Omastar 139/165 Holo Rare – Complete Scarlet & Violet 151 Card Guide
The Scarlet & Violet 151 set brought the original Kanto Pokédex back into the spotlight, and our featured card today is one of the classic fossil Pokémon: Omastar 139/165 Holo Rare. This article takes a deep dive into the specific listing titled “OMASTAR 139/165 HOLO Rare 151 NM Pokemon”, currently offered in Near Mint condition as an ungraded single.
Whether you’re a collector building a 151 binder, an anime fan who remembers Omastar from the early series, or a competitive player looking at its potential in Water decks, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
| Card Name | Omastar |
|---|---|
| Set | Scarlet & Violet 151 (SV: 151) |
| Card Number | 139/165 |
| Rarity | Holo Rare |
| Listing Condition | Near Mint (ungraded – seller states “NM”) |
| Language | English (based on listing and set info) |
| Approx. Release Year | 2023 (Scarlet & Violet 151 set) |
This specific listing appears to offer a single Omastar 139/165 Holo Rare from Scarlet & Violet 151 at a budget-friendly price, making it an accessible pickup for players and collectors alike.
Card Overview: Omastar 139/165 from Scarlet & Violet 151
Omastar 139/165 is a Stage 2 Water-type Pokémon card in the Scarlet & Violet 151 set. It evolves from Omanyte, staying faithful to its original role as a fossil evolution from the first generation of games and anime. The card is printed as a Holo Rare, meaning the artwork box has a holographic shine, which is a nice visual throwback to classic holo fossils from early sets.
Scarlet & Violet 151 (often just called “151”) focuses exclusively on the original Kanto Pokédex. For many fans, Omastar occupies a special niche: a powerful but slightly mysterious fossil Pokémon that was hard to obtain in the original games and made rare appearances in the anime. Having it appear as a holo in this nostalgia-driven set is a deliberate nod to long-time collectors.
While exact attack text and HP aren’t detailed in the listing, external references like Bulbapedia and pricing sites confirm that this is the standard holo version of Omastar from SV:151, not the reverse-holo version. That makes it the more traditional “rare holo” variety many collectors prefer to showcase in binder displays.
From a gameplay standpoint, the card sits in the middle ground: not a headline chase card like some EX or special illustration rares, but a potentially interesting tech or sidegrade for Water strategies depending on your local meta and deck style.
Condition and Presentation: Near Mint Ungraded Copy
The listing describes the card as “NM” (Near Mint) and “Ungraded”. In the Pokémon TCG, Near Mint typically means:
- Very minor or no visible surface wear
- Little to no whitening on edges or corners
- No creases, bends, or major scratches
Because this is an ungraded card, there is no professional grade from PSA, CGC, Beckett, or similar services. Instead, you are relying on the seller’s assessment and the provided photos. For modern near mint Pokémon cards under a few dollars, this is common and usually makes more sense than paying grading fees.
The images in the listing (front and back) appear to show a clean, pack-fresh card with the standard English card back and holo pattern. For collectors trying to complete a 151 set in uniform condition, this type of listing is ideal: you can pick up multiple Pokémon TCG singles you’re missing without the premium attached to graded slabs.
If you plan to submit the card for grading later, it’s worth inspecting the edges, centering, and surface closely once it arrives, as the difference between Near Mint and Gem Mint can be subtle but important for higher-end collectors.
Omastar in the Pokémon Anime and Lore
To understand why a card like Omastar 139/165 resonates with fans, it helps to look at the Pokémon’s history in the larger franchise.
Omastar is the evolved form of Omanyte, a fossil Pokémon originally revived from the Helix Fossil in the Generation I games. In the anime, Omastar first appeared in the episode “Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon”, where several fossil Pokémon (including Omanyte and Omastar) are awakened. These prehistoric creatures were shown as powerful, somewhat mysterious beings that rarely interacted with the modern world.
