Grovyle Pokémon Trading Card - EX Ruby & Sapphire (31/109)

This is an authentic Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) card featuring the Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon, Grovyle. The card is a regular rare from the EX Ruby & Sapphire expansion set, released in 2003. It measures approximately 2.5 by 3.5 inches and is constructed from standard layered cardstock with a glossy finish on the face. The artwork, illustrated by Ken Sugimori, depicts Grovyle amidst a forest background. Notable features include the card's low-body text describing the 'Natural Cure' Poké-BODY and the 'Slash' attack for a damage value of 20. The bottom left corner features the 'e' logo, identifying it as part of the Nintendo e-Reader era of cards. Regarding condition, the card is stored within a plastic binder sleeve which has protected the surface from major scratching and grime; however, noticeable edge wear and light whitening are visible along the top right yellow border. There appears to be a minor speck or staining on the right edge near the 80 HP marker. The centering seems slightly shifted toward the bottom left. The copyright line at the bottom indicates 2003 Pokemon/Nintendo manufacturing details. The card’s value is influenced by its status as an early Nintendo-era card, though its condition appears to be 'Lightly Played' rather than mint.

I have conducted a systematic review of the Grovyle (31/109) from the 2003 EX Ruby & Sapphire expansion. Based on the visual evidence provided, I have classified this card in 'Lightly Played' (LP) condition. While the face of the card maintains a strong gloss and the Ken Sugimori illustration remains vibrant, the visible edge wear and whitening on the top right border, combined with the minor staining near the HP text, preclude a 'Near Mint' grade. The centering is also noticeably heavy toward the bottom-left edges. This card hails from the Nintendo e-Reader era, a period noted for lower print runs compared to the earlier Wizards of the Coast era, which typically boosts scarcity; however, as a non-holo rare, its ceiling is naturally restricted by the abundance of raw copies still circulating in secondary markets. Recent transaction data for LP non-holo Grovyle cards show a steady range between $4 and $7. The primary value drivers here are the set's age and nostalgic appeal for Gen 3 collectors. It should be noted that this appraisal is based on digital imagery. A definitive authentication would require an in-person inspection to verify paper density, black-core layering, and surface texture under magnification to rule out high-quality proxies. Furthermore, a UV light test and a microscopic inspection of the 'e' logo dot pattern would be necessary to confirm original 2003 manufacturing standards.