Sheen Holo vs. Normal Holo for BW EX Cards: Which is Which?

Hi! I have a quick question for any holofoil experts out there. I got the Dark Explorers Darkrai & the Deck Exclusive variant of that same card. I just can’t tell which is which definitively.


One has a holofoil that goes up and down, the other has a holofoil that is more slanted. Which of these is the deck exclusive holofoil?

This is the card art in question:

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I have opened several Keldeo-Rayquaza Battle arena decks:

And they have all been “diagonal sheen”:

Unless someone has pulled a diagonal sheen variant from the deck, I would assume the vertical sheen is only from opening packs. I have noticed most listings are diagonal and my guess is the decks each have two copies of each card which makes them much more common to see. Lots of time its hard to notice which variant it is since it’s a cheap card and most people do not bother taking good photos.

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Thank you so much!!!

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oh dear weird subtle variants? My weakness. Dare I ask what other cards have this distinction? Thanks for your excellent answer.

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As far as I can tell, its the four BW era EX cards that were reprinted during XY era for these two arena deck products:

Battle Arena Decks: Rayquaza vs. Keldeo

  • Rayquaza EX 85/124
  • Keldeo EX 49/149

Battle Arena Decks: Mewtwo vs. Darkrai

  • Mewtwo EX 54/99
  • Darkrai EX 63/108
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This little fella has it too. I believe the Articuno deck as well but I must admit I know much less about ice bird than thunder bird.

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