GLIGAR 071/163 Reverse Holo Battle Styles (Near Mint) – Collector Guide & TCG Strategy
If you enjoy underrated Pokémon, nostalgic anime moments, and low-cost additions to your Pokémon TCG decks, the GLIGAR 071/163 Reverse Holo (Battle Styles) is an excellent card to look at. This article walks through what this specific card is, why it appeals to collectors and anime fans, and how Gligar can slot into your gameplay strategies.
The eBay listing this article is based on appears to offer a Near Mint (NM) Reverse Holo Gligar from the Sword & Shield: Battle Styles expansion. While exact print details and population numbers aren’t provided, we can still evaluate its appeal from a collector, anime, and competitive/casual TCG perspective.
Card Overview – GLIGAR 071/163 Reverse Holo (Battle Styles)
Before diving into strategy and collecting, here is a quick summary of the card based on the seller’s title and general knowledge of the Battle Styles set.
| Card Name | Gligar |
|---|---|
| Set | Sword & Shield – Battle Styles |
| Card Number | 071/163 |
| Rarity | Common (Reverse Holo variant) |
| Finish | Reverse Holofoil |
| Condition (per listing) | Near Mint (NM), ungraded |
| Language | Appears to be English |
| Estimated Era | Sword & Shield era (Battle Styles release period) |
Because the Battle Styles set is part of the Sword & Shield block, this Gligar features the more modern card layout, with a dynamic illustration and the signature reverse holo pattern across the card body instead of the art box.
What Makes Reverse Holo Gligar 071/163 Interesting?
Reverse holo commons like this Gligar are often overlooked, but they fill several important roles in a collection or deck. They’re low-cost, display beautifully in binders, and can act as easy upgrades over regular non-holo copies. Here’s why this particular card has its own charm.
Reverse Holo Appeal for Binder Collectors
Reverse holo versions of common cards generally follow the same art and text as the regular version, but the card surface (outside of the illustration window) has a holofoil sheen. For Sword & Shield sets like Battle Styles, this foiling can enhance the card’s background patterns and the energy symbol, adding eye-catching shine in binder pages.
If you collect master sets—that is, one of every card and its holo variants—Battle Styles master sets typically include both the normal Gligar 071/163 and this Reverse Holo version. Adding the reverse holo Gligar fills an important slot and makes a Battle Styles binder page feel complete and premium.
Affordable Entry Point for Gligar Fans
Unlike chase cards or alt-arts, a Reverse Holo common is usually very affordable. This listing’s price of around $1.99 USD at the time it was captured makes it a budget-friendly way to enjoy a shiny, display-ready Gligar. Prices of common reverse holos can fluctuate based on demand, but they typically remain accessible for newer collectors or younger fans.
If you love building pages of collectible Pokémon cards focused on specific species—such as a dedicated Gligar/Gligar page—reverse holos like this one add variety without breaking the bank.
Near Mint Condition – Why It Matters
The listing description refers to the card as NM (Near Mint). In the Pokémon TCG world, Near Mint typically implies a card that has:
- Very minimal to no surface scratching
- Only tiny amounts of edge wear, if any
- No major bends, creases, or scuffing
- Clean fronts and backs suitable for play or display
This particular listing is ungraded, meaning it has not been submitted to a grading company like PSA, Beckett, or CGC. The assessment of Near Mint is therefore the seller’s opinion. For raw cards at this price level, that’s completely normal, but you may want to check the listing’s photos carefully to confirm the condition aligns with your standards for near mint Pokémon cards.
Gligar in the Pokémon World: Anime & Lore Connections
Gligar is a dual-type Ground/Flying Pokémon, known in the franchise for its bat-like appearance with a scorpion tail. While this specific Battle Styles card doesn’t reference the anime directly, many fans associate Gligar with its memorable role in the Pokémon animated series.
In the anime, Gligar is often portrayed as agile, loyal, and sometimes a bit goofy. One of the most famous depictions is when it becomes a companion to a main character and later evolves into Gliscor. That storyline cemented Gligar as more than just a Pokédex entry; it became part of a character growth arc, giving fans an emotional connection to this otherwise quirky Pokémon.
Owning a Gligar card like 071/163 Reverse Holo can feel like holding a small piece of that story, especially if you grew up watching the series. Even though Battle Styles is a more modern set, the nostalgic pull of Gligar from older anime seasons still resonates with collectors and viewers.
Design & Thematic Fit in Battle Styles
Battle Styles is known for featuring Pokémon that align with the Single Strike and Rapid Strike themes. While Gligar itself isn’t one of the headlining V or VMAX cards, its inclusion in the set helps flesh out the world around those styles. Common Pokémon like Gligar are often used to showcase the diversity of habitats and the various species that coexist in the same environment as the more competitive powerhouses.
