{"product_id":"piplup-098-094-me02-phantasmal-flames-pfl-pokemon","title":"Piplup - 098\/094 - ME02: Phantasmal Flames (PFL) Pokemon","description":"\u003cp\u003ePiplup has always carried a certain charm that transcends the game, and this \u003cstrong\u003eIllustration Rare (098\/094) from Pokémon TCG: ME02 Phantasmal Flames\u003c\/strong\u003e captures that personality perfectly. Numbered beyond the base set count — a hallmark of the IR tier — this full-art holofoil is illustrated by \u003cstrong\u003eJiro Sasumo\u003c\/strong\u003e, whose atmospheric, character-driven style wraps Piplup in a hauntingly beautiful phantasmal scene that reads as a display piece first and a trading card second.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSet:\u003c\/strong\u003e ME02: Phantasmal Flames (PFL) — \u003cem\u003ethe second expansion in the Mega Evolution era\u003c\/em\u003e, released November 14, 2025, headlined by Mega Charizard X ex and Mega Gengar ex\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Illustration Rare — full-art holofoil treatment, card number 098\/094 placing it in the premium pull tier above the base set ceiling\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrator:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jiro Sasumo\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMarket value:\u003c\/strong\u003e Current comps sit around \u003cstrong\u003e$14–$16\u003c\/strong\u003e for Near Mint raw copies, with graded examples surfacing at significantly higher premiums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePhantasmal Flames is one of the \u003cem\u003esmallest English main sets in years at just 94 base cards\u003c\/em\u003e, which concentrates collector demand on a tighter pull pool — and the IRs feel it. Piplup is a perennial fan favorite with deep Sinnoh nostalgia, and Sasumo's phantasmal art interpretation is exactly the kind of binder-worthy piece that draws Pokémon art collectors and Sinnoh starters enthusiasts alike. Raw NM copies are a natural submission candidate, and a strong grade will push the ceiling meaningfully higher.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAvailable at Collector Station, Easley, SC. Local pickup available. \u003cstrong\u003eAll sales final.\u003c\/strong\u003e Shipping damage must be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photos.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collector Station","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51028896219388,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/1387\/2892\/files\/E45CF5A6-80D7-446C-8120-D4F028887D58.jpg?v=1787961707","url":"https:\/\/thecollectorstation.com\/products\/piplup-098-094-me02-phantasmal-flames-pfl-pokemon","provider":"Collector Station","version":"1.0","type":"link"}