Espeon · Neo Discovery, what to know.
About the Espeon card
Numbered 1 of 75 in Neo Discovery, released in June 2001, Espeon is a Rare Holo, a Stage 1 Psychic-type carrying 80 HP.
It evolves from Eevee, so Espeon is a later-stage card that set-builders usually slot into a full evolution run rather than buy alone.
Illustrated by Atsuko Nishida. Nishida is the original designer of Pikachu and many Gen 1 Pokémon, and her card work has a soft, rounded warmth that suits the friendlier creatures.
Printed on the card, the Espeon Pokédex entry reads: "It uses the fine hair that covers its body to sense air currents and predict its enemy's actions."
About Espeon in the Pokémon world
The Psychic Eeveelution. Sleek lavender silhouette. One of the most beloved Eeveelution designs. Neo Discovery holo Espeon is one of the most-collected Generation 2 holos. Modern reprints (Evolving Skies VMAX, Prismatic Evolutions ex) drive sustained collector interest.
What is Espeon worth?
Espeon is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Neo Discovery's value. The print variant decides most of it: a 1st Edition copy in high grade commands a large premium over a Shadowless or Unlimited one. In top-grade 1st Edition, Neo Discovery holos range from the mid hundreds for the lesser cards up to the set's marquee chase; raw and Unlimited copies trade for a fraction of that. The live market price above shows the current figure by grade.
Print variants and how to spot them
Neo Discovery produced 1st Edition, Unlimited prints. For Espeon, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.
Grading and condition
Espeon lives and dies on its holo surface in grading. The psychic foil catches light at angles that hide hairlines in a flat photo, so tilt it under a lamp, then measure the borders, where Wizards-era centering is the second-most-common grade cap.
If you are collecting Espeon
For Espeon, variant comes before condition. A 1st Edition and an Unlimited Espeon are different markets for the same art, so settle the print before you negotiate. Demand a clear photo of the Espeon holo for any raw purchase.