Gligar’s art in Battle Styles (based on typical Sword & Shield-era design) likely depicts it in a dynamic pose or mid-flight environment, reinforcing its Flying type identity. The Reverse Holo treatment adds a shimmer that makes those environmental details pop when the card is tilted in light.
Collector Value of GLIGAR 071/163 Reverse Holo
When we talk about value, it’s important to separate emotional and nostalgic value from strictly financial price. Gligar 071/163 Reverse Holo is a common rarity, so it is not expected to be a high-dollar investment card. However, it still has distinct types of value for different collector profiles.
Financial Value – What to Expect
This listing’s snapshot price of about $1.99 USD is typical of a Reverse Holo common from a relatively recent set. Prices of such cards can fluctuate mildly based on:
- Overall interest in Battle Styles
- Popularity of Gligar as a Pokémon
- Condition and availability in Near Mint or better
- Bundle deals or shipping discounts offered by the seller
It would be unrealistic to treat a single Reverse Holo Gligar common as an investment vehicle. Instead, its financial value makes sense as part of a broader collection or binder page, or as a card that enhances the aesthetic and emotional value of your set.
Nostalgia & Character-Focused Collecting
Many collectors now build their binders not around sets, but around favorite Pokémon species. If Gligar or Gliscor is your favorite, cards like this one are essential. They show Gligar across different eras, art styles, and play environments.
Because Gligar has that direct link to the anime and an evolution to a fan-favorite competitive Pokémon (Gliscor in the main games), its cards often carry more sentimental weight than a generic early-route Pokémon. For fans who watched the series when Gligar was introduced, even a modern Battle Styles Gligar can evoke strong memories.
Reverse Holo vs Regular Common in Collections
Some collectors aim for one copy of every card number; others insist on Reverse Holos where possible. Compared with the non-holo version of Gligar 071/163, the Reverse Holo stands out when sleeved in a binder. Completing a full page of Reverse Holos gives your Battle Styles section a premium look.
Reverse Holos also tend to be slightly less common than their non-holo counterparts because they share pack slots with all other reverse holo cards in a set. This doesn’t make them rare in a high-end sense, but for complete set builders it does make them mildly more desirable than standard commons.
How Playable Is Battle Styles Gligar in the Pokémon TCG?
As a common, Gligar is not designed to be the centerpiece of a competitive deck the way a V, VMAX, ex, or strong Stage 2 might be. However, commons still matter. They form the backbone of Limited formats and casual decks, and occasionally some evolve into key tech cards.
The Battle Styles Gligar 071/163 is typically a Basic Pokémon with modest HP and simple attacks, suitable for early-game board presence. While exact attack names and damage values should be read directly from the card (to avoid guessing specifics), Gligar cards often feature:
- One low-cost attack for chip damage or utility
- A second attack that may deal slightly more damage or offer a secondary effect
On its own, that doesn’t automatically make it a competitive staple, but it can have roles in various play contexts.
Roles in Casual & Theme Deck Style Play
In casual, kitchen-table style play, Gligar serves as a fun, thematic inclusion in decks built around Ground-, Flying-, or Poison-themed strategies, depending on how you interpret its typing. It can also serve as a bridge if you’re including an evolution line with Gliscor from another set, letting players experience a full evolutionary path on the table.
For newer players, a card like this is easy to understand: straightforward HP, clear attacks, and no overly complex abilities. That makes it suitable for teaching the basics of attacking, retreating, and evolving.
Limited & Draft Play (If Available)
If you ever play a Battle Styles draft or sealed event using older packs, commons like Gligar can be surprisingly important. A low-energy attacker that comes down early can stabilize your board, chip away at opposing Basics, and give you time to power up heavier hitters.
Because Limited formats are slower and less tuned, a solid basic with a cheap attack becomes more valuable than it would be in top-tier Constructed play. In that environment, Gligar 071/163 Reverse Holo is functionally identical to the regular version—but looks cooler while doing the same job.
Building a Fun Gligar / Gliscor Deck
If you enjoy theme or budget decks, you can pair this Gligar with any legal Gliscor cards from the eras you like to play. While exact compatibility will depend on the format you choose (Standard, Expanded, or purely casual custom rules), a Gligar/Gliscor line can emphasize:
- Status conditions such as Poison or Paralysis
- Hit-and-run style attacks
- Agility or evasion-style effects
Even if this particular Gligar doesn’t have a game-breaking Ability, using it as a stepping stone to a more powerful Stage 1 can be thematically satisfying—and it mirrors Gligar’s journey in the anime from scrappy sidekick to competent battler.
Who Should Consider Buying This Gligar Reverse Holo?
Because this is an inexpensive, visually appealing card, it fits into several types of collections and play groups. Here are the main audiences who might appreciate this specific Battle Styles Gligar 071/163 Reverse Holo in Near Mint condition.
