The Shadowy Allure: Why The Full Art Giovanni's Scheme Card Is A Must-Have Collector's Item
The Full Art Giovanni's Scheme card, a striking Ultra Rare from the 2015 Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) XY—BREAKthrough expansion, has cemented its place as one of the most iconic Supporter cards for collectors and Team Rocket fans alike. As of December 26, 2025, this card continues to see strong market performance, driven by its stunning artwork and the enduring popularity of the villainous Team Rocket boss, Giovanni.
This deep dive explores the card's history, its powerful dual effect in the game, the legendary artist who brought Giovanni to life, and its current value in the highly competitive graded card market, making it an essential piece of Pokémon TCG history.
Giovanni's Scheme (Full Art) 162/162: Card Biography and Profile
The Full Art version of Giovanni's Scheme is a highly sought-after Ultra Rare card, capturing the menacing presence of the Viridian City Gym Leader and head of Team Rocket.
- Card Name (English): Giovanni's Scheme
- Card Name (Japanese): サカキの計画 (Sakaki's Plan)
- Set: XY—BREAKthrough
- Card Number: 162/162
- Rarity: Ultra Rare Full Art
- Card Type: Supporter (Trainer Card)
- Release Date (English): November 4, 2015
- Artist: Ken Sugimori
- Card Effect: Choose 1:
- Draw cards until you have 5 cards in your hand.
- During this turn, your Pokémon's attacks do 20 more damage to your opponent's Active Pokémon (before applying Weakness and Resistance).
The Mastermind's Art: Ken Sugimori and the Iconic Design
What truly elevates the Full Art Giovanni's Scheme card above a typical Trainer card is its incredible artwork, which is officially attributed to the legendary Pokémon designer, Ken Sugimori.
Ken Sugimori's Signature Style
Ken Sugimori is synonymous with the Pokémon franchise, serving as the main character designer and illustrator for the original 151 Pokémon and countless TCG cards. His involvement with a Full Art Supporter card, especially one featuring a major human character like Giovanni, instantly boosts the card's collector appeal and topical authority.
The artwork depicts Giovanni in a classic, powerful pose, standing in shadow with a look of cold calculation. This full-art presentation eliminates the standard card border, allowing Sugimori's illustration to consume the entire card surface, emphasizing Giovanni's role as a formidable mastermind and leader of Team Rocket.
A Note on the Japanese Promo Version
Collectors should also be aware of a related but distinct card: the Giovanni's Scheme Full Art Promo 277/XY-P. This Japanese-exclusive version was released in 2016 as part of the 20th Anniversary Team Rocket Special Case. While the artwork is similar in theme, the existence of this rare promo adds another layer of depth for serious collectors seeking a complete Giovanni collection.
Current Market Value and PSA Graded Card Performance
As an Ultra Rare card from the older XY era, the Full Art Giovanni's Scheme is a prime target for collectors, especially those focused on graded cards. Its value is directly tied to its condition and the scarcity of high-grade copies.
Raw Card Price Trends
In Near Mint (NM) raw condition, the card's market price has shown consistent strength, with recent sales indicating a value range typically between $5.66 and $16.78, though a recent surge showed an increase of over 100% in a 30-day period, highlighting its volatility and collector demand.
Graded Card Investment: The PSA 10 Premium
The true value of this card lies in its Gem Mint PSA 10 grade. The scarcity of high-grade copies, due to the age and print quality of the 2015 set, drives a significant premium.
- PSA 10 Population: The total population of PSA 10 copies is relatively low, recorded at approximately 187 cards. This low pop count is a key factor in its high value.
- PSA 10 Current Value: Recent auction prices for a PSA 10 Gem Mint Full Art Giovanni's Scheme have ranged from $240.00 to $340.00.
- PSA 9 Value: Cards graded PSA 9 (Mint) trade for significantly less, typically around $32.90 to $33.00, illustrating the steep price cliff between a Mint and a perfect Gem Mint copy.
For investors and collectors, securing a PSA 10 copy is the ultimate goal, as the card’s iconic status and low population make it a strong long-term asset in the Pokémon TCG market.
The Legacy of a Dual-Threat Supporter Card
Beyond its visual appeal and collector value, Giovanni's Scheme was a notable card for its versatility in competitive play during the XY era. Its ability to offer a choice between draw power and damage amplification made it a flexible and powerful Supporter card.
Strategic Flexibility
The "Choose 1" mechanic allowed players to adapt to the state of the game:
- Draw Power: The "Draw cards until you have 5 cards in your hand" option was excellent for recovering from a weak hand or ensuring a strong start.
- Damage Boost: The "+20 damage" option was crucial for hitting key numbers, securing a one-hit knockout (OHKO) on an opponent's Pokémon, or overcoming damage resistance.
This dual utility solidified its place in the competitive scene, further enhancing its legacy and collector demand. The card is a perfect storm of factors: it features an iconic villain, is illustrated by the franchise's most important artist (Ken Sugimori), and had a meaningful impact on the TCG meta. These entities—Giovanni, Team Rocket, Ken Sugimori, Supporter Card, and XY—BREAKthrough—all contribute to its high topical authority and enduring collectibility.
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