Reshiram 017/094 Holo Rare (Phantasmal Flames) – A Buyer’s & Player’s Guide
If you love Legendary Dragons, Reshiram 017/094 Holo Rare from the Phantasmal Flames set is the kind of card that instantly stands out in a binder or a fire-themed deck. This particular eBay listing appears to offer the card in Near Mint (NM) condition, making it a strong pickup for collectors, Pokémon anime fans, and casual or local-level Pokémon TCG players alike.
Because official online details for this exact print are limited, this guide focuses on what we can clearly see from the listing and what’s generally true for modern Reshiram holo rares: artwork appeal, gameplay role, and collecting potential.
Quick Card Information
| Card Name | Reshiram |
|---|---|
| Card Number | 017/094 |
| Rarity | Holo Rare |
| Set | Phantasmal Flames (as stated in the listing) |
| Condition (Listing) | Near Mint (Ungraded) |
| Game | Pokémon TCG – Standard-sized card |
| Estimated Role | Collector card, casual/sideboard attacker, fire-themed deck piece |
The card shown in the eBay images appears to be a standard-sized holo rare Reshiram with a vertical holographic pattern and clean edges, consistent with a typical NM copy of a modern Pokémon TCG holo.
Reshiram in the Pokémon World and Anime
The Legendary Dragon of Truth
Reshiram is one of the central Legendary Pokémon from the Unova region, introduced in Generation V. It’s known as the Vast White Pokémon and is associated with the concept of truth, often contrasted with Zekrom, the dragon of ideals. In the main series games, Reshiram is a box-art legendary, and that prestige tends to carry over into the trading card game: legendary status usually means long-term collector demand.
In the anime and movies, Reshiram is typically portrayed as a majestic, almost divine dragon with a powerful aura and a strong sense of justice. These appearances add a layer of story and nostalgia that helps cards like Reshiram 017/094 resonate with fans, even when the card itself is not the most meta-defining attacker.
Anime Connections That Add Collectability
While this specific artwork from Phantasmal Flames is not directly tied to a particular anime episode or movie promotion (at least, nothing in public information clearly confirms that), Reshiram’s broad presence in the franchise matters:
- Reshiram has starred in feature films such as those focusing on Unova’s legendaries.
- It often appears in opening sequences, promotional art, and posters.
- Its rivalry and duality with Zekrom is a frequently revisited narrative theme.
For collectors who follow the anime, owning a clean holo rare Reshiram helps build a Legendary Dragon mini-collection alongside Zekrom, Kyurem, and other big-name dragons. Having a version like 017/094 in Near Mint condition is especially appealing if you prefer your binder pages to shine with centered, scratch-free holos.
Art Style and Holo Pattern
From the eBay photos, the artwork on this Reshiram appears to emphasize the Pokémon’s flowing, feather-like body and glowing tail. The holo foil seems to bring out the light around Reshiram, which fits well with its fire/dragon energy and its role as a radiant legendary.
Because the listing is ungraded, there’s no PSA or graded slab in the photos—just the raw card. That gives you a good view of how the holo pattern looks without a case glare: great if you’re planning to display it in a binder or a custom frame.
Condition: What “Near Mint” Really Means
Near Mint for Players and Collectors
The listing explicitly notes the card as “NM” (Near Mint) and “Ungraded.” In Pokémon TCG terms, Near Mint usually means:
- Very light or no surface scratches visible in normal lighting.
- Clean front holo with no major scuffs or clouding.
- Minimal whitening on edges or corners when viewed up close.
- No creases, bends, or water damage.
For collectors, NM is an ideal baseline: the card displays beautifully and is suitable for a high-quality binder spread. For players, it means you can sleeve the card and play it without worrying about existing heavy wear.
Why Ungraded Can Be a Smart Buy
This specific Reshiram is ungraded, which has pros and cons:
- Pros: Lower price point, flexible for play, and you can choose your own grading company later if you think it’s worthy.
- Cons: No guaranteed numeric grade from PSA/CGC/Beckett; final condition is based on your own inspection and the seller’s reputation.
If you are building a playable deck or a casual Legendary Dragon binder page, ungraded Near Mint is usually the best value. You get the visual appeal without paying the premium for a slabbed card.
Protecting Your Reshiram 017/094
If you pick up this card, a basic protection plan would be:
- Place it immediately into a soft sleeve (often called a penny sleeve).
- Then into a standard top loader or semi-rigid card saver for storage.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent warping or fading.
Collectors who are particular about condition often store their near mint Pokémon cards in zippered binder portfolios with side-loading pockets to minimize dust and edge wear.