1. Battle Styles Master Set Collectors
If you are working on a Battle Styles binder, you will eventually need both the non-holo and reverse holo copies of each numbered card. Picking up this Gligar in Reverse Holo format helps you close in on that goal, and Near Mint condition keeps your binder pages looking consistent and clean.
2. Gligar & Gliscor Fans
Some collectors specialize in specific evolutionary lines. For fans who love Gligar’s design or its evolution into Gliscor, grabbing every unique artwork—including reverse holo variants—can be a rewarding project. Battle Styles provides a modern-era depiction that pairs nicely with earlier Gligar cards from older sets.
Hunting down Pokémon TCG singles like this Gligar is a straightforward way to expand such a character-focused collection.
3. Casual Players & Newcomers
For brand-new players just learning the game, starting with a mix of commons, uncommons, and a few flashy foils can be motivating. A Reverse Holo Gligar offers that “shiny card” appeal without the cost of ultra rares. It’s also approachable from a gameplay standpoint, likely featuring straightforward attacks that teach core mechanics.
4. Parents & Gift-Givers
If you’re building a small gift binder for a young Pokémon fan, mixing in reverse holo commons is a smart move. They look impressive but remain affordable, so you can include multiple holo cards without overspending. A cheerful, recognizable Pokémon like Gligar helps make the collection feel fun and familiar.
Condition Tips for Reverse Holo Cards
Reverse holo cards can be slightly more prone to surface scratching and print lines than non-holo commons because of their foil layer. When buying a Near Mint Reverse Holo Gligar 071/163, it’s worth paying attention to the following details in photos or descriptions:
- Front surface: Look for visible scratches when light reflects off the card.
- Back edges: Check for whitening along the corners and edges.
- Centering: While not crucial for casual collectors, severe off-centering may matter if you’re picky about visuals.
- Warping: Foil cards can warp slightly in humid conditions; mild warping is common but heavy bending may be undesirable.
When your card arrives, sleeving it immediately in a penny sleeve and then a binder page or top loader helps preserve that Near Mint look. Many collectors store their reverse holo commons with the same care they give to ultra rares, especially when building complete sets of collectible Pokémon cards.
Buying from a Dedicated Pokémon TCG Seller
The product information referenced here comes from an eBay listing associated with a Pokémon-focused store. While every buyer should do their own due diligence, purchasing from a dedicated TCG seller can have advantages such as:
- More accurate condition grading due to experience
- Better packaging to protect cards in transit
- A larger selection of related singles from the same set
If you’re working on Battle Styles or Gligar collections, browsing a specialized storefront like Pokeferh’s selection of Pokémon TCG singles can help you combine multiple cards into one shipment and potentially save on shipping costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is GLIGAR 071/163 Reverse Holo from Battle Styles rare?
Not in the high-end sense. It’s a common rarity card with a Reverse Holo treatment. Reverse holo commons are less common than non-holo commons but are still widely available, especially from modern sets like Battle Styles.
Is this Gligar card a good investment?
From a financial standpoint, this card is better seen as a fun, low-cost collectible rather than a long-term investment. Its true value lies in completing sets, enhancing a Gligar-focused collection, and enjoying the art and holofoil—not in high resale potential.
Can I use this Gligar Reverse Holo in official tournaments?
You can use it in any format where Battle Styles is legal (or in formats that allow Battle Styles cards). Reverse Holo and non-holo versions of the same card number are treated identically in terms of gameplay. Always check the latest Pokémon TCG rules and rotation lists if you plan to play competitively.
How does Near Mint (NM) differ from Lightly Played (LP)?
Near Mint cards are expected to show only minimal imperfections—small edge specks or very tiny surface marks at most. Lightly Played cards may have more noticeable whitening, light scratches, or mild shuffle wear, but no major creases. Because this listing is ungraded, the NM label is the seller’s subjective evaluation, so reviewing photos is recommended.
Does the Reverse Holo version play differently than the regular Gligar 071/163?
No. Both versions of Gligar 071/163 from Battle Styles have the same attacks, HP, and effects. The only difference is appearance: the Reverse Holo version has a holofoil layer on the card outside the artwork window, making it shinier and often more appealing in binders.
Is this card suitable for a child who just started collecting?
Yes. A Reverse Holo common like Gligar 071/163 is ideal for new collectors—shiny, inexpensive, and easy to replace if it gets some wear from play. Just make sure a younger child knows not to bend or fold the card if you want to keep it in Near Mint condition.
Where can I find more Battle Styles singles and other Gligar cards?
You can search online marketplaces and specialized stores that carry near mint Pokémon cards and singles from specific sets. One option is the Pokeferh eBay store, which often lists a range of Sword & Shield era cards, including Battle Styles commons, uncommons, and foils.
Whether you’re a Gligar superfan, a Battle Styles master set builder, or a casual player who enjoys shiny basics, this GLIGAR 071/163 Reverse Holo (Battle Styles) in apparent Near Mint condition is an easy, charming addition to your Pokémon TCG lineup.
