Umbreon Gold Star (POP Series 5) – A Supreme Rarity in Pokémon TCG History
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| Pokemon Umbreon Gold Star Card Full Guide |
The Umbreon Gold Star (#17/17) card from POP Series 5 (2007) stands as one of the most elusive, visually breathtaking, and historically significant Pokémon TCG cards ever produced. Its extraordinarily low distribution, coupled with its unique placement within the Pokémon Organized Play (POP) Series promotional set, solidifies it as an absolute grail among collectors.
This analysis will thoroughly dissect the Umbreon Gold Star card through:
- Historical Context & Release Mechanism
- Card Design & Visual Aesthetics
- Rarity & Distribution Complexity
- Market Valuation & Record Sales
- Investment Outlook & Long-Term Potential
I. Historical Context – A Symbol of Competitive Excellence
1. The Prestige of POP Series 5
Umbreon Gold Star was released as part of POP Series 5, the final and most coveted Pokémon Organized Play promotional set.
- POP Series packs were NOT commercially available; instead, they were distributed exclusively through official Pokémon League events and tournaments.
- Unlike regular TCG expansions, POP packs contained only 2 cards per pack, with an astronomically low chance of pulling a Gold Star card.
- This set also featured Espeon Gold Star, creating a legendary duo of Eeveelution rarities.
This distribution model severely limited the supply of high-quality copies, making this one of the hardest Pokémon cards to obtain in both raw and graded conditions.
2. The Elite Trainer Qualification Barrier
- To even access POP Series 5 packs, players often needed to achieve a high ranking within the Pokémon Organized Play system.
- This meant that only the most dedicated competitors had a chance of even acquiring these packs, much less pulling a Gold Star.
- Gold Star Pokémon were only inserted at an estimated rate of 1 per 40 packs, making Umbreon one of the most elusive Pokémon cards of its era.
II. Card Design & Visual Aesthetics – A Dark-Type Masterpiece
1. Iconic Shiny Umbreon Artwork
- The artwork, created by Masakazu Fukuda, is both hauntingly elegant and deeply intimidating.
- Shiny Umbreon’s deep black fur and blue rings create a stark contrast against the dynamic cosmic swirl of the background.
- The Gold Star shimmer effect, positioned beside Umbreon’s name, denotes its legendary rarity.
2. Holographic Foil Pattern – A Collector’s Dream
- Unlike standard holographic cards, Umbreon Gold Star features a stunning full-art holofoil application that reflects light dynamically.
- The dark, moody color palette, mixed with a rich celestial gold, enhances the mystique of the card’s ultra-rare status.
- The background composition, featuring a deep galactic aura, gives Umbreon an almost mythical presence that has cemented its place as one of the most visually iconic Pokémon TCG cards ever printed.
III. Rarity & Distribution Complexity – One of the Hardest Pokémon Cards to Obtain
1. Ultra-Low POP Series Pack Insertion Rate
- POP Series 5 packs contained only two cards per pack – meaning that pulling an Umbreon Gold Star was a 1 in 1,200+ chance when accounting for the full set size.
- Unlike mainline sets, where booster boxes provide a structured pull-rate, POP Series packs had completely randomized insertions, making it possible for players to open hundreds of packs without pulling a single Gold Star.
2. Print Run Estimates – True Scarcity
- The total estimated print run of POP Series 5 was significantly lower than standard TCG expansions, meaning that far fewer Umbreon Gold Stars were ever placed into circulation.
- Some estimates suggest that fewer than 5,000 copies of Umbreon Gold Star were ever distributed worldwide, making it one of the most scarce Pokémon cards of the 2000s era.
3. PSA Population Report – A True Low-Pop Grail
Due to the fragile holofoil surface, factory print defects, and extremely limited distribution, finding high-graded copies of Umbreon Gold Star is near-impossible.
| Grade | PSA Population | Market Value |
|---|---|---|
| PSA 10 (Gem Mint) | ~50 copies worldwide | $80,000 – $100,000+ |
| PSA 9 (Mint) | ~250 copies worldwide | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| PSA 8 (Near Mint - Mint) | ~450 copies worldwide | $12,000 – $20,000 |
- A PSA 10 copy remains one of the rarest Pokémon TCG cards in the world, with fewer than 50 Gem Mint copies recorded in circulation.
- Even PSA 9 copies frequently command five-figure price tags, cementing this card as a premier high-end collector’s item.
IV. Market Valuation & Record Sales – A Six-Figure Titan
1. Record-Breaking Sales Data
- March 2021: A PSA 10 Umbreon Gold Star sells for $70,000, marking one of the highest-priced Pokémon sales in history.
- August 2022: A record-breaking $90,000 PSA 10 sale occurs, further proving its extreme desirability.
- December 2023: Market stabilizes around $80,000 – $100,000 for PSA 10 copies, with demand continuing to outpace supply.
2. Investment Potential – The Next Six-Figure Pokémon Card?
- The continued rise of Eeveelution popularity, combined with Umbreon’s fan-favorite status, makes this card one of the most future-proof Pokémon TCG investments.
- Unlike Charizard, which has dozens of high-value chase cards, Umbreon has only a handful of ultra-premium cards, making this Gold Star version the pinnacle of Umbreon collecting.
V. Investment Outlook – A Future Million-Dollar Pokémon Card?
Umbreon Gold Star is positioned to continue breaking sales records due to several key factors:
✔ Limited Print Run – Fewer than 5,000 copies exist in any condition.
✔ Insanely Low PSA 10 Population – Less than 50 copies worldwide, ensuring long-term scarcity.
✔ Unmatched Visual Appeal – One of Masakazu Fukuda’s most celebrated artworks, making it an iconic centerpiece for high-end collections.
✔ POP Series Distribution Complexity – One of the hardest Pokémon cards to obtain in raw form, ensuring its long-term desirability.
✔ Umbreon’s Fan-Base Growth – Eeveelutions are only increasing in popularity, solidifying this as the ultimate Umbreon card.
Future Price Projections (PSA 10)
- 2025: $100,000+
- 2030: $150,000+
- 2050: Potentially one of the first million-dollar Pokémon cards.
VI. Conclusion – A Crown Jewel of Pokémon TCG
✅ One of the rarest, most visually stunning, and most valuable Pokémon cards ever created.
✅ POP Series 5 distribution ensures long-term scarcity and demand.
✅ Market trajectory suggests six-figure sales will become the norm for PSA 10 copies.
✅ Umbreon’s evergreen popularity guarantees this card will remain an ultra-premium collector’s item.