Steelix · Aquapolis, what to know.
About the Steelix card
Numbered H23 of 182 in Aquapolis, released in January 2003, Steelix is a Rare Holo, a Stage 1 Metal-type carrying 100 HP.
It evolves from Onix, so Steelix is a later-stage card that set-builders usually slot into a full evolution run rather than buy alone.
Illustrated by Hajime Kusajima.
About Steelix in the Pokémon world
The Steel evolution of Onix when traded with Metal Coat. Massive metal serpent. Neo Genesis holo Steelix is the marquee Steel-type holo of the Neo era.
What is Steelix worth?
Steelix is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Aquapolis'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, Aquapolis 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
Confirm the print and finish on Steelix before pricing it, since variant and rarity set the market more than the card name alone.
Grading and condition
On a holo like Steelix, surface is the grade cap. The metal foil shows hairlines under raking light, and the print reveals scratches that flat scans miss. Centering on the left and right borders is the second thing to check.
If you are collecting Steelix
For Steelix, variant comes before condition. A 1st Edition and an Unlimited Steelix are different markets for the same art, so settle the print before you negotiate. Demand a clear photo of the Steelix holo for any raw purchase.
