Arcanine 22/149 Holo Rare (Sun & Moon Base) – Near Mint Pokémon Card Guide
If you’re a fan of classic Kanto Pokémon, fiery deck strategies, or building a visually impressive binder page, the Arcanine 22/149 Holo Rare from the Sun & Moon Base Set is a card worth a closer look. This guide walks you through its anime connections, collecting value, and gameplay uses so you can decide whether this specific Near Mint copy is the right fit for your collection or deck.
The product in focus is listed as “ARCANINE 22/149 Holo HOLO Holo Rare SM Base Set NM Pokemon” and appears to be an ungraded, Near Mint copy of Arcanine from the original Sun & Moon Base Set (2017). Below is a quick reference table with the key card details.
Card Information: Arcanine 22/149 – SM Base Set
| Card Name | Arcanine |
|---|---|
| Set | Sun & Moon Base Set |
| Card Number | 22/149 |
| Rarity | Holo Rare |
| Type / Stage | Fire / Stage 1 (evolves from Growlithe) |
| HP | 130 HP (Fire-type) |
| Notable Attacks | Searing Flame, Firestorm (as listed for Sun & Moon Arcanine 22/149) |
| Finish | Holofoil |
| Condition (Listing) | Near Mint, Ungraded |
This specific eBay listing appears to offer the standard holo rare version (not reverse holo) of Arcanine 22/149 at a listed price of $4.99 USD at the time of writing, which is generally in line with many other collectible Pokémon cards from Sun & Moon Base in Near Mint condition.
Arcanine in the Pokémon World: Why This Holo Rare Appeals to Fans
Arcanine is one of those Pokémon that feels iconic even if it’s not a box-cover legendary. From its earliest Pokédex entries, Arcanine is portrayed as a legendary, noble, and incredibly fast Fire-type that can sprint vast distances in a single day and night. That lore has followed it through generations of games, anime, and merchandise.
In the anime, Arcanine is often depicted as a loyal partner to police officers, trainers, and even gym leaders. It’s not Ash’s main partner, but it shows up enough that most long-time viewers can picture its striking orange fur and cream mane instantly. That strong visual identity is exactly what makes this holo rare Sun & Moon artwork stand out in a binder or display.
While the specific Sun & Moon Base artwork isn’t directly recreating a particular anime scene, it does capture Arcanine’s regal, guardian-like pose: a large, proud Fire-type framed by a subtle holo pattern. For anime fans, this is a great card to represent Arcanine’s presence across the series without needing a high-end full art or secret rare.
Because this card is part of the first main set of the Sun & Moon era, it also represents the transition from the XY era into Alola. Many collectors like to keep at least one holo of their favorite Kanto Pokémon from each generation’s first base set, and Arcanine 22/149 checks that box nicely for the SM period.
Artwork and Holo Pattern: What You’re Getting Visually
The Sun & Moon Base Set used a more restrained holo pattern compared to some later sets, which actually works well for a Pokémon like Arcanine. The card shows:
- A full-body view of Arcanine in a confident, powerful stance.
- A stylized background that lets the holofoil layer shimmer behind Arcanine, especially when tilted under light.
- Traditional yellow border and the early-gen Sun & Moon layout with clear attack text and type icons.
Because the listing is described as Near Mint (NM) and ungraded, most collectors can reasonably expect:
- Clean front surface with only minor handling marks, if any.
- Very light to no whitening on corners or edges when viewed closely.
- Holo area free from major scratches or dents, though microscopic lines are still possible in NM.
Condition guidelines can vary slightly from seller to seller, but a reputable store that focuses on near mint Pokémon cards generally aims to meet or exceed the industry’s accepted NM standard.
Collector Value: Is Arcanine 22/149 Worth Picking Up?
Arcanine 22/149 sits in an interesting spot in the market. It’s not an ultra-rare chase card, but it’s also more desirable than a common or uncommon from the same set. Here are the main factors that affect its collector value:
1. Set and Era
Sun & Moon Base Set (2017) marked the beginning of the Alola era in the TCG. While it doesn’t have the same nostalgia weight as original WotC sets, it does carry a “first set of a generation” appeal. Many collectors like to complete or at least partially collect base sets, and holo rares like Arcanine are a natural focus.
Over time, sealed Sun & Moon Base product has become harder to find at retail prices, and singles like this Arcanine 22/149 are one of the more affordable ways to represent the era in a collection.
2. Character Popularity
Arcanine is a long-time fan favorite from Gen 1. While it’s not as iconic as Charizard or Pikachu, it has a strong and loyal fanbase. Collectors who focus on Fire-types, dog Pokémon, or Kanto teams often target Arcanine cards across multiple generations. That steady, character-based demand helps keep cards like this relevant even if they’re not tournament staples.
3. Rarity and Print
This card is a Holo Rare, not an ultra-rare or secret rare. That means it’s attainable—perfect if you want a nice binder page without breaking the bank. There is also a reverse holo version of Arcanine 22/149 in the same set, but the listing we’re discussing appears to be the standard holo, which many collectors prefer as the “intended” rare finish of the card.
