Rayquaza Gold Star (EX Deoxys) – The Legendary Rarity of the Pokémon TCG
Pokemon Rayquaza Gold Star Card Full Guide
The Rayquaza Gold Star (#107/107) card from EX Deoxys (2005) is one of the most legendary and sought-after Pokémon cards in existence. As part of the Gold Star subset, it features a stunning alternate-color Shiny Rayquaza, an extremely low pull rate, and a competitive legacy that make it one of the holy grails of Pokémon collecting. This card has commanded record-breaking prices, solidifying itself as one of the most valuable Pokémon cards of all time.
This in-depth analysis will cover:
- Historical Significance & Release Context
- Card Design & Unique Features
- Rarity & Pull Rates
- Market Value & Record Sales
- Investment Outlook & Future Growth
I. Historical Significance – The Apex of EX Series Collecting
Released in 2005 as part of the EX Deoxys expansion, Rayquaza Gold Star was one of the final and most legendary Gold Star cards ever printed.
- Gold Star cards were introduced in 2004 (EX Team Rocket Returns) and ended in 2007 (EX Power Keepers).
- Only 27 Gold Star Pokémon exist, with Rayquaza being one of the most coveted.
- Gold Star cards featured alternate-colored Pokémon (Shiny Pokémon) years before they became mainstream in Pokémon TCG.
What made Rayquaza Gold Star truly special was that it debuted alongside Deoxys, another fan-favorite Legendary Pokémon, yet completely stole the spotlight due to:
✔ Its incredibly low pull rate.
✔ Its dominance in competitive play.
✔ Its breathtaking artwork by Masakazu Fukuda.
Rayquaza was also one of the strongest Legendary Pokémon in the games (Pokémon Emerald), making this card even more desirable to fans of both the TCG and video game series.
II. Card Design & Unique Features – A Masterpiece of Pokémon Art
The Rayquaza Gold Star card is visually breathtaking, featuring:
1. Iconic Shiny Rayquaza Artwork
- Designed by Masakazu Fukuda, known for his dynamic, action-packed Pokémon art.
- Shiny Rayquaza’s black-and-gold color scheme is striking against the vivid cosmic blue and yellow background.
- The three-dimensional perspective, with Rayquaza lunging forward, makes it one of the most intimidating and visually appealing Pokémon TCG illustrations ever created.
2. Gold Star Designation (★)
- Gold Star Pokémon were incredibly rare, appearing in only ~1 in every 2 booster boxes.
- A Gold Star (★) next to the name signifies that this is a Shiny Pokémon, making it one of the earliest official shiny Pokémon cards.
- The background holographic pattern differs from traditional holo cards, featuring a cosmic, radiant shimmer effect.
3. Competitive Playability – A Meta-Defining Card
At the time, Rayquaza Gold Star was one of the most devastating Pokémon cards in competitive play:
- Spiral Rush (10x) – Could deal unlimited damage depending on coin flips.
- Holy Star (100 Damage) – An incredibly powerful move that discarded all attached Energy but devastated an opponent’s entire bench.
- One of the few Pokémon that could single-handedly swing matches, giving it immense strategic value.
The combination of playability and rarity made Rayquaza Gold Star not just a collector’s item, but a card that shaped the EX-era meta.
III. Rarity & Pull Rates – A True Chase Card
1. Extremely Difficult to Pull
- Gold Star cards had a 1-in-2 booster box pull rate (~1 in 72 packs).
- Each EX Deoxys booster box contained only 12 holo rares, meaning Gold Stars were 6x rarer than standard holo cards.
- Rayquaza was one of 3 Gold Stars in EX Deoxys (alongside Latias & Latios), meaning its specific pull rate was even lower.
2. PSA Population Reports – Ultra-Scarce in High Grades
Due to print defects, centering issues, and holofoil surface scratching, finding Rayquaza Gold Star in high grades is nearly impossible.
| Grade | PSA Population | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| PSA 10 (Gem Mint) | ~50 copies worldwide | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| PSA 9 (Mint) | ~350 copies worldwide | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| PSA 8 (Near Mint - Mint) | ~500 copies worldwide | $5,000 – $8,000 |
- The PSA 10 population remains shockingly low, under 100 copies.
- Even PSA 9 and PSA 8 copies command massive price tags, making this one of the hardest modern-era Pokémon cards to obtain in pristine condition.
IV. Market Value & Record Sales – A Six-Figure Investment Piece
Rayquaza Gold Star has consistently shattered price records, proving its status as one of the most valuable Pokémon cards ever printed.
1. Record-Breaking Sales
- December 2020 – PSA 10 sells for $45,000 at auction.
- March 2021 – A record $48,000 PSA 10 sale occurs during the Pokémon TCG boom.
- December 2023 – Prices stabilize around $30,000 – $40,000 for PSA 10 copies due to continued demand.
2. Long-Term Value Appreciation
Rayquaza Gold Star has appreciated over 2,000% since its original release.
- 2005: Available for ~$20–$30 in pack-fresh condition.
- 2010: Reached ~$300 for near-mint copies.
- 2020: Market exploded, reaching five-figure sales.
- 2025+ Projections: Could surpass $75,000+ for PSA 10s, given its extreme scarcity.
V. Investment Outlook – A Future Million-Dollar Pokémon Card?
Rayquaza Gold Star is a blue-chip Pokémon TCG investment, with all key factors pointing toward continued appreciation:
✔ Ultra-Low PSA 10 Population – Less than 100 pristine copies exist worldwide.
✔ Massive Fan Base – Rayquaza is one of the most beloved Pokémon, rivaling Charizard.
✔ Shiny Pokémon Hype – Early shiny Pokémon cards remain the most desirable subsets in Pokémon TCG history.
✔ Gold Star Legacy – Gold Star cards remain some of the most historically significant Pokémon cards ever printed.
Future Price Projections (PSA 10)
- 2025: $50,000+
- 2030: $100,000+
- 2050: Potential million-dollar Pokémon card.
VI. Conclusion – A Holy Grail of Pokémon TCG
✅ One of the rarest and most beautiful Gold Star Pokémon cards ever printed.
✅ A defining chase card of the EX era, still holding legendary status today.
✅ Market value continues to rise, with PSA 10s expected to exceed $75,000+.
✅ A truly museum-worthy Pokémon collectible.