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Mega Lucario ex Stage 1
#179/132
Special Illustration Rare

Mega Lucario ex

#179/132 · from Mega Evolution · released September 26, 2025
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Holofoil
85/ 100
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Quick take

  • Special Illustration Rare tier below MHR
  • More accessible price point for Mega Lucario collectors
  • Same Pokemon significance at different rarity
  • Full artwork treatment with textured holofoil

Collector's readWhat it means for your master set

Set position
3 of 310
One of the most valuable cards in the set (#3)
Demand vs rarity Est.
3.2×
Well above its rarity · others at this rarity sell for about $55.02
Cost to complete
≈12%
of the ~$1507 to finish Mega Evolution
Completion difficulty Est.
Very Hard
One of the hardest cards to complete
Where it sits in the price lifecycle
Release Hype
Post-Release Correction
Stable / Reprint Risk
End-of-Print Spike
Out-of-Print Maturation
Buy timingMega Evolution is still in print, so prices can soften if it gets reprinted. No rush unless you spot a good deal.
Still in print · pricing trending down · estimated

Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Mega Evolution

fewermore cards
Common
67
67
Uncommon
42
1
43
Rare
12
12
Double Rare
9
1
10
Ultra Rare
2
14
5
1
22
Illustration Rare
14
5
3
22
Special Illustration Rare
1
2
5
2
10
Mega Hyper Rare
2
2
all
121
11
30
11
6
5
4
188
0.5
1
5
15
50
150
150+
Columns = resale price up to $X (log) · shade = cards in cell (log) · right & bottom = totals · white ring = this card

VariantsCard variants

Holofoil 179/132 · $174.27 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.

The Mega Lucario ex Special Illustration Rare from the Mega Evolution set gives Lucario's Mega form premium treatment below the MHR tier. For collectors who want Mega Lucario without the peak rarity price, the SIR provides a strong alternative. The first Mega Evolution publicly revealed for Pokemon X and Y gets artwork that captures its Fighting-type intensity.

The storyThe Accessible Mega Lucario

Mega Evolution sets offer multiple rarity tiers for featured Pokemon. Lucario got both SIR and MHR treatment. The MHR commands higher prices. The SIR offers the same Pokemon at a more accessible point.

“Special Illustration Rare tier below MHR”

Accessible is relative. The SIR is still a premium card. It still has collector value. It just sits below the peak tier. For many collectors, that's the right balance between wanting Mega Lucario and managing budget.

Lucario's significance doesn't change between tiers. It was still the first Mega Evolution revealed. It still has that fanbase. The SIR captures that significance with its own artwork and treatment.

By the numbersMarket analysis

Price context

Priced below the MHR version but still among the higher value cards in the Mega Evolution set. The gap between SIR and MHR reflects the rarity tier difference.

Price trend

Follows the MHR trajectory but at lower absolute prices. As the set matures, the relationship between tiers should stabilise. New release volatility applies.

Investment outlook

Lucario has proven staying power. The SIR provides exposure to that popularity at lower entry cost. Position relative to MHR is established by rarity tier structure.

Demand drivers
Lucario's established popularityAlternative to MHR for budget-conscious collectorsMega Evolution nostalgia from X/Y eraFighting-type collector interestSIR artwork has its own appeal
Graded premium

PSA 10 copies command premiums. Modern print quality is generally consistent. Check centering before grading.

Approx. pull rate

SIRs in Mega Evolution sets have low pull rates. Getting this specific card requires luck or direct purchase.

Rarity context

Below MHR in rarity hierarchy. Same Pokemon, different tier. Both are premium, but MHR is rarer. Price difference reflects that gap.

ArtworkWhy the art matters

Card artwork
Artist · Unknown

Artist information pending verification from card database updates.

The artwork

Mega Lucario in its enhanced form with the characteristic black and blue colouring. The SIR treatment provides full artwork across the card face. The Fighting/Steel-type's aura sensors feature prominently.

Technical details

Special Illustration Rare with textured holofoil. The treatment differs from MHR's gold etching. The foil enhances the dynamic elements of the artwork.

What makes it special

Different artwork from the MHR version. Collectors who want both have distinct cards to acquire. The SIR treatment provides premium presentation without the peak rarity premium.

BackgroundAbout Mega Lucario ex

Lucario appeared in Generation IV with Diamond and Pearl (2006), though it was introduced via movie before the games. Mega Lucario was the first Mega Evolution publicly revealed for Pokemon X and Y (2013). That reveal made it the face of the Mega Evolution concept.

Why fans love it
  • ›First Mega Evolution revealed built anticipation for X/Y
  • ›Aura warrior concept resonates with fighting game fans
  • ›Movie appearance before game release created mystery
  • ›Strong competitive presence across formats
  • ›Super Smash Bros inclusion expanded awareness
Notable appearances
  • ›Star of Lucario and the Mystery of Mew movie
  • ›First Mega Evolution shown publicly
  • ›Playable in Super Smash Bros since Brawl
  • ›Korrina's partner in X/Y anime
Competitive relevance

Mega Lucario dominated competitive formats during the Mega Evolution era. The TCG card has playable stats. Collectors typically keep SIR copies protected.

Own it wellCollector guide

Condition notes

Textured surface should be examined for print consistency. Check centering on both axes. The dark colours may show any print variations.

Grading recommendation

Value supports grading for clean copies. Verify centering before submitting. PSA, CGC, and BGS all handle these cards. Read the grading guide →

Storage advice

Sleeve immediately in perfect fit. Use rigid protection. Graded slabs work for valuable pieces. See the storage guide →

Buying advice

TCGPlayer and eBay have listings. Compare prices between SIR and MHR to understand the gap. Consider which tier fits your collecting goals. See the singles buying guide →

Authentication tips

Value warrants attention. Authentic cards have proper texture and foil patterns. Consider graded copies for significant purchases.

Word on the streetCommunity sentiment

Reception

Recognised as a more accessible path to Mega Lucario ownership. Collectors discuss SIR versus MHR trade-offs. The artwork has its own merit separate from rarity considerations.

Notable sales
  • ›Performs well relative to other SIRs in the set
  • ›Often compared to MHR in market discussions
Social buzz

Featured in Mega Evolution set content. The SIR versus MHR decision is discussed. Lucario fans evaluate both options.

Good to knowFrequently asked questions

Depends on your goals and budget. MHR is rarer with gold treatment and costs more. SIR is still premium but more accessible. Some collectors want both. Others choose based on price.
Yes, different artwork and different treatment. MHR has gold etching. SIR has standard textured holofoil. Both feature Mega Lucario but are distinct cards.
First revealed Mega Evolution. Movie before game release. Super Smash Bros playable character. Strong competitive history. Aura warrior concept. Multiple factors combine for lasting popularity.
For clean copies with good centering, yes. The value supports grading costs. PSA 10 and CGC 10 copies command premiums.

Keep collectingRelated cards

Game data
Type
Pokémon
Element
Fighting
Stage
Stage 1
HP
340
Rarity
Special Illustration Rare
FAura Jab
130
Attach up to 3 Basic Fighting Energy cards from your discard pile to your Benched Pokémon in any way you like.
FFMega Brave
270
During your next turn, this Pokémon can't use Mega Brave.
Weakness
PPsychicx2
Resistance
None
Retreat
CC

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