Ninetales -199/197 - SV03: Obsidian Flames (OBF) Pokemon
The Ninetales 199/197 Illustration Rare from Scarlet & Violet—Obsidian Flames (SV03) is one of the most visually coveted pulls in the modern Pokémon TCG era. Numbered beyond the set's 197-card base, this secret-tier Illustration Rare features artwork by Sie Nanahara that places Ninetales in a sunlit enchanted forest, its nine tails flowing gracefully against warm golden light filtering through the canopy — a painterly, full-art scene that collectors immediately gravitated toward as one of OBF's standout non-Charizard pulls.
Obsidian Flames debuted August 11, 2023 as the third Scarlet & Violet expansion and made history as the first English set to introduce type-shifted Tera Pokémon ex — headlined by the iconic Dark-type Charizard ex that took the hobby by storm. That chase-card spotlight drove enormous box openings and broad collector engagement, which helped surface the Illustration Rare subset as genuine keepers. The Ninetales IR was among the scene-based illustrations that rewarded the full-set collector over the secret-rare chaser.
- Rarity: Illustration Rare · #199/197 · Holo finish
- Type/Stage: Fire-type · Stage 1 · 120 HP · Evolves from Vulpix
- Attacks: Will-o-Wisp (R) for 20; Nine-Tailed Dance (RR) — places 9 damage counters on any opponent's Pokémon
- Artist: Sie Nanahara
- Market value: Raw Near Mint copies have surged roughly 49% in the last 30 days, with recent sales landing around $40. PSA 9 copies trade around $80, and PSA 10 Gem Mint slabs are listed in the $190+ range. The card has appreciated over 200% since its 2023 release date.
Ninetales has a devoted collector base, and this IR's enchanted-forest aesthetic makes it a perpetual standout in binder pages alongside any mystical or Fire-type theme. With raw prices climbing and PSA 10 population still manageable, this is the window collectors look back on and wish they'd moved faster.
Available at Collector Station, Easley, SC. Local pickup available. All sales final. Shipping damage must be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photos.
