Swampert (Holo) - EX Ruby & Sapphire (13/109)

This is a holographic Swampert Pokémon trading card from the EX Ruby & Sapphire expansion set, released in 2003. The card features artwork by Midori Harada, depicting the Stage 2 Water-type Pokémon crashing through waves. It is a standard-sized card (approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches) with a yellow border characteristic of the Ruby & Sapphire era e-Reader compatible series, indicated by the 'e' logo in the bottom-left corner. The card includes the 'Water Call' Poké-Power and the 'Hypno Splash' attack. Physical condition shows significant 'whitening' and edge wear along the top and right yellow borders. The surface of the holographic window displays light scratching and 'silvering' where the foil layer is exposed at the edges. Notable for its age, this card represents the transition period where Wizards of the Coast ceased production and Nintendo/The Pokémon Company took over. The card is marked as rare with a star symbol next to the number 13/109. Centering appears slightly shifted toward the bottom-right. No major creases are visible, but the edge chipping indicates a 'Moderately Played' (MP) condition grade assessment.

I have examined the digital images of the Swampert (Holo) 13/109 from the 2003 EX Ruby & Sapphire expansion. This specimen occupies a significant historical niche as part of the first set produced by Nintendo after the license transition from Wizards of the Coast. Visually, the card displays hallmarks of authenticity, including the correct holofoil pattern for the era, the characteristic e-Reader border, and accurate typography. However, my physical assessment identifies notable condition issues that place this in the 'Moderately Played' (MP) category. I observe significant whitening and edge chipping along the top and right borders, surface silvering on the holofoil window, and a centering shift toward the bottom-right. These defects preclude a high-grade investment valuation. Currently, the market for vintage holos remains steady, but value is heavily bifurcated by condition; while a PSA 10 might fetch over $400, raw MP copies consistently trade between $12 and $18 based on recent TCGplayer and eBay sales data. This card is a 'Rare' Holo, not a more valuable 'ex' variant, which limits its ceiling. Please note that a definitive guarantee of authenticity cannot be made through images alone. A physical inspection would be required to verify surface texture, card stock flexibility, and light transparency. Microscopic examination of the print rosette pattern and ink-layering would be necessary to rule out high-quality modern counterfeits. No provenance was provided, though none is typically expected for assets in this price tier.