15 Valuable Reverse Holos You Should Pull From Your Pokémon Bulk
If you're sitting on piles of Pokémon bulk cards, you might be missing out on hidden gems — especially among reverse holos. Many reverse holo Pokémon cards from sets like Scarlet & Violet Base, Paradox Rift, and the nostalgia-packed 151 collection can fetch between $3 to $5 each — sometimes even more!
Rather than letting them collect dust, you can sell or trade these cards to fund bigger pulls, like Illustration Rares or competitive deck staples. Let's dive into the 15 reverse holos you should be pulling out of your bulk — and why they hold surprising value.
Why Are Some Reverse Holos So Valuable?
There are two main reasons:
-
Playability in the Pokémon TCG
Cards like Ultra Ball, Countercatcher, and Pokégear 3.0 are crucial for tournament decks. Competitive players often prefer reverse holo versions to make their decks look cooler while staying functional — increasing demand and price. -
Collector Nostalgia
Cards from the 151 set — like Gengar, Dragonair, and even Poliwhirl — hit players right in the nostalgia. Many collectors want shiny reverse holo versions for display or master sets, especially for original Kanto Pokémon.
In short: if a card is playable or nostalgic, it can command a premium even in reverse holo form.
Quick Reminder: What Is a Reverse Holo?
In Pokémon cards, a reverse holo means that the shiny, reflective foil covers the background of the card, while the Pokémon artwork itself stays matte.
This is different from a regular holo, where the artwork is shiny and the background is normal. Why does it matter? Because reverse holos often come in greater supply but specific ones still become valuable when tied to playability or fan-favourite characters.
15 Reverse Holos to Pull From Bulk:
1. Pidgeotto (151 Set) — ~$5
A beautiful classic bird Pokémon. Nostalgia + stunning art = strong value.
2. Ultra Ball (Scarlet & Violet Base Set) — ~$5
A competitive staple. Every serious player needs Ultra Balls — and shinier decks mean reverse holos are in demand.
3. Arvin (Obsidian Flames) — ~$5
Arvin's popularity both competitively and from the Scarlet & Violet games pushes his card's value up.
4. Countercatcher (Paradox Rift) — ~$3
Another deck essential. Control decks love this card, and players often upgrade to reverse holos.
5. Pokégear 3.0 (Scarlet & Violet Base Set) — ~$4
Searching your deck for supporters is a huge deal in gameplay. Popular card = popular reverse holo.
6. Arvin (Scarlet & Violet Base Set) — ~$3
Not quite as valuable as the Obsidian Flames version, but still worth pulling out.
7. Dragonair (151 Set) — ~$3.70
A majestic dragon — and a key part of many childhood teams.
8. Gengar (151 Set) — ~$3
Ghost types are always popular. Gengar fans never sleep on new releases.
9. Kakuna (151 Set) — ~$3
Surprisingly strong value for an early evolution Pokémon!
10. Technical Machine: Evolution (Paradox Rift) — ~$3.40
Utility cards like this stay quietly popular among tournament players.
11. Nidoran (151 Set) — ~$3.50
Another OG Pokémon that brings collector appeal.
12. Poliwhirl (151 Set) — ~$3
Fans of classic water types will want to add this shiny version to their binders.
13. Omanyte (151 Set) — ~$3
The fossil crowd has a loyal following. Always underrated!
14. Scizor (151 Set) — ~$3.50
Scizor has always been a fan-favorite thanks to its sleek design and competitive history.
15. Weepinbell (151 Set) — ~$3
Proof that even middle evolutions can carry surprising value if the set is hot enough.
Selling Tips for Reverse Holos:
- Condition is Everything: Only list cards that are Near Mint. Even small scratches can kill value.
- Price Check Regularly: Pokémon card prices move fast, especially after tournaments or set rotations.
- Use the Right Platforms: TCGPlayer for slow but higher-value sales. Facebook groups or local trades for faster flips. eBay if you’re comfortable managing shipping.
- TCGPlayer for slow but higher-value sales.
- Facebook groups or local trades for faster flips.
- eBay if you’re comfortable managing shipping.
Will These Reverse Holos Stay Valuable?
Short term — yes. Long term — it depends.
Reverse holos from competitive cards like Ultra Ball might fluctuate as new sets release and deck strategies change. However, nostalgia-based cards from 151 (like Dragonair, Gengar, Scizor) should hold their value better because nostalgia doesn’t rotate out like tournament decks do.If you're betting long-term, I'd personally prioritize holding Gengar, Scizor, and Dragonair over competitive trainers.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re sorting your bulk, don’t skip over those shiny cards! Reverse holos can be secret goldmines, especially if you know which ones to look for.
Happy hunting — and who knows? Maybe your dusty bulk box is hiding a few extra hundred bucks.
References
Pokémon Company International, 2024. Official Pokémon TCG Card Database. [online] Available at: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-tcg/pokemon-cards/ [Accessed 28 April 2025].
Stantcg, 2025. Reverse Holo Pokémon Cards Worth Pulling from Bulk [TikTok video]. 20 April. Available at: https://www.tiktok.com/@stantcg [Accessed 28 April 2025]. [Accessed 28 April 2025].
TCGPlayer, 2025. Pokémon TCG Price Guide. [online] Available at: https://www.tcgplayer.com/ [Accessed 28 April 2025].
