The shimmering scales, the powerful jaws, the commanding presence – Gyarados, the Atrocious Pokémon, has captivated hearts since its introduction in the original Pokémon games. Its evolution from the seemingly insignificant Magikarp is a testament to perseverance and hidden potential, a narrative that resonates deeply with players. This enduring appeal extends beyond the virtual world, firmly establishing Gyarados as a sought-after collectible in the trading card game (TCG), particularly the highly coveted Holofoil Gyarados LV. 52 from the Pokémon Stormfront set. This article delves into the intricacies surrounding this specific card, exploring its history, market value, and the factors that influence its fluctuating price.
The Allure of Gyarados LV. 52 (Stormfront)
The Pokémon Stormfront set, released in 2006, holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors. Its artwork, card design, and the inclusion of powerful Pokémon like Gyarados LV. 52 cemented its position as a desirable set. The Gyarados LV. 52 Holo card, in particular, stands out. Its vibrant holographic finish beautifully captures the majestic nature of the Pokémon, enhancing its already impressive artwork. The card's high level (LV. 52) suggests a powerful, fully evolved creature ready for battle, further increasing its desirability among players and collectors.
This specific card’s appeal goes beyond mere aesthetics. Its rarity contributes significantly to its value. While the exact print run figures remain undisclosed by The Pokémon Company International, anecdotal evidence and market observations suggest that the Gyarados LV. 52 Holo is a relatively rare pull within the Stormfront set. This rarity, combined with the enduring popularity of Gyarados itself, fuels the demand and consequently, the price.
Gyarados Stormfront: A Collector's Dream
The Stormfront set, as a whole, is considered a significant release in the Pokémon TCG's history. Its inclusion of popular Pokémon, coupled with its relatively limited availability in certain regions, has led to a consistently strong secondary market. The Gyarados LV. 52 Holo card perfectly embodies the set's desirability, becoming a cornerstone for many serious collectors. Building a complete set, or even achieving a specific goal like obtaining the coveted Gyarados, fuels a dedicated pursuit within the collecting community.
The card's condition plays a crucial role in its value. A near-mint or mint-condition card, exhibiting no visible signs of wear and tear, commands a significantly higher price than a played or damaged copy. Factors like centering, surface scratches, edge wear, and the presence of any creases all contribute to the grading and subsequent valuation. Professional grading services, such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and Beckett, provide objective assessments of a card’s condition, further influencing its market value. A high-grade Gyarados LV. 52 Holo, graded a PSA 10 or a Beckett 10, will fetch a premium price compared to a lower-graded version.
Gyarados Holo Price: A Dynamic Market
Determining the precise price of a Gyarados LV. 52 Holo card is a complex task, as the market is inherently dynamic. Several factors influence its fluctuating price:
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