Collector Value and Long-Term Potential
Legendary Name Recognition
Even when a specific Reshiram card is not a top competitive staple, its legendary status provides an ongoing baseline of interest. Collectors often aim for:
- One copy of every Reshiram card ever printed.
- All major Reshiram holo rares and ultra rares.
- Specific era binders (for example, all Dragon-themed cards from a certain period).
A holo rare like Reshiram 017/094 fits nicely into those goals, especially if you’re trying to round out a Phantasmal Flames set page.
Holo Rare vs. Full Art vs. Secret Rare
Within most sets, holo rares occupy the middle of the desirability ladder:
- Commons and uncommons – abundant, mainly for players.
- Holo rares (like this Reshiram) – more visually appealing, collected, and often nostalgic.
- Ultra rares / full arts / secret rares – highly chased cards, often more expensive.
This listing’s price point around the low-single-dollar range (as indicated in the product info) suggests it’s accessible as a budget legendary. Over time, as sealed product from sets like Phantasmal Flames dries up, even regular holo rares can become a bit harder to find in clean Near Mint condition.
What Drives Value for This Specific Card?
Because detailed sales data for Reshiram 017/094 from Phantasmal Flames is not easily verifiable here, we have to speak in general terms:
- Condition: A truly NM copy is more desirable than LP/MP (Lightly Played/Moderately Played).
- Legendary popularity: Reshiram is a fan favorite, which keeps interest steady.
- Artwork quality: Eye-catching holo patterns age well, especially for display-based collecting.
- Set scarcity: If Phantasmal Flames print runs were limited or become less available, singles can slowly rise in demand.
While no one can guarantee future prices, Reshiram holo rares have historically remained solid binder cards—often not the cheapest bulk, but not ultra-premium unless they’re a special print, first edition, or graded at a very high level.
Gameplay and Deck Strategy: How Might This Reshiram Play?
Important Disclaimer on Exact Text
Because full, high-resolution scans of the text on this specific 017/094 Reshiram are not provided here, it’s not possible to quote its attacks, HP, or abilities word-for-word. Instead, this section focuses on how Reshiram cards of this style are typically used in casual or local play.
In many sets, Reshiram holo rares tend to be:
- Fire-type or Dragon-type attackers.
- Mid-to-high HP Basic Pokémon (often a legendary Basic).
- Capable of big damage with a moderate energy cost, sometimes with a drawback or condition.
If this card follows that general pattern, it likely functions as a mid- to late-game attacker in Fire decks or a thematic inclusion in Legendary Dragon builds.
Possible Roles in Casual Decks
Again, without inventing the exact moves, we can outline typical roles a Reshiram holo rare fills:
- Backup Attacker: When your main Fire-type attacker has taken some KOs or energy is spread across the board, a Basic legendary like Reshiram can often swing for respectable damage without a long evolution chain.
- Single-Prize Pressure: Many Reshiram holo rares are single-prize Pokémon, which can be strategically useful against decks that rely on Pokémon V, VMAX, or ex that give up multiple Prize cards.
- Type Coverage: In formats where Grass or Metal types are common, a strong Fire-type legendary can be a surprise tech choice.
At local game nights or kitchen-table play, a flashy Reshiram holo is also simply fun. Younger players in particular enjoy swinging big numbers with their favorite legendary dragons, even if the deck is not tuned for top-tier tournament play.
Synergies in Fire and Dragon Strategies
Most Fire-based Reshiram cards synergize with common Fire support:
- Energy acceleration options like supporters, items, or abilities that attach extra Fire Energy.
- Damage-boosting tools and supporters that let Reshiram reach knockout thresholds more easily.
- Switching cards to move Reshiram into and out of the Active Spot at the right time.
Dragon-based Reshiram prints sometimes require mixed energy costs (for example, Fire plus other types), rewarding decks that can juggle multiple energy types efficiently.
If your main focus is gameplay, you may want to verify the exact text of Reshiram 017/094—via a card database or clear scan—then build a decklist around its specific attacks and energy requirements.
Who Should Consider Buying This Reshiram 017/094?
1. Pokémon Anime and Lore Fans
If you followed the Unova-era anime or movies and love the themes of truth vs. ideals, this card is a compact piece of that story. You don’t need to chase the most expensive ultra rares to enjoy a legendary collection—clean holo rares like this one are perfect for character-focused binders.
2. Casual and Local-Level TCG Players
For players who mostly enjoy friendly games, this Reshiram is ideal:
- It’s budget-friendly compared to ultra rares.
