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Introduction
Pokemon cards have been a cultural phenomenon since the late 90s, enthralling collectors and players alike with their eye-catching artwork and intricate gameplay mechanics. Among the countless Pokemon card sets released over the years, the Gold Star cards stand out as a highly coveted and collectible series. In this article, we will explore the origin of Gold Star cards, the sets they were part of, their unique attributes, and the exciting reprints and new introductions made in the Pokemon Celebrations set. This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated.
The Origin of Gold Star Cards
The EX Series
Gold Star cards made their debut during the EX Series era, which ran from 2003 to 2007. This series was marked by the introduction of powerful Pokemon-EX cards, which had higher HP and stronger attacks than their regular counterparts. The Gold Star cards were introduced as an even rarer and more powerful subset of the Pokemon-EX cards, becoming highly sought after by collectors.
Gold Star Cards: Sets and Unique Attributes
The Sets
Gold Star cards were released across ten different sets during the EX Series era:
- EX Team Rocket Returns
- EX Deoxys
- EX Unseen Forces
- EX Delta Species
- EX Legend Maker
- EX Holon Phantoms
- EX Crystal Guardians
- EX Dragon Frontiers
- EX Power Keepers
- POP Series 5
Unique Attributes
Gold Star cards are unique in several aspects:
Artwork: Gold Star cards feature stunning artwork of shiny Pokemon, with a distinctive gold foil star next to their name, hence the “Gold Star” moniker.
Rarity: Gold Star cards are extremely rare, with only a few appearing in each set.
Power: These cards often boast powerful attacks and abilities, making them highly desirable for players as well as collectors.
A Closer Look at Gold Star Cards from Each Set
EX Team Rocket Returns
1. Mudkip Gold Star
2. Treecko Gold Star
3. Torchic Gold Star
In the EX Team Rocket Returns set, the Gold Star cards feature the popular Hoenn starter Pokemon, Mudkip, Treecko, and Torchic. Each of these cards features the shiny version of the respective Pokemon, boasting unique attacks and abilities that make them highly sought-after by collectors and players.
EX Deoxys
1. Latias Gold Star
2. Latios Gold Star
3. Rayquaza Gold Star
The EX Deoxys set showcases the powerful Eon duo, Latias and Latios, as well as the iconic Rayquaza. Each Gold Star card in this set features striking artwork and powerful abilities that make them formidable additions to any deck or collection.
EX Unseen Forces
1. Entei Gold Star
2. Raikou Gold Star
3. Suicune Gold Star
The EX Unseen Forces set features the legendary Johto beasts, Entei, Raikou, and Suicune, as its Gold Star cards. Known for their unique designs and powerful attacks, these cards have always been highly sought-after among collectors and players.
EX Delta Species
1. Metagross Gold Star
2. Kyogre Gold Star
3. Groudon Gold Star
The EX Delta Species set includes Gold Star cards of the mighty Metagross, along with the powerful legendary duo of Kyogre and Groudon. These cards boast impressive stats and abilities, making them valuable assets to both collectors and competitive players.
EX Legend Maker
1. Regirock Gold Star
2. Regice Gold Star
3. Registeel Gold Star
In the EX Legend Maker set, the Gold Star cards feature the three legendary titans from the Hoenn region, Regirock, Regice, and Registeel. Known for their unique designs and powerful abilities, these cards are highly prized by collectors and players alike.
EX Holon Phantoms
1. Gyarados Gold Star
2. Pikachu Gold Star
3. Mewtwo Gold Star
The EX Holon Phantoms set includes Gold Star cards of the fearsome Gyarados, the iconic Pikachu, and the powerful psychic Pokemon, Mewtwo. Each of these cards showcases stunning artwork and boasts impressive abilities, making them highly sought-after by fans.
EX Crystal Guardians
1. Alakazam Gold Star
2. Celebi Gold Star
The EX Crystal Guardians set features the psychic powerhouse Alakazam and the mythical Pokemon Celebi as its Gold Star cards. With their unique designs and potent abilities, these cards are highly coveted by collectors and players.
EX Dragon Frontiers
1. Charizard Gold Star
2. Mew Gold Star
The EX Dragon Frontiers set includes Gold Star cards of the fan-favorite Charizard and the mythical Pokemon Mew. Both cards are highly sought after due to their impressive artwork, rarity, and powerful attacks and abilities.
EX Power Keepers
1. Flareon Gold Star
2. Jolteon Gold Star
3. Vaporeon Gold Star
The EX Power Keepers set features the popular Eeveelutions, Flareon, Jolteon, and Vaporeon, as its Gold Star cards. These cards are well-regarded for their stunning artwork, unique designs, and potent abilities, making them a must-have for collectors and players.
POP Series 5
1. Umbreon Gold Star
2. Espeon Gold Star
POP Series 5 includes two sought-after Gold Star cards, Umbreon and Espeon. These two Eeveelutions showcase striking artwork and powerful abilities, making them highly prized additions to any collection or deck.
Gold Star Card Reprints and New Introductions in Pokemon Celebrations
Celebrating Pokemon’s Legacy
In celebration of Pokemon’s 25th anniversary, the Pokemon Company released a special set called Pokemon Celebrations. This set not only included a range of reprinted cards from various eras but also featured reprints of iconic Gold Star cards and new Gold Star introductions, allowing new generations of fans to experience their allure.
Gold Star Cards in Pokemon Celebrations
In the Pokemon Celebrations set, two Gold Star cards were included:
1. Umbreon Gold Star (Reprint)
Originally from the EX Unseen Forces set, Umbreon Gold Star is highly coveted for its stunning artwork and strong abilities. The reprint allows new fans to appreciate this classic card.
2. Greninja Gold Star (New Introduction)
Link to buy the card on eBay
As a new addition to the Gold Star lineup, Greninja Gold Star features the popular Kalos starter Pokemon with impressive attacks and abilities that make it a desirable card for both collectors and players.
Conclusion
Gold Star cards represent a unique and cherished chapter in the history of Pokemon cards. With their stunning artwork, rarity, and powerful abilities, these cards continue to captivate collectors and players alike. The inclusion of Gold Star cards in the Pokemon Celebrations set is a testament to their enduring appeal and an exciting opportunity for new generations of fans to experience their allure. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a new player, Gold Star cards remain an exciting and rewarding aspect of the Pokemon trading card game.
