Dragonair #181/165 - 151 - Illustration rare - Pokémon Trading Card - TCG Single - Near Mint

Card Details

The Dragonair #181/165 Illustration Rare from the Scarlet & Violet 151 expansion is a stunning reimagining of one of the most elegant Pokémon from the original Kanto region. This card has quickly become a chase piece for collectors due to its breathtaking "full-bleed" artwork and its inclusion in the historic 151 set, which celebrates the roots of the franchise with modern artistic sensibilities.

Key Features:

• Set: 151
• Card Number: 181/165
• Rarity: Illustration Rare
• Type: Dragon
• HP: 100
• Illustrator: rika
• Year: 2023

This Illustration Rare card features a full-bleed art style where the watercolor-like illustration extends to the very edges of the card, creating an immersive scene. The surface is treated with a specific holographic finish that allows the light to dance across the water and architectural elements in the art, distinguishing it from standard holographic rares. The subtle shimmer enhances the ethereal quality of Dragonair as it glides through a sun-drenched, sunken ruin.

What's Included

• 1x Dragonair #181/165 - 151 - Illustration rare - Pokémon Trading Card - TCG Single - Near Mint
  This individual trading card is shipped in a protective penny sleeve inside a rigid toploader. It arrives in the condition described.

Condition

This card is in Near Mint condition, exhibiting a high level of preservation suitable for both binders and potential grading candidates. Our physical inspection confirms a clean surface with no visible whitening, scratches, or silvering on the front or back edges. The corners are sharp and the edges remain crisp, retaining the original factory finish from the pack pull.

• Surface: Pristine, with no visible defects, print lines, or scuffing under standard lighting.
• Centering: Rated at 8.0/10, with a left/right alignment of 50/50 and a top/bottom alignment of approximately 40/60.

Every card at NicestFinds is a verified authentic print, thoroughly inspected to ensure it meets our strict quality standards. This Dragonair arrives professionally sleeved and housed in a rigid toploader to ensure it maintains its current condition during transit.

Why Collectors & Players Love This Card

The release of the 151 set triggered a massive wave of nostalgia across the Pokémon TCG community, and the Illustration Rare subset is the jewel in that crown. Dragonair has always been a fan favorite for its sleek, serpentine design and its lore as a mystical creature capable of controlling the weather. This specific card by the artist rika captures that majesty perfectly, placing Dragonair in a serene, atmospheric environment that feels more like a piece of fine art than a game piece.

Gameplay Highlights:

• Beat: A simple and efficient attack dealing 20 damage for a single Colorless energy.
• Aqua Slash: A powerful mid-game attack that deals 90 damage. While this Pokémon cannot attack during your next turn after using Aqua Slash, the high damage output for a Stage 1 Pokémon makes it a viable threat in casual and themed deck formats.

Investment & Collectibility:

As a "Secret Rare" (numbered 181/165), this card sits outside the main set list, making it significantly harder to pull from standard booster packs. Collectors often seek out the entire evolution line of Illustration Rares, and Dragonair serves as the beautiful bridge between Dratini and Dragonite. Given the enduring popularity of the original 151 Pokémon, Illustration Rares like this one are widely considered blue-chip additions to any modern TCG collection.

• The artwork by rika is highly praised for its unique use of light and perspective, making it a standout card in the Scarlet & Violet era.

About NicestFinds

NicestFinds is your trusted source for retro gaming, Pokemon TCG singles, and pop culture collectibles. Every card in our store is hand-inspected, professionally sleeved, and packaged with care to arrive in the condition described. We're passionate collectors ourselves - so we treat every order the way we'd want our own packages treated. Shop with confidence backed by our 5-star seller reputation.

Shipping & Packaging

Cards are shipped in a protective penny sleeve inside a rigid toploader, secured in a padded bubble mailer. Orders are dispatched within 1-2 business days. Tracked shipping options are available at checkout.

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