- It offers a strong legendary attacker that’s visually impressive on the table.
- Being Near Mint means it shuffles and sleeves well without looking beat up.
If you’re building a deck from Pokémon TCG singles, a card like this can fill your “cool legendary finisher” slot at a low cost.
3. Set and Era Collectors
Set collectors who aim to complete Phantasmal Flames will eventually need card 017/094. Getting it as a verified NM copy now saves you the trouble of hunting for a clean version later, when fewer raw copies are circulating.
Even if you’re not doing a full set, a page of Fire-type legendaries or Unova-themed cards looks much better when you have Reshiram included.
How This Listing Compares to Other Options
Raw NM vs. Graded Copies
If you browse marketplaces, you may see Reshiram cards graded by PSA, CGC, or Beckett. Those can be great for long-term display or investment, but they come with higher prices and less flexibility for gameplay.
This specific listing for Reshiram 017/094 is:
- Raw and ungraded – easy to play in decks.
- Near Mint – visually suitable for most collectors.
- Affordable – positioned in a casual collector/player price range.
For many buyers, that combination makes more sense than paying a grading premium—especially for a card that’s more about collection completion and nostalgia than high-end speculation.
Buying from a Focused Pokémon Seller
The card is offered in the eBay store Pokeferh, which appears to specialize in Pokémon-related items. When shopping for collectible Pokémon cards, a dedicated seller often understands condition standards better than a general reseller. That can make the NM designation more reliable.
Of course, you should still check the seller’s feedback, look closely at the card photos, and read the description to confirm you’re comfortable with the purchase.
Practical Tips Before You Buy
1. Inspect the Listing Photos
Zoom in on the edges, corners, and holo surface in each of the listing images. Near Mint usually looks very clean at a glance, but it’s worth checking for:
- Small white spots on the card back edges.
- Holo scratches visible in direct light.
- Any slight warp or bending.
From the available images, this Reshiram appears to be in strong condition, but each buyer should do their own visual inspection.
2. Confirm Shipping and Packaging
Proper shipping is crucial for maintaining the NM state:
- Ideally, the card should ship in a sleeve and top loader.
- A team bag or small resealable bag around the loader helps keep moisture and dust away.
- Bubble mailers are preferred over plain envelopes for better protection.
If any of this is unclear from the listing, you can message the seller and ask how they typically package single cards.
3. Consider Your Goals
Ask yourself why you want this card:
- For a binder collection? Focus on condition and artwork you love.
- For a deck? Make sure the attacks and HP fit your strategy once you verify the text.
- For long-term holding? Condition, legendary status, and set scarcity all matter more.
Reshiram 017/094 checks the right boxes for a character-focused pickup: iconic Pokémon, holo rare treatment, and a Near Mint copy.
FAQ: Reshiram 017/094 Holo Rare (Phantasmal Flames)
Is this Reshiram 017/094 card official and tournament legal?
The listing images show what appears to be a standard, official Pokémon TCG card with normal layout and holo treatment. However, tournament legality depends on format rotations and set rules. To confirm legal status, you would need to look up Reshiram 017/094 from Phantasmal Flames in an official or community-maintained database and check the current format rules.
Is Near Mint good enough for grading?
Near Mint raw cards can sometimes grade well (PSA 8–10 range), but that is not guaranteed. Grading outcomes depend on very fine details: centering, micro-scratches, print lines, and corner sharpness. If you’re grading purely for value, you should inspect the card in person first. If you’re grading mainly for personal display, NM is typically a fine starting point.
Is this a good card for a competitive deck?
Without the exact attack and ability text in front of us, it’s not possible to say with certainty how competitive this specific Reshiram 017/094 is. In general, most regular holo rares featuring legendaries see more play in casual or local metas than in top-tier tournaments. If high-level competition is your priority, verify the card’s text and look up current decklists to see if this print appears.
How does this Reshiram compare to other Reshiram prints?
Reshiram has multiple notable prints across various sets, including full arts, promos, and tag-team style cards. Those ultra rares often command higher prices. This 017/094 holo rare from Phantasmal Flames is more of a mid-range collector card: affordable, visually appealing, and great for binder collections or casual decks, but not necessarily the flagship ultra rare of the species.
Where can I find more Reshiram and other legendary singles?
If you’re looking to expand your collection beyond this one card, you can browse additional Reshiram copies and other legendary dragons in the Pokeferh eBay store. It’s a convenient source of sorted, ready-to-ship Pokémon TCG singles so you can keep building out your favorite themes and decks.
