Snivy - Illustration Rare - Stellar Crown 087/086

This is a collectible trading card featuring the Pokémon Snivy, identified as card number 087/086 from the 'Stellar Crown' expansion of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It is printed on standard cardstock and features a full-art 'Illustration Rare' finish with a distinctive holo-foil rainbow sheen visible across the surface. The artwork, credited to Yoshimi Miyoshi, depicts Snivy in a stylized, storybook-like forest environment with vibrant greens, oranges, and pinks. The card displays a silver border, characteristic of the Scarlet & Violet era cards launched in late 2023. Key text elements include 'Snivy' at the top left, 'HP 70' with a grass-type symbol at the top right, and moves list 'Tackle' (10 damage) and 'Vine Whip' (30 damage). The bottom left contains the set symbol and rarity star, alongside the copyright info dated 2025. Physically, the card appears to be in 'Near Mint' condition with sharp corners and clean edges, though slight off-centering is noted on the top silver border. The reflective surface is clear with no prominent scratches or surface clouding visible in the photograph.

I have carefully examined the provided images of this Snivy Illustration Rare (087/086) from the Pokémon TCG Stellar Crown expansion. Authenticity appears consistent with current Scarlet & Violet era production standards, specifically noting the correct 'SVR' foil patterns and the presence of the 2024/2025 copyright marks. The card displays vibrant color saturation and no signs of ink bleeding or font inconsistencies typical of counterfeits. Regarding condition, it presents as 'Near Mint.' The corners are well-rounded and sharp; however, as noted, there is a minor top-to-bottom centering bias where the top border is slightly thinner than the bottom. This is common for this print run but may prevent a 'Gem Mint' grade from professional services. Market data for this specific Art Rare shows high supply due to the recent set release, though Snivy remains a popular 'starter' Pokémon among collectors. Recent sales on secondary markets like TCGPlayer and eBay fluctuate between $4.00 and $7.00. The primary value driver is the aesthetic appeal of Yoshimi Miyoshi’s artwork rather than competitive gameplay utility. Please note that while visual inspection suggests a genuine article, a physical examination is required to verify surface texture depth, cardstock weight, and the 'light test' for core layer verification. A microscopic analysis would be necessary to confirm the absence of digital halftone patterns found in high-end replicas. For full authentication, I recommend submission to a third-party grading service like PSA or CGC.