular: no foil effect at all.
Special variants
Beyond that there are ex, V and Full Art cards, where the whole card is often foil-patterned. They are usually rarer and in higher demand.
Which is worth more?
In many sets the holo of a card is more sought-after than its reverse holo. For some sets, however, the reverse holo is harder to find in good condition, which can lift the price. Check what comparable cards sold for.
At Miss Rare
Cards are scanned individually so you can see exactly how the foil looks. What Near Mint means.
Holo cards from the shop
See the foil in the original scan.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell a holo from a reverse holo?
Look at where the shine is: in the picture (holo) or around it (reverse holo).
Is a reverse holo rarer than a regular card?
Usually a reverse holo is a foil version of a common or uncommon card, so it is slightly more sought-after than the regular one.
Does foil lose value when scratched?
Yes. Scratches show up strongly on foil and lower the condition grade.
Are all holos genuine?
Not necessarily. See our guide on spotting fakes.
Holo cards from the shop
All listings with the original image – purchases are made securely through eBay.