Market outlook
Rising Outlook 7/10
Demand for Secret Rare full-art cards is increasing, tournament reprints are scarce, and Ethan's legacy from Gold/Silver adds collectible value. The card's status as a gold card (not Mewtwo) ensures steady mid-tier growth[3]
Next months. Next 3-6 months: Prices likely to rise from pre-release €35 as post-release demand solidifies, especially for tournament reprints[3]
Long term. 1-3 year prediction: Stable to rising trend due to Ethan's nostalgic appeal and scarcity of tournament versions, though not matching Gold Mewtwo's top-tier value[3]
History
Ethan is a Pokémon trainer from the Pokémon Gold and Silver games, depicted in this card as watching Ho-Oh soar through a starry sunset sky. The card's full-art variant features artwork by Hideki Ishikawa (uncredited on the card) for the Full Art ultra rare and hyper rare prints, while the Special Illustration Rare features artwork by Atsushi Furusawa showing Ho-Oh's fiery plumage against a shimmering foil background[1][2].
First released in the Japanese Hot Wind Arena subset (March 14 to May 31, 2025) as part of the Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals expansion, with the English version of SV10: Destined Rivals released in 2025[2].
- It is a Secret Rare full-art card with 230 HP, a Fire-type Pokémon ex with the Golden Flame ability that accelerates Fire Energy attachments[1]
- The card has the Shining Feathers attack dealing 160 damage while healing each of your Pokémon[1]
- It was reprinted as an SV-P Promotional card alongside Cynthia's Garchomp ex and Arven's Mabosstiff ex in a tournament promo pack for Hot Wind Arena Sealed Battle winners in Japan[2]
- It was reprinted again in the Ascended Heroes special expansion from the Japanese MEGA Dream ex subset[2]
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Secret Rare
- Print run
- Very High
- First printed in
- Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals (SV10)
- Demand
- High
- Supply
- Scarce
- Secret Rare designation with unique full-art variant
- Tournament reprint (SV-P) with 'Sealed Battle' stamp is limited to event winners[2]
- Total print run of 4 variants but tournament version is rare due to low distribution[2]
Collector notes
Condition. Check for centering (especially on the 230/182 number), foil scratches on the shimmering background, edge wear on the gold border, and any creases that disrupt the artwork. Common flaws include off-center printing and minor foil scratches on the starry background[1][4].
Storage. Store in a rigid top loader with a soft penny sleeve, keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight to prevent foil fading, and use a card sleeve with UV protection. Avoid stacking cards directly to prevent surface scratches[4].
Authenticity. Verify the card number (230/182), the Secret Rare 'SIR' designation, and the specific artwork by Atsushi Furusawa (Special Illustration) or Hideki Ishikawa (Full Art). Fakes may have incorrect foil patterns, misspelled text, or lack the 'Sealed Battle' stamp on tournament reprints. Authentic cards have precise centering and high-quality holographic finish[2][4].
Sources: misprint.com, bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net, reddit.com, pricecharting.com, sportscardinvestor.com
