Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
Special Illustration Rare (noun): the top alternate-artwork rarity in Scarlet & Violet–era Pokémon TCG sets — extended, full-scene artwork with textured foil, marked by a two-gold-star rarity symbol. Usually shortened to SIR.
Special Illustration Rares in More Detail
The Scarlet & Violet rarity ladder runs from base cards up through Illustration Rares (one gold star) to Special Illustration Rares (two gold stars), with gold Hyper Rares alongside. SIRs are the spiritual successor to the alt arts of the Sword & Shield era — the cards that carry a modern set's value, like Prismatic Evolutions' Umbreon ex SIR.
Because SIRs feature named Pokémon in full scenes with texture, they're the primary chase in every modern release — and the entire contents of a god pack.
FAQ
What's the difference between an Illustration Rare and a Special Illustration Rare?
Illustration Rares (one gold star) are alternate-art versions of regular cards; Special Illustration Rares (two gold stars) are the rarer, textured full-scene versions of a set's ex or Trainer cards.
Is a SIR the same as an alt art?
Functionally yes — SIR is the official Scarlet & Violet-era name for what collectors called alternate arts in Sword & Shield sets.
Related Resources
- Glossary: Alt Art · Full Art · God Pack
- Shop: Pokémon Cards