2016 Pokemon Generations Charizard EX Full Art (Radiant Collection)
The Charizard EX Full Art from the Radiant Collection subset within the 2016 Pokemon Generations set is one of the most visually striking Charizard cards produced in the modern era. Combining the full art treatment with the exclusive Radiant Collection foil pattern and Pokemon's most iconic character, this card represents a convergence of factors that consistently drives collector demand.
Pokemon Generations: The 20th Anniversary Set
Pokemon Generations was released in October 2016 to celebrate the franchise's 20th anniversary. The set was unique in its distribution: unlike standard booster packs, Generations cards were released exclusively in special collection boxes, figure collection sets, and elite trainer boxes tied to the 20th anniversary celebration.
This distribution method, combined with the set's anniversary significance, created a different demand dynamic than regular sets. The packs were not available through standard retail channels in the same way as main sets, giving the products a collector scarcity premium from the start.
The Radiant Collection Subset
Within the main Generations set, the Radiant Collection was a special subset (RC1-RC32) featuring legendary and fan-favorite Pokemon with a distinctive treatment:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Foil pattern | Unique rainbow radiant pattern distinct from standard sets |
| Borderless design | Extended artwork to card edges |
| Color palette | Softer, more pastel and romantic styling |
| Subset numbering | RC prefix separate from main set numbers |
The radiant foil pattern creates a spectrum of shifting colors across the card face that is particularly stunning on the Charizard EX full art, where the dragon's fire colors interact visually with the radiant pattern.
Charizard EX Radiant Collection: Card Specifics
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Number | RC5/RC32 (full art) |
| Set | Pokemon Generations (Radiant Collection) |
| HP | 180 |
| Type | Fire/Flying (Colorless in gameplay) |
| Rarity | Full Art (Ultra Rare in RC subset) |
| Release | October 2016 |
The card's gameplay attributes were standard for EX-era Pokemon, but its visual design in the Radiant Collection format gave it immediate collector appeal beyond competitive play.
The Charizard Premium
Charizard occupies a specific position in Pokemon collecting: it is the character with the most consistent premium across virtually every set it appears in. This premium has several explanations:
Nostalgia: Charizard was the most sought-after card in the original Base Set, and that childhood desire has persisted into adult collecting
Visual appeal: The dragon design translates exceptionally well into foil treatments and special card variants
Cultural prominence: Charizard is among the most recognizable Pokemon characters globally
Track record: Charizard cards have historically maintained and grown in value, attracting investment-oriented collectors
The Radiant Collection Charizard EX benefits from all these factors plus the anniversary significance and distribution scarcity of the Generations set.
Condition and Values
| Condition | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| PSA 10 Gem Mint | $150 to $400 |
| PSA 9 Mint | $50 to $120 |
| PSA 8 NM-MT | $25 to $60 |
| Ungraded Near Mint | $20 to $50 |
| Lightly Played | $12 to $28 |
The PSA 10 commands the most significant premium, reflecting how the radiant foil treatment makes surface scratches particularly visible and how the borderless design means edge wear is immediately apparent.
Grading the Radiant Collection Cards
The Radiant Collection's extended borderless design means centering issues that might be acceptable on a standard bordered card become very visible. The full art treatment extends to the edges, so even slight off-centering is apparent to the naked eye.
Grading submission tips:
Examine for surface scratches on the radiant foil, which shows them prominently
Check all four edges for fraying or wear; the borderless design makes edge condition critical
Ensure the corners are perfectly sharp; rounded corners are common from pack handling
Consider using Pokemon-specific submission services that specialize in these card types
The 2016 Pokemon Anniversary Context
The 20th anniversary of Pokemon (1996-2016) generated significant collector activity across all formats. Anniversary products commanded premiums on release and have maintained them. The Generations set specifically represents this commemorative moment in physical form.
For collectors documenting the history of Pokemon card design, the Radiant Collection represents a unique aesthetic experiment in the franchise's card design history, one that has not been exactly replicated before or since.
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