I have chosen what I think is the most iconic , recognized , “ GRAIL “ status card from each Gen 1-3
Which you pickin ?
Gen 1 :
Gen 2 :
Gen 3 :
3 Likes
I disagree with Neo Gen Lugia, tbh. It’s not nearly as desirable (except in a PSA 10 bc of its low pop) as many other cards from that era, including crystal Lugia. At a minimum, it’s certainly not in the same league as 1st Ed Base Charizard or GS Ray.
From the three you chose, though, the card I personally like the most is Ray. And it’s not even close. It’s just a really great-looking card. But if you chose a different card for gen 2, my answer might be different.
3 Likes
If we’re excluding PSA 10s from the equation, then it would probably be Crystal Charizard. That said, it feels weird to have that represent Gen 2 since it’s a Gen 1 Pokémon.
I think the Gen 2 card needs to both be emblematic of the Johto region and a unique rarity (shining or crystal). My picks would be either
Since they satisfy the rarity criteria and are both iconic Pokémon when people think of Johto. These may not be the most expensive cards in a PSA 10 (or PSA 9) but they definitely have become extremely desirable recently for Neo-era cards.
3 Likes
Charizard
1 Like
- Charbar
- Rachael Ray
- Lugia
The right order.
2 Likes
IDThink that Lugia is gen 2. IMO, base-neo 4 is Gen 1, eReader is Gen 2, ex is Gen 3. BUT if Red Gyarados is to be included in Gen 2, it’s certainly that, for me. Grails are hard to define by generation tho… It’s a toughie. 
Wait! DO you mean “Gen” as in game generation?
I refer to generations related to the games/regions not the sets personally. I honestly don’t know where I’d put shining gyarados based on that though. Gen 1 pokemon ‘remastered’ in gen 2? Might be a good a QOTD topic haha
I would pick the Lugia, but it’s just a matter of personal preference. I love Neo and that card in particular.
I also agree with the others, but I think Shining Gyarados is still a bit more iconic than Crystal Lugia (as a NEO g r a i l)
1 Like
I think it has to be Charizard. Original set, original grail.
Ask someone who knows next to nothing about Pokemon to name those 3 characters. Which one could they name?
There’s your answer.
My personal favorite of these 3 is by far Rayquaza gold star.
However, I think if this question were posed to the broader Pokemon collection fan base, Charizard would win rather convincingly. If for no other reason than being released during a period of time where Pokemon was relatively far more popular compared to the other 2 cards’ releases.
The Rayquaza gold star. I’m biased towards gen 3 and love the perspective of the artwork on the card too!