Because Sun & Moon cards were printed in fairly large numbers, this Arcanine is unlikely to become extremely scarce in the short term. However, demand for clean, Near Mint copies can still rise over time as played copies circulate and binder wear accumulates.
4. Condition and Ungraded Status
The card is listed as ungraded Near Mint. That’s ideal for casual collectors or players who want to use the card in a deck without worrying about cracking open a graded case. If you ever decide to grade it later, the NM condition gives you a reasonable starting point, but grading outcomes are never guaranteed and depend on strict third-party standards.
At the listed price around $4.99, this Arcanine sits in a sweet spot: affordable enough for budget collectors, but still special enough to feel like a centerpiece in a Sun & Moon Base binder page.
Gameplay Overview: How Good Is Arcanine 22/149 in the TCG?
From a competitive standpoint, Arcanine 22/149 from Sun & Moon Base was never a top-tier meta card, but it has some interesting traits that made it playable in more casual or budget Fire-type decks.
Based on widely available card text for this printing, Arcanine 22/149 is a Stage 1 Fire-type with 130 HP. Its notable attacks are:
- Searing Flame: Costs two Fire Energy (written as [2R] in some databases) and deals 60 damage, while also leaving your opponent’s Active Pokémon Burned. That extra Burn damage between turns effectively pushes damage output higher, especially if the opponent doesn’t switch out or heal.
- Firestorm (name may vary slightly depending on translation/source): A higher-cost Fire-type attack that deals significant damage in exchange for discarding Energy. This gives Arcanine “finisher” potential but requires setup and some Energy acceleration or recovery to use repeatedly.
Exact wording can vary slightly by print language, but the broad idea is consistent: mid-range damage plus status, followed by a strong, resource-heavy attack.
Where Arcanine Fits in Decks
During the Sun & Moon era, Arcanine 22/149 was more of a supporting attacker than a deck centerpiece. It could slot into Fire-type strategies where:
- You wanted a Stage 1 that could be powered up reasonably quickly.
- You valued Burn pressure to push math over certain HP thresholds.
- You had access to Energy acceleration or recursion to fuel the more demanding attacks.
For today’s players who enjoy expanded or casual formats with older cards, Arcanine can still be fun in Fire-themed builds, cube drafts, or custom formats where power levels are moderated. It’s also a great option for younger or newer players who want a strong-looking Fire-type that doesn’t rely on complex abilities or multi-card combos.
Deck Ideas and Synergies for Arcanine 22/149
If you’re considering this card for gameplay and not just collecting, it helps to think about the type of deck where Arcanine shines. While specific card pool legality changes over time, the general principles below stay useful in casual or expanded-style play.
1. Fire-Themed Midrange Deck
Arcanine works well as part of a midrange Fire deck that focuses on efficient attackers rather than big, clunky Stage 2 lines. Some broad ideas:
- Pair Arcanine with basic Fire attackers that can hit early while you evolve Growlithe.
- Include Energy-retrieval cards to mitigate the cost of discarding Energy from bigger attacks.
- Use Burn and chip damage to set up knockouts over 2 turns instead of relying on one massive hit.
In this type of list, Arcanine is the card you bring up mid-game when you need to swing the tempo back or remove a mid-HP threat from the board.
2. Casual Status-Condition Strategies
Because Searing Flame inflicts Burn, Arcanine also has a place in decks that lean into status conditions. Combining Burn with Poison, or repeatedly forcing your opponent to switch, can create awkward decisions for them—and that’s exactly what you want.
Newer players especially enjoy these strategies because they feel interactive and rewarding even if the deck isn’t fully optimized for tournament play. Arcanine’s straightforward text makes it easy to learn how status conditions work without overwhelming complexity.
3. Themed and Anime-Inspired Decks
For fans of the Pokémon anime, building a deck that feels like a team from the show can be just as satisfying as piloting a top-tier meta list. Arcanine frequently appears as a partner to police officers and serious trainers in the series, so it fits well in:
- “Officer Jenny”–inspired decks featuring partners that feel like law-enforcement or guardian Pokémon.
- Kanto-themed teams where you combine Arcanine with other iconic Gen 1 Pokémon.
- Fire gyms or Elite Four–style builds to battle friends.
In these contexts, Arcanine 22/149 is often chosen not because it’s the single strongest Arcanine ever printed, but because it represents the Sun & Moon era visually while still being easy to play and understand.
Why This Specific Listing Appeals to Different Types of Buyers
The eBay listing titled “ARCANINE 22/149 Holo HOLO Holo Rare SM Base Set NM Pokemon” includes several details that make it attractive whether you’re a collector, player, or anime fan.
For Pokémon TCG Collectors
From a collector’s standpoint, this card ticks a number of boxes:
- Holo Rare from a base set – a natural target when filling out Sun & Moon binders.
- Near Mint condition – appealing for long-term storage, display, or future grading consideration.
- Affordable price point – roughly in line with other mid-tier Pokémon TCG singles from the era.
