Shining Kabutops · Neo Destiny, what to know.
About the Shining Kabutops card
Numbered 108 of 113 in Neo Destiny, released in February 2002, Shining Kabutops is a Rare Shining, a Basic Fighting-type carrying 80 HP.
As a Basic Pokémon, Kabutops needs no prior evolution to put into play, which made it a practical card in the era's decks.
Shining Kabutops is an alternate-color print from the late Neo era, a chase rarity pulled at a fraction of the standard holo rate.
Illustrated by Hironobu Yoshida.
Printed on the card, the Kabutops Pokédex entry reads: "This ancient Pokémon uses its razor-sharp claws to cut open its prey and gain access to its blood."
About Kabutops in the Pokémon world
The fully evolved Kabuto. Scythes for arms, prehistoric predator silhouette. Fossil holo Kabutops is a striking design and a steady holo in Fossil. PSA 10 examples have appreciated quietly.
What is Shining Kabutops worth?
Shining Kabutops is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Neo Destiny'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 Destiny holos range from the mid hundreds for the lesser cards up to Shining Charizard at the top; 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 Destiny produced 1st Edition, Unlimited, Shining prints. For Shining Kabutops, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.
Grading and condition
Grading Shining Kabutops comes down to the holo surface and the borders. The era's foil scratches easily, so even a pack-fresh Shining Kabutops can drop from a 10 to a 9 on a single hairline. Inspect the window at an angle and the corners against the frame.
If you are collecting Shining Kabutops
For Shining Kabutops, variant comes before condition. A 1st Edition and an Unlimited Shining Kabutops are different markets for the same art, so settle the print before you negotiate. Demand a clear photo of the Shining Kabutops holo for any raw purchase.
