Pokemon card numbers and printings: what to track
The difference between a named card, a numbered set entry and an exact printing, with real examples from the MasterThis catalog.
A master set in MasterThis is tracked one printing at a time. This guide explains what that means, with real entries from the catalog, so you know what a checklist is asking you to find.
A card, a set entry and a printing
- A named card is the name printed on the card, such as Exeggcute. The same name appears in many sets.
- A numbered set entry is that card's collector number in one set, such as 001/191 in SV08: Surging Sparks.
- An exact printing is one finish of that entry as it is sold: Normal, Holo or Reverse Holo, and in older sets 1st Edition or Unlimited. MasterThis lists each printing as its own checklist row with its own price.
An example from SV08: Surging Sparks
In SV08: Surging Sparks, two numbered entries show the difference:
| Card | Number | Printings |
|---|---|---|
| Exeggcute | 001/191 | Normal and Reverse Holo |
| Zarude | 011/191 | Holo and Reverse Holo |
Owning the Normal Exeggcute does not mark the Reverse Holo as owned. Each printing is checked off on its own, so a collector who wants every printing of Exeggcute needs both.
Across the whole set the catalog lists 417 printings for 252 numbered entries:
| Finish | Printings |
|---|---|
| Reverse Holo | 165 |
| Normal | 149 |
| Holo | 103 |
Promos and special products
Promo cards are cataloged in their own promo sets, such as SV: Scarlet & Violet Promo Cards with 280 printings. A promo version of a card is a separate catalog entry from the version in a main set, even when the artwork matches.
A set checklist covers every English printing listed within that set, trainers and energy included. Promos and product exclusives released outside the set are not part of it; a Pokemon checklist includes them.
Find printings on a checklist
- On a set page, All printings narrows the list to one finish, and All rarities to one rarity.
- Missing cards shows only what you have not marked; Owned cards shows what you have.
- Sort by Collector number to follow the set's own order, and switch between List, Gallery and Binder views.
- On a Pokemon page, Core only hides extended products such as jumbos and stamped promos, and All sets picks one set.
Limits
The catalog covers English cards sold as TCGplayer products. Japanese cards are not included. Printing names follow TCGplayer's listings, so a finish TCGplayer does not list separately is not a separate row.
About this guide
Written by MasterThis from the MasterThis catalog and the site's current features. Examples checked against the catalog of October 12, 2026.