Poliwrath · Neo Discovery, what to know.
About the Poliwrath card
Numbered 9 of 75 in Neo Discovery, released in June 2001, Poliwrath is a Rare Holo, a Stage 2 Fighting-type carrying 90 HP.
It evolves from Poliwhirl, so Poliwrath is a later-stage card that set-builders usually slot into a full evolution run rather than buy alone.
Illustrated by Shin-ichi Yoshida.
Poliwrath carries this Pokédex flavor text: "Although an energetic, skilled swimmer that uses all of its muscles, it lives on dry land."
About Poliwrath in the Pokémon world
The Water-Fighting final form of the Poliwag line via Water Stone. Heavy muscled silhouette. Base Set holo Poliwrath is one of the original 16 holos. Quietly traded, with PSA 10 1st Edition appreciating slowly.
What is Poliwrath worth?
Poliwrath 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 Poliwrath, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.
Grading and condition
For graded buyers, the holo window on Poliwrath is where most points are won or lost. Surface scratches and foil misregistration are common on Wizards-era cards, and centering was inconsistent enough that clean PSA 10s stay scarce. Read the fighting foil at a 45-degree angle under strong light before committing.
If you are collecting Poliwrath
When you go to buy Poliwrath, settle three things in order: the print variant, the condition, and a comp for that exact combination. A blended average across variants will mislead you on Poliwrath, so price the specific copy in front of you.