According to Pokédex entries referenced on resources like Bulbapedia and other Pokédex databases, Omastar’s defining characteristics include:
- Powerful fangs capable of crushing rock
- Multiple tentacles used to ensnare prey
- A heavy, spiral shell that limited its mobility and may have contributed to its extinction
Those traits often influence how Omastar is depicted in both the video games and the TCG: sturdy, dangerous up close, and closely tied to ancient seas and fossils. The Scarlet & Violet 151 artwork (visible in the listing photos) continues this tradition, presenting Omastar as a formidable marine predator with a swirling shell and extended tentacles.
Why Anime Fans Appreciate This Card
For anime fans, Omastar 139/165 is a nostalgic callback to the early days of the series when fossil Pokémon felt rare and almost mythical. Owning a holo Omastar from a set that specifically celebrates the original 151 gives you a physical link back to that era.
Even if Omastar hasn’t been a major recurring character like Pikachu or Charizard, its presence in the early episodes and later cameos in various series has cemented it as one of the iconic fossil creatures of Kanto. A holo card like this is a neat way to represent that part of the anime’s history in your collection.
Many anime-focused collectors build binders or displays organized by Pokédex number. In that context, Omastar 139/165 slotted next to Omanyte and other fossil Pokémon creates a visually cohesive and lore-accurate section of your 151 binder.
If you’re building an “anime nostalgia” binder centered on notable early-episode Pokémon, this Omastar fits right along with Aerodactyl, Kabutops, and other prehistoric stars.
Collecting Value: Is Omastar 139/165 Worth Picking Up?
From the perspective of raw monetary value, Omastar 139/165 Holo Rare from Scarlet & Violet 151 is generally a low- to mid-value modern holo. Price-tracking sites show that Near Mint copies often sell around a couple of dollars, which lines up with the listing you’re looking at (approximately $1.99 at the time of writing).
However, value in Pokémon cards isn’t only about price. There are three main reasons collectors still like picking up cards like this Omastar:
- Set completion: 151 is a beloved set, and completionist collectors aim for all 165 cards, including every holo rare.
- Pokémon-specific collections: Many fans collect every printing of their favorite Pokémon. Omastar has a relatively small but dedicated group of fans.
- Fossil-themed binders: Some collectors build themed binders around fossils or Water-type Pokémon, where Omastar is a natural fit.
In all of these cases, a clean Near Mint holo at a low price point is extremely attractive. It’s the kind of card that might not headline a collection on its own, but it completes pages, fills Pokédex-based layouts, and ties together a theme.
Holo vs. Reverse Holo: Which Omastar 139/165 to Choose?
Scarlet & Violet 151 includes two visually distinct versions of Omastar 139/165:
- Holo Rare (this listing) – artwork box is holo
- Reverse Holo – background of the card (outside the art box) is holo
This listing appears to be for the standard holo version, described and sold as a “Holo Rare,” not reverse. For many long-time collectors who grew up with classic sets like Base, Jungle, and Fossil, the traditional holo layout feels more “authentic.”
Reverse holos can be attractive for their full-card shine and set logo patterns, but if you’re aiming for a classic feel in your 151 binder, this standard holo Omastar is likely the version you’ll prioritize.
Some collectors even pick up both the regular holo and the reverse holo for each rare in the set, doubling the number of pages and making for a very shiny and satisfying layout. Because Omastar is relatively inexpensive, it’s a good candidate for that approach.
Gameplay and Deck Strategy with Omastar 139/165
Scarlet & Violet era Omastar cards often emphasize disruption, control, or utility rather than sheer damage. While this exact list focuses on a Near Mint collectible, it’s still worth considering how this Omastar functions in gameplay.
External resources and meta discussions suggest that some modern Omastar builds are designed around slowing opponents down or preventing attacks under certain conditions. One referenced video description even notes that Omastar “stops the opponent from attacking for 70 damage,” indicating a strategy where modest damage is combined with a disruptive effect (such as Paralysis or a similar condition).