Collectors who specialize in Arcanine or Kanto Fire-types will especially appreciate having a clean copy of this specific SM Base artwork, since it complements older and newer Arcanine prints well in a dedicated binder page.
For Anime and Lore Fans
If your main connection to Pokémon is through the anime or games, this card gives you a tangible way to represent Arcanine’s role in the franchise. The holofoil finish makes it feel special, but it’s not so expensive that you’ll be afraid to handle it or show it to friends.
This listing appears to offer a copy that’s still in strong display condition, which is important if you want to frame it, keep it in a top loader on your desk, or pair it with other anime-favorite Pokémon holos.
For Players and Deck Builders
For players who enjoy casual or expanded-style formats, this Arcanine is a solid mid-level attacker that doesn’t require rare support cards to function. You can drop it into Fire decks focused on theme, story, or beginner-friendly gameplay and still feel like you’re putting a meaningful Pokémon on the board.
The listed Near Mint condition is also a plus for players; it usually means the card should shuffle well and present cleanly in sleeves at local events or kitchen-table matches without looking heavily worn.
How to Store and Protect Your Arcanine 22/149 Holo
Once you pick up a Near Mint copy, you’ll want to keep it that way. Here are some straightforward tips for protecting this Arcanine holo rare:
- Use penny sleeves immediately after opening or receiving the card in the mail.
- For long-term storage, combine sleeves with a top loader or semi-rigid card saver.
- Keep your card in a binder with side-loading pages if you’re building a Sun & Moon Base collection.
- Store binders and top-loaded cards in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping and fading.
Even if you primarily bought this Arcanine to play with, it’s worth spending a few cents on protection so it holds value and continues to look good over the years.
Buying Tips for Near Mint Ungraded Pokémon Cards on eBay
When purchasing ungraded, Near Mint cards like this Arcanine 22/149, it’s good practice to follow a few guidelines:
- Check all available photos – front, back, corners, and edges. The listing for this Arcanine includes multiple images, which is a positive sign.
- Read the description carefully – terms like “Near Mint” are helpful, but see if the seller explains their grading standards.
- Review seller feedback – a store focused on collectible Pokémon cards with strong feedback is usually more reliable on condition.
- Factor in shipping and handling – how is the card being mailed? Bubble mailers, top loaders, and sleeves reduce the risk of damage in transit.
This Arcanine listing appears consistent with what collectors expect from a standard NM holo rare Sun & Moon single, but you should always compare the photos and description to your own condition standards before purchasing.
FAQ: Arcanine 22/149 Holo Rare (Sun & Moon Base Set)
Is Arcanine 22/149 from the Sun & Moon Base Set a good investment?
This card is better viewed as a solid collectible rather than a high-end investment. It’s a holo rare of a popular Gen 1 Pokémon from a mainline base set, which gives it long-term appeal, but it’s not an ultra-rare or low-print promo. If you love Arcanine or Sun & Moon, it’s a worthwhile pickup—just don’t expect dramatic short-term value spikes.
What’s the difference between the holo and reverse holo versions of Arcanine 22/149?
The standard holo rare (which this listing appears to offer) has the holofoil pattern in the main artwork window behind Arcanine. The reverse holo version uses holofoil on the card’s background outside the art box, leaving the picture non-holo. Collectors often prefer the standard holo as the “main” rare, but some enjoy collecting both.
Can I use this Arcanine 22/149 card in current Standard format tournaments?
Standard format legality changes over time, and Sun & Moon Base Set has rotated out of most current Standard formats. However, you can absolutely use this card in casual play, expanded formats (where legal), cube drafts, and themed decks. Always check the latest official rotation list for your region if you plan to play in sanctioned events.
Is Near Mint ungraded good enough for a display collection?
Yes. A Near Mint ungraded card is typically more than adequate for binder displays, framed collections, and casual viewing. Many collectors prefer ungraded NM copies because they’re easier to store in binders and cost significantly less than graded cards.
Does this card show Arcanine as it appears in the anime?
The artwork is original to the TCG and not a direct screenshot or recreation from the anime. However, it absolutely captures Arcanine’s anime-style presence—regal, powerful, and loyal—so it works very well as a representation of the anime character in card form.
How does Arcanine 22/149 compare to other Arcanine cards for gameplay?
This Sun & Moon Base Arcanine is a moderately strong, straightforward Stage 1 attacker. Some other Arcanine prints, especially EX, GX, or V variants, may offer more complex abilities or higher damage ceilings. If you want a simple, accessible Arcanine for Fire decks or teaching new players, 22/149 does its job well.
Where can I find more Near Mint Pokémon TCG singles like this?
Stores that specialize in graded and ungraded singles often stock similar holo rares and fan-favorite Pokémon across many sets. On eBay, you can browse a variety of near mint Pokémon cards, including Arcanine and other Fire-types, by checking dedicated Pokémon sellers such as the Pokeferh eBay store.
Whether you’re building a Sun & Moon Base binder, a Fire-themed deck, or a Kanto nostalgia page, Arcanine 22/149 Holo Rare is a stylish and affordable way to add one of the franchise’s most noble Fire-types to your collection.
