Pokemon TCG — Guide to Special Illustration Rares (SIR Cards)
If you've been pulling packs from any Scarlet and Violet era Pokemon TCG set, you've probably heard the term "SIR." Special Illustration Rares are among the most visually stunning and financially valuable cards in modern Pokemon TCG, and understanding them is essential for any collector or player engaging with current sets.
What Is a Special Illustration Rare?
A Special Illustration Rare (SIR) is a full-bleed, full-art card featuring a unique illustrated scene — typically depicting a Pokemon or Trainer character in a detailed, painterly or cinematic artwork style that extends across the entire card face. Unlike standard full arts or ultra rares, the illustration is uniquely commissioned for the SIR version and differs entirely from the base card's artwork.
SIRs were introduced with the Scarlet and Violet base set and have continued through every major SV set release. They replaced the older "Alternate Full Art" designation from the Sword and Shield era, though they serve a similar purpose.
SIR vs Other Rare Types — What's the Difference?
Pokemon TCG has a layered rarity system in the Scarlet and Violet era:
- Illustration Rare (IR) — Full-bleed art cards that appear in the main set. A step above holos but below SIRs.
- Ultra Rare — ex cards with full art treatment, typically gold or silver borders.
- Special Illustration Rare (SIR) — The premium alt art version with unique, scene-based illustration. These sit in the "Special" collection portion of the set, numbered after the main set list.
- Hyper Rare — Gold-border full art versions of Items, Supporters, and Pokemon.
SIRs are generally the most visually distinctive cards in a set and command the highest price among pulls that aren't Secret Rares or Special collection exclusives.
Pull Rates for SIR Cards
SIR cards are rare. Community data across multiple sets has tracked SIR pull rates at approximately 1 in every 80–100 packs, though this varies by set size and how many SIRs are in the set. Some sets have more SIRs than others, which dilutes the pull rate across the SIR slots.
In a standard 36-pack booster box, you're unlikely to pull a specific SIR — you might pull one or two SIRs total per box, if that. This scarcity is what drives their value.
Most Valuable SIR Cards in Recent Sets
Certain SIRs consistently command higher prices than others based on the character's popularity and the artwork itself. Trainer SIRs — cards like Iono, Lillie, N, and other fan-favourite Trainers — typically outperform Pokemon SIRs in collector demand. Popular recurring characters have massive fan followings that drive sustained demand.
SIRs from Paldean Fates, Temporal Forces, Shrouded Fable, and Stellar Crown have all produced high-value pulls. Iono SIRs in particular have been consistent high performers since her introduction.
Should You Buy SIRs as Singles or Chase Them in Packs?
If there's a specific SIR you want, buy the single. The expected cost of pulling a particular SIR through pack cracking far exceeds buying the single directly in almost every case. Unless you're opening packs for the experience or cracking a full case, chasing a specific SIR through box purchases is an expensive way to go about it.
As collectables, SIRs of popular characters have held their value well across the Scarlet and Violet era. They're genuine collector pieces, and demand tends to remain solid even after sets rotate out of competitive formats.
Browse Pokemon TCG singles including SIR cards at hokocollectables.com — we stock cards from across the Scarlet and Violet era and ship Australia-wide.
The Bottom Line on SIR Cards
Special Illustration Rares are the showpiece cards of modern Pokemon TCG. They're hard to pull, beautiful to own, and in steady demand from collectors worldwide. Know your options — buy singles smartly rather than gambling on boxes unless the experience is what you're after.
Find Pokemon TCG SIR singles and sealed product at HOKO Collectables.