While the exact text on this 139/165 card should be checked directly on the card or through an official database, it’s safe to say that Omastar fits into a category of Stage 2 Pokémon that reward careful deck construction. It won’t usually be a plug-and-play main attacker like a big EX, but it can enable:
- Lock or control strategies that limit your opponent’s ability to respond
- Water-type synergy with energy acceleration or healing from other cards
- Surprise tech slots in rogue decks where opponents don’t expect fossil evolutions
In practice, Omastar often shines when combined with cards that help you cheat evolution requirements, accelerate setup, or keep your opponent’s board under control while you build a late-game position.
Where Omastar Fits in Modern Decks
Omastar 139/165 is unlikely to be the backbone of a top-tier competitive meta deck on its own, but it can serve a few interesting roles:
- Budget Control Decks: For players building on a budget, Omastar-based strategies can be fun alternatives to expensive EX-heavy lists. You can combine it with various Water support cards and inexpensive trainers.
- Fossil-Themed Casual Decks: Many players enjoy building decks centered on fossil Pokémon purely for theme and flavor. Omastar naturally sits at the end of an Omanyte line, backed up by other fossils like Kabutops or Aerodactyl.
- League and Kitchen-Table Play: In casual environments, a Stage 2 with disruptive attacks can feel very strong, especially when your opponent isn’t teched to handle it.
Because it’s a Stage 2, the main deck-building challenge is consistency. You’ll need a good mix of search, draw, and evolution acceleration to make Omastar hit the field quickly enough to matter. When it does, though, fossil-based decks can be surprisingly oppressive if your opponent isn’t prepared.
Even if you never plan to sleeve it up in a tournament, adding this Omastar to your collection gives you the option to experiment with fossil decks down the line—something many long-time fans end up trying at some point.
For players who like to pick up collectible Pokémon cards they can both display and play, this card sits in that sweet spot between nostalgia and gameplay potential.
Display Ideas for Omastar 151 Holo
If you’re more of a collector than a tournament player, Omastar 139/165 Holo Rare offers some nice display possibilities, especially if you enjoy organizing your cards thematically.
Here are a few ways to showcase it:
- 151 Binder Layout: Place Omastar in Pokédex order, alongside Omanyte and nearby Water-types. A 9-pocket binder page focused on fossil evolutions looks particularly striking.
- Fossil Evolution Page: Build a page featuring every fossil evolution from Kanto—Omastar, Kabutops, Aerodactyl, and so on. Mix modern prints like this 151 holo with older cards for a “then and now” feel.
- Water-Type Showcase: Combine Omastar with other Water holo rares across sets, creating a sea-themed collection: Gyarados, Lapras, Vaporeon, and more.
Because this listing is ungraded, you’ll likely keep the card in a standard sleeve, top loader, or binder page rather than a slab. That makes it easier to move around your collection, swap layouts, and build new themed pages as your collection grows.
If you decide later that you love the artwork or that Omastar becomes a personal favorite, you can always track down additional copies or even a high-grade slab to anchor a more premium display.
Who Should Consider Buying This Omastar 139/165 Listing?
This particular listing—an ungraded, Near Mint Omastar 139/165 Holo Rare from Scarlet & Violet 151 at a modest price—is well-suited to several kinds of buyers:
- 151 Set Collectors: If you’re nearing completion of the 151 set and are missing some holo rares, this is a straightforward pickup.
- Fossil and Water-Type Fans: Anyone building a fossil or Water-themed collection will find Omastar nearly essential.
- Casual Players: If you like to build off-meta or theme decks, picking up an Omastar line can make your deck nights more interesting.
- Anime Nostalgia Collectors: Fans who remember Omastar’s early anime appearances often like having at least one modern, crisp holo version to represent it.
