If you were ripping packs back in early 2017, you remember the buzz. The Sun & Moon base set was a massive shift for the Pokémon TCG. It introduced GX cards, a mechanic that felt fresh, chunky, and powerful. Among the early standouts was Lapras Full Art GX (card 139/149). Honestly, it wasn't just about the art. This card actually saw real play.
Back then, "Quad Lapras" was a legitimate deck strategy. You basically just sat there with a bunch of Lapras, using Collect to draw cards and Blizzard Burn to smack for 160 damage. It was annoying. It was tanky. And the Full Art version? It looked incredible in a deck.
What’s the Deal With the Art?
Most modern cards are exploding with color and "Special Illustration Rare" chaos. Lapras Full Art GX is different. It’s from an era when "Full Art" meant a clean, textured, monochromatic background—in this case, a deep, vibrant blue.
The art, handled by 5ban Graphics, features Lapras in a dynamic pose that takes up the entire frame. Because the background is so focused, the etching on the card really pops. If you run your thumb over a genuine copy, you can feel those distinct ridges. It's tactile. It feels premium in a way the standard "Ultra Rare" (35/149) just doesn't.
Lapras Full Art GX vs. The Rainbow Rare
There’s often a bit of confusion between the three main versions of this card. You’ve got:
- The Standard GX (35/149): Half-art, standard holo finish.
- The Full Art (139/149): The blue-background etched beauty we're talking about.
- The Rainbow Rare (151/149): The Secret Rare version with the prismatic finish.
Here is the thing: a lot of collectors actually prefer the Full Art over the Rainbow Rare. Why? Because you can actually see the Pokémon’s colors. On the Rainbow Rare (Secret Rare 151/149), the colors are washed out by the prism effect. On the 139/149 version, Lapras is distinctly blue and cream. It looks like the Pokémon we grew up with on the way to Cinnabar Island.
Let’s Talk Money: Market Value in 2026
You aren't going to retire on this card, but it has held its value surprisingly well for a non-Charizard card from nearly a decade ago.
- Near Mint (Raw): You’re looking at roughly $8.00 to $15.00. Prices fluctuate based on how many people are feeling nostalgic for the Alola era this week.
- PSA 10 (Gem Mint): This is where it gets interesting. Recent sales have seen PSA 10 copies move for anywhere from $110 to $130.
- PSA 9 (Mint): Usually drops significantly, often landing in the $25 to $35 range.
The "Pop Report" (population of graded cards) isn't tiny, but it's not massive either. There are roughly 260 PSA 10 copies in existence. That makes it rare enough to be a "chase" for a Lapras fan, but common enough that you can actually find one for sale if you have a hundred bucks and some patience.
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Spotting a Fake (Don’t Get Burned)
Because Sun & Moon was a peak era for the TCG, fakes are everywhere. If you’re buying a Lapras Full Art GX on eBay or at a card show, check the texture first.
Fake GX cards are almost always smooth to the touch. They have a "greasy" or "glassy" shine rather than the matte, etched feel of the real deal. Also, check the font. Real Pokémon cards have very specific, crisp kerning. If the text looks "thin" or "bolded" in a weird way, walk away.
Why People Still Care
Lapras is a "legacy" Pokémon. It’s one of the original 151. For collectors who find the new "Paldea Evolved" or "Scarlet & Violet" sets too overwhelming, the Sun & Moon era represents a sweet spot. It was the first time we got these textured Full Arts in a big way.
Is it the most expensive card in the set? No. That honor usually goes to the Rainbow Rare Umbreon GX or the Ultra Ball Secret Rare. But Lapras is a staple. It’s the "reliable" card. It’s the one you put in the front of your Water-type binder because it just looks right.
How to Value Your Own Copy
If you just dug one out of a shoebox, don't assume it's worth $100. Condition is everything.
- Check the back edges. Look for "whitening"—those little white nicks on the blue border.
- Look for "Silvering." On the front, the edges can sometimes wear down, revealing the silver foil underneath.
- Centering. Look at the yellow borders on the back. Is one side way thicker than the other? If so, don't bother grading it.
Most "raw" copies found in old collections end up being "Lightly Played" (LP), which puts the value closer to $7.00. Still, for a card you might have pulled for $4 in a booster pack, that's not a bad return.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're looking to add this to your collection or sell one you have, start by verifying the card number in the bottom left corner: it must be 139/149. Once confirmed, check recent "Sold" listings on eBay rather than "Active" listings to see what people are actually paying today. For long-term holding, look for copies with clean back corners and no visible surface scratches, as these "sleeper" cards from the Sun & Moon era are slowly disappearing into private collections.