Check both areas · Illustration
Non-foil
An even printed surface
Look across the illustration and text area as you tilt. A non-foil card has no holographic foil layer. Gloss and sleeve reflections can still catch the light.
The collector’s field guide · 01
Get to know
your foil.
Tilt the card slowly under a lamp. Watch where the reflection moves, then look for a repeating pattern. A sleeve can add glare.
01 · Find the reflectionCompare the illustration with the surrounding text area.
02 · Look closerCheck several symbols as you change the angle.
03 · Match the printingCompare the set, number and language with the catalog.
Simplified illustrations. These show common layouts; foil placement varies by set, language and printing. Check the set and card number when comparing versions.
Illustration area · Illustration
Holo
Light moves through the illustration
On many standard-layout cards, the illustration background reflects the foil. Some series also have reflective borders. Full-art cards use other layouts.
Surrounding background · Illustration
Reverse holo
Light moves around the illustration
On many standard-layout cards, the background around the illustration carries the foil. Look below the picture and behind the text. Older sets can use different reverse treatments.
Enlarged pattern detail · Illustration
Poké Ball pattern
Repeated balls in the foil
Look for round ball outlines with a band and center button across the reflective background. Available printings depend on the set and language.
Enlarged pattern detail · Illustration
Master Ball pattern
Find the M above the band
Look closely at several complete ball symbols. The Master Ball design has an M on its upper half. Glare can hide the letter, so compare more than one symbol.
Enlarged pattern detail · Illustration
Cosmos holo
Scattered circles and star-like flecks
Look for a mix of small sparkles and larger circular reflections. Some examples contain a swirl; its presence and position vary. Cosmos describes the foil pattern.
Finish and pattern
Finish describes the foil treatment. Pattern describes the shapes within it. A reverse holo can have a Poké Ball or Master Ball pattern. Condition and grading are recorded separately.
Use the finish choices available for the card shown in FoilFox. A diagram alone cannot establish a printing or authenticate a card.
Reading and references
Prismatic Evolutions set guide · PokéBeach
Cosmos Holofoil · Bulbapedia