SIR/IR Value is a daily snapshot metric that tracks the average prices of Special Illustration Rare (SIR) and Illustration Rare (IR) cards across Pokémon TCG sets. These are premium rarity tiers featuring full-art illustrations that typically command higher market values. For each set, the metric calculates two averages: (1) the mean price of all SIR/IR cards in the set, and (2) the mean price of the top 5 most expensive SIR/IR cards. This enables direct comparison of premium card values across different sets and series.

The methodology for SIR/IR Value is outlined as follows:

Rarity Coverage: Two premium rarity tiers tracked:
  • Special Illustration Rare (SIR) 
  • Illustration Rare (IR) 

Calculation Types (per set, per rarity):
  • Average All: Mean price of ALL cards with that rarity in the set
  • Average Top 5: Mean price of the TOP 5 most expensive cards with that rarity
  • Card Counts: Total count and top 5 count reported for each rarity

Data Source: PriceCharting ungraded card prices (daily snapshot).

Filters: Only cards with ungraded_price > 0. Excludes promo series and miscellaneous sets. Sets with zero SIR/IR cards are naturally excluded.

Update Frequency: Daily snapshot.

SIR/IR Value enables investors and collectors to compare premium card values across different Pokémon TCG sets. These ultra-rare illustration cards often represent the most valuable pulls from modern sets, making them key indicators of set desirability and investment potential. The metric helps identify which sets contain the most valuable premium cards, compare average premium card values between series (Scarlet & Violet vs Mega Evolutions), and assess whether a set's value is concentrated in a few chase cards (top 5 average significantly higher than all-card average) or distributed more evenly. This information supports targeted acquisition strategies for premium cards and helps collectors evaluate set completion costs.

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