Aerodactyl – Dark Explorers (#53)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Aerodactyl (#53) is a Rare card from Black & White - Dark Explorers released in 2012. It showcases artwork by Naoyo Kimura and the Wing Attack attack (40 damage). TCGplayer market price sits around $3.02, Cardmarket average sale is €3.42, Floor listings start near €0.20.
- TCGplayer market price: $3.02
- Cardmarket trend price: €2.70
- Recent low listing: €0.20
Card Details
- Set
- Dark Explorers
- Card Number
- 53
- Rarity
- ✨ Rare
- Illustrator
- 🎨 Naoyo Kimura
- HP
- 90
- Type
- ✊ Fighting
- Weaknesses
- Grass ×2
- Retreat Cost
- 1 (Colorless)
Abilities
-
Ancient Scream
Your Pokémon's attacks do 10 more damage to the Active Pokémon (before applying Weakness and Resistance).
Attacks & Strategy
- Wing Attack [Colorless, Colorless, Colorless] — 40
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Aerodactyl from Dark Explorers (Rare) represents a solid addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2012, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator Naoyo Kimura.
Market Trends: Current market conditions show moderate interest in this card.
Investment Considerations: Vintage cards from this era have shown strong long-term appreciation potential.
⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability
This Aerodactyl 53 is legal for tournament play in Expanded, Unlimited formats.
Key Attack: Aerodactyl's Wing Attack deals 40 damage for Colorless + Colorless + Colorless energy.
Stats Overview: 90 HP • Fighting Type • Weak to Grass ×2
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Aerodactyl Cards
Looking for other Aerodactyl cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Explorers #53 ← Current | 90 | 1 attack | Rare | $3.02 |
�📦 Dark Explorers Set Context
This Aerodactyl is part of the Dark Explorers expansion , released as part of the Black & White series in 2012.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by Naoyo Kimura, whose distinctive illustration style has made their cards highly collectible. Explore more cards illustrated by this artist to discover similar art styles and collecting themes.
💎 Professional Grading Guide
Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Aerodactyl card. Here's what you need to know:
Industry standard • Value multiplier: 2-4x
Best for: High-value cards, modern sets
Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 2-3x
Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering
Fast turnaround • Value multiplier: 1.5-3x
Best for: Budget-friendly option, bulk
💡 Should You Grade This Card?
- Yes, consider grading if: Card value exceeds $20 and is in excellent condition
- Grading cost: $20-100+ per card (depending on service level)
- Break-even point: Card should be worth $50+ raw to justify grading costs
- Turnaround time: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on service
Collector Notes
- Rare cards from Dark Explorers are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- The illustration by Naoyo Kimura resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
- Fighting typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Aerodactyl 53 was released in 2012 in the Dark Explorers expansion. This set is part of the Black & White series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.
Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by Naoyo Kimura. Professional Pokémon TCG artists undergo rigorous selection and bring unique styles to the game. View complete portfolio →
Set Popularity: Dark Explorers is a vintage set that has gained significant collector interest over time, with sealed product and individual cards showing strong appreciation.
Competitive History: Fighting type Pokémon like Aerodactyl have carved out niches in various competitive formats throughout Pokémon TCG history. Currently legal in Expanded, Unlimited formats.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Aerodactyl card with these essential products:
- Penny sleeves: Basic protection
- Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
- Top loaders: Display & storage
- Binders with side-loading pages
- Storage boxes (800-count)
- ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
- Premium display cases
- Pair with Fighting energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Aerodactyl works best in Fighting type decks.