Dark Ampharos Holo Appraisal

Dark Ampharos - Neo Destiny 1/105 Holofoil Card

This is an original English-language Pokémon Trading Card Game card featuring the character 'Dark Ampharos.' It is a Stage 2 Holofoil card from the Neo Destiny expansion set, released circa 2002 by Wizards of the Coast. The card measures approximately 2.5 by 3.5 inches and is constructed from layered cardstock with a holographic foil treatment applied to the central artwork area. The illustration, credited to artist Kagemaru Himeno, depicts a yellow and black striped Ampharos surrounded by blue electric lightning bolts on a sparkling holofoil background. The card is numbered 1/105 in the lower right corner and carries the Neo Destiny set symbol (a shooting star) below the artwork. Notable features include the 'Dark' designation indicating its alignment in the game's lore, a 'Pokémon Power: Conductivity', and the 'Shock Bolt' attack. Visible condition issues include significant light reflecting off the surface, which may obscure minor surface scratches. There is visible edge wear (silvering or 'whitening') along the bottom and side borders, and the corners show slight softening typical of handled vintage cards. The yellow border appears relatively vibrant, though the card is being held by hand rather than in a protective sleeve, which is a factor in its current preservation state. The craftsmanship is consistent with early 2000s printing techniques, featuring clear typography and distinct color saturation.