Kingambit 220/198 - Scarlet & Violet: Obsidian Flames (Illustration Rare)

This is a Kingambit trading card from the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: Obsidian Flames expansion set, released in 2023. This specific card is an 'Illustration Rare' (subset of Secret Rare), designated by the gold star rarity symbol and the number 220/198. The physical construction is a standard 2.5 by 3.5-inch cardstock with a distinctive full-art holographic foil finish that produces a vertical rainbow refraction across the entire surface. The artwork, illustrated by Shin Nagasawa, depicts Kingambit seated in a position of command surrounded by several Bisharp and Pawniard, utilizing a thematic military hierarchy aesthetic. The card features a silver border characteristic of the Scarlet & Violet era cards. In terms of condition, the card is being held directly by hand without a protective sleeve or top-loader, which is a risk factor for surface scratches or edge wear. Visible centering appears relatively balanced, though a slight bias toward the right border is observable. There are no immediate signs of creasing or corner blunting, but the glossy surface shows significant light reflecting, which can hide minor surface imperfections like 'silvering' on the edges common to modern holofoil cards.

I have conducted a visual examination of this Kingambit 220/198 Illustration Rare from the 2023 Obsidian Flames expansion. Based on the holographic pattern, correct 'silver' border typography, and the presence of the 220/198 set identifier, the card appears authentic. The artwork by Shin Nagasawa exhibits the correct saturation levels for this era of the Pokémon TCG. My assessment of the condition reveals the card is in 'Near Mint' (NM) state, though the lack of protective sleeving during handling introduces risks of micro-scratching not visible at this resolution. Centering is acceptable on the horizontal axis with a slight right-side bias (approx. 60/40), which is common for English print runs but would likely preclude a 'Pristine 10' grade from companies like PSA or BGS. The market for Illustration Rares is currently saturated due to high pull rates compared to previous 'Alt Arts.' Comparables from recent TCGPlayer and eBay sold listings show this card consistently trading in the $4 to $6 range. While the artwork is highly praised for its storytelling, high circulation volume keeps the value accessible. The primary value-impacting factor for this specific unit is its raw status; being unsheathed limits its potential to collectors seeking 'gem mint' encapsulated specimens. Limitations: Visual inspection via image cannot confirm cardstock density, surface texture depth, or the presence of counterfeit 'wax' coatings. A full authentication would require a 10x jeweler's loupe examination of the rosette printing pattern and a light-transmittance test to ensure the core layering is genuine. No provenance documentation was reviewed, as is standard for modern mass-produced trading cards.