What Makes Onix Rare in Pokémon TCG: A Closer Look

In Pokemon TCG ·

Onix holo foil card from Macdonald's Collection 2019

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Unraveling the Quiet Rarity of Onix from Macdonald's Collection 2019

When we talk about rarity in the Pokémon TCG, shiny foils and limited print runs often steal the spotlight. Onix from the Macdonald's Collection 2019 is a compelling case study precisely because it sits at that intersection of aesthetics, print history, and gameplay value. This basic Fighting-type Pokémon clocks in at 100 HP and arrives in a holo foil that catches the eye of both players and collectors. While the card’s official rarity tag in the database is listed as “None,” the holo variant signals a level of scarcity that makes it a sought-after piece for a nostalgia-forward collection. ⚡🔥

This Onix is part of a compact set: Macdonald's Collection 2019, which official card counts show as 12 cards in total. That deliberately small print run means even standard holo cards have a better-than-average chance of becoming treasured keepsakes as years go by. The Onix you see here is not a First Edition print (the data marks firstEdition as False) and is thus representative of the standard holo release—yet its visual impact and the era it evokes carry real collector weight. The artist behind its iconic look is Mitsuhiro Arita, whose crisp line work and earthy color palette bring Onix to life in a way that resonates with fans who grew up with the original underground-adventuring Steel-type in the anime and games. 🎨

What makes this Onix special beyond the surface

  • Holo foil in a tight, nostalgic set: The holo variant elevates the card with a shimmering finish that stands out in a binder or display alongside other 2019-era promotions.
  • Limited set size amplifies scarcity: With only 12 cards officially in the Macdonald's Collection 2019, every holo card feels a step rarer than you’d expect from a larger, modern expansion.
  • Artistic touch by Mitsuhiro Arita: Arita’s signature style lends Onix a grounded, earthy look that fans remember fondly from early card art, making this holo not just a value piece but a love letter to a golden era of design. 🎴
  • Market data hints at steady interest: As of late 2025, TCGplayer data shows holo Onix cards in this set carrying a mid-price around the $5 range, with highs flirting near $10 depending on condition and seller. A practical takeaway: condition, center, and foil quality can swing resale by a noticeable margin. 💎
  • Gameplay affords strategic depth when combined with setup: Onix’s 100 HP is solid for a Basic Pokémon, and its two attacks, Screech and Rage, offer a dual-path approach—bolster damage through debuffs, then escalate as your own field takes punishment. Rage scales with damage counters on Onix, creating a high-risk, high-reward moment for bold plays.

From a gameplay perspective, Screech is a savvy setup tool: it doesn’t deal damage itself, but it increases the dent you can leave on the Defending Pokémon on the very next turn (20 extra damage after calculating weaknesses and resistances). That means you can weave in other attackers or buffs to capitalize on a temporarily softened foe. Rage, on the other hand, rewards aggressive board states by adding a base 10 damage that climbs with every damage counter on Onix. In practice, a player who builds a small damage-timing engine around Onix can spearhead a late-game swing, especially in decks that leverage elemental or trainer-support to keep Onix on the board longer. The card’s basic stage and solid HP make it a dependable inclusion for players who enjoy midrange battles and tempo plays. ⚔️

The lore, art, and collector’s mindset

Onix itself is a creature defined by its subterranean lifestyle and relentless search for nourishment as it tunnels at impressive speeds. The Macdonald's Collection 2019 rendition pays homage to that lore with a grounded, textured portrayal that feels both old-school and polished in holo form. Mitsuhiro Arita’s illustration brings a sense of weight and realism to a Pokémon that’s typically associated with earth and rock, reminding us that even a seemingly simple ground-dweller can carry a strong emotional resonance when rendered with care. The holo finish adds a dash of magic—like a spark of mineral sheen on a mineral-rich cavern—capturing the imagination of collectors who value both story and shine. 🎨🎴

Rarity in Pokémon TCG often comes down to more than a single stat line or attack text. It’s about the combined story of a card’s print run, its alternate versions, its peaktime market demand, and the emotional pull it has for a given subset of fans. This Onix sits at a crossroads: a beloved character, a concise promotional set, and a foil finish that catches the eye in any binder. For new players, it’s a window into the era where promos and limited-scope sets created “gotta-have-it” moments; for veterans, it’s a tactile reminder of a specific collecting arc that still resonates. ⚡💎

As you weigh the value of this card, consider not just the price tag but the storytelling it represents—the design choices of Arita, the limited scope of the Macdonald's Collection, and the strategic potential of its two attacks. Whether you’re chasing a glossy holo for a display, or a workable deck piece to test midrange strategies, this Onix offers a balanced blend of nostalgia, playability, and value that can make it a standout in a mid-tier collection. 🎮

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Onix

Set: Macdonald's Collection 2019 | Card ID: 2019sm-9

Card Overview

  • Category: Pokemon
  • HP: 100
  • Type: Fighting
  • Stage: Basic
  • Dex ID:
  • Rarity: None
  • Regulation Mark:
  • Retreat Cost:
  • Legal (Standard): No
  • Legal (Expanded): No

Description

It usually lives underground. It searches for food while boring its way through the ground at 50 miles per hour.

Attacks

NameCostDamage
Screech
Rage 10+

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