Because the card is inexpensive, it’s also a nice “add-on” when you’re already picking up other cards. Many buyers add it to their cart to take advantage of combined shipping or to round out a small order of Pokémon TCG singles.
In other words, you don’t need to be a hardcore Omastar fanatic to justify owning this card. It’s a simple, affordable way to deepen your collection and open up future deck or display options.
Buying Tips for Modern Holo Rares like Omastar
When you’re picking up modern holo rares such as this Omastar 139/165, a few simple habits can help you get the most out of your purchase:
- Check Photos Carefully: Look at both front and back images if available. Focus on corners, edges, and any noticeable surface lines in the holo area.
- Read the Condition Description: “Near Mint” can vary slightly between sellers, but the general expectation is minimal wear and no creases.
- Consider Shipping Method: For lower-value cards, plain white envelope (PWE) shipping is common, but top loaders and team bags still provide good protection.
- Combine Orders: If the seller offers multiple cards you want, combining shipping on several near mint Pokémon cards saves money and time.
Because this Omastar is a modern holo rather than a vintage grail, the risk level is relatively low, but being a bit picky about condition now will make your binder pages look much better over time.
Also remember that modern sets like Scarlet & Violet 151 can fluctuate in popularity as the TCG evolves. Even if prices remain modest, cards tied to the original 151 tend to maintain a steady collector base due to nostalgia.
FAQ: Omastar 139/165 Holo Rare from Scarlet & Violet 151
Is this Omastar 139/165 card good for competitive play?
Omastar 139/165 isn’t a top-tier meta staple, but it has interesting disruptive potential depending on the exact attack effects and your deck build. It’s more commonly used in theme, fossil, or casual control-style decks rather than in high-level tournament lists.
What set is Omastar 139/165 from?
Omastar 139/165 is from the Scarlet & Violet 151 set, a special expansion focused on the original 151 Kanto Pokémon. The set released around 2023 in the English Pokémon TCG.
Is this the regular holo or the reverse holo version?
The listing describes the card as a Holo Rare, and external references confirm that Omastar 139/165 appears as both a holo and a reverse holo. This particular listing appears to be the standard holo version, not the reverse holo.
Is the card graded?
No. The product is described as “Ungraded” and in Near Mint condition. That means it has not been sent to PSA, CGC, Beckett, or other grading companies. You receive a raw card, suitable for binder display or later grading if it meets your standards.
Why would I buy a modern holo rare like Omastar 139/165?
Modern holo rares are ideal for building complete sets, themed binders, and casual decks. Omastar 139/165 in particular appeals to fossil Pokémon fans, anime nostalgia collectors, and players looking for fun, off-meta Water-type strategies.
Does this card have any connection to the Pokémon anime?
Yes. Omastar appeared in early episodes of the Pokémon anime, especially in “Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon”, alongside other fossil Pokémon. The 151 set deliberately highlights original Kanto Pokémon, making this holo a nice anime-inspired collectible for fans of that era.
Is the price likely to increase in the future?
There’s no guarantee of future price movement. As a modern holo rare, Omastar 139/165 is more likely to remain a low- to mid-value card. Its long-term appeal comes more from nostalgia, set completion, and personal enjoyment than from speculative investment.
How should I store this Omastar card?
For a Near Mint holo, a penny sleeve plus a top loader or storage in a 9-pocket binder page is usually sufficient. Keep it away from moisture, direct sunlight, and excessive heat to preserve the holo and prevent warping.
Where can I find more cards like this?
If you’re building out a 151 binder or looking for other fossil and Water-type cards, browsing a dedicated store that focuses on Pokémon TCG singles is a convenient option. You can often find matching Near Mint copies of related cards to complete your evolution lines.
Omastar 139/165 Holo Rare might not be the flashiest chase card in Scarlet & Violet 151, but it’s a solid, nostalgic addition to any Kanto-era collection and an interesting option for experimental Water and fossil decks. For the price, it’s hard to go wrong adding this ancient predator of the seas to your binder.
