Dondozo ex - 211/182 - Ultra Rare (Special Illustration Rare)

This is a Pokémon Trading Card Game card featuring the character Dondozo ex, identified by collector number 211/182 from the Scarlet & Violet—Obsidian Flames expansion set released in 2023. The card features a vibrant 'Full Art' or 'Special Illustration Rare' aesthetic with a horizontal holographic sheen across its surface. The artwork depicts the large, blue, catfish-like Pokémon Dondozo submerged in water, rendered in a dynamic, painterly style. Physically, the card maintains standard TCG dimensions (approx. 2.5 x 3.5 inches) with a silver border characteristic of the Scarlet & Violet era. Notable features include the 'ex' suffix in the name, 260 HP, and two specific attacks: 'Avenging Billow' and 'Dynamic Dive.' The card's bottom-left corner displays the set symbol (a red and orange flame icon), the 'EN' language code, and the artist credit to AKIRA EGAWA. Regarding condition, the card appears to be in raw, unposted state; while the surface seems clean, there is visible edge wear (silvering) along the top and right edges, and significant centering issues where the bottom border is noticeably thicker than the top. No major creases or surface scratches are immediately apparent from the image, but the lack of a protective sleeve suggests potential for micro-abrasions.

I have carefully examined the Dondozo ex Special Illustration Rare (211/182) from the Obsidian Flames expansion. Based on the visual evidence, the card’s holographic patterns, font kerning, and the distinct painterly art style of AKIRA EGAWA appear consistent with genuine TCG production from the Scarlet & Violet era. However, my assessment of the physical condition reveals several defects that impact its market ceiling. Specifically, I noted significant vertical off-centering with a heavy bottom border and visible 'silvering' or edge wear along the top and right extremities. While the surface appears free of major creases, the lack of a protective sleeve suggests potential for micro-scratches not visible in this lighting. Market conditions for this specific card are stable but modest. As a Special Illustration Rare, it is a high-rarity pull; however, Dondozo ex currently sees limited play in the competitive meta, and supply from the 2023 release remains high. Recent sales for raw copies in similar 'Near Mint' to 'Lightly Played' condition range between $4 and $7. The centering issues likely preclude a 'Gem Mint' grade from professional services like PSA or BGS, capping its value at the lower end of the raw market spectrum. Note: This appraisal is based on image analysis and cannot substitute for a physical inspection. A definitive authentication would require a tactile examination of the card’s surface texture (specifically the fingerprint-like etching characteristic of Ultra Rares), a light-transparency test to verify the card stock layers, and a high-magnification look at the rosette print pattern to ensure it is not a high-quality counterfeit.