If I remember correctly there were several posts that mentioned that the distribution per artwork were 200 copies.
Nevertheless, it’s a difficult decision. I’m a big fan of keeping the overall appearance of my collection harmonic.
For example I’d keep the perl & rayquaza if most of the other cards they’re displayed with are also grey and have a purple / dark holo effect, maybe this helps
Maybe my knowledge is lacking for this and someone can correct it. There were totally 10 magazines hosting the contest and as per the official announcement the prize structure was as follows:
So as far as the official announcement goes, it should be 100 copies each, officially released atleast.
Cheers!
Based on looks alone my preference is the pearl, I own one and underrated it until I saw it in person. I love the pearls border too!
Here’s a link with more information: Winners of the 2010 Design Contest received 200 cards
So overall, there are some hints that the distribution was above 100 (extra copies + the document from the yahoo auction post) but the official statement mentions just 100.
Cool, thanks for the info, appreciate it. Did not know there was a thread on it. Considering it is a known fact that there are always extra copies for limited releases like these, atleast it looks like it is safe to say that the max count could be 200, but there won’t be a reliable way to prove it.
Cheers!
I don’t have any strong opinion about the Rayquaza, but I think the design contest cards are truly hard to find in good grades due to just the limited release. As for the Pearl a copy in lower grade can be found later on due to being slightly more available. Ofcourse, all of this is subjective and depends on how you personally value your cards, beyond the monetary aspect.
Cheers!
As I have mentioned before, I think you should take some time to reflect on what kind of collection you want. You’ve been a bit back-and-forth across many different threads, so I have a tough time understanding your collection goals and specific interests.
At the moment, it seems that you are trying to buy/trade rare cards for their value and flashiness, and will regularly consult e4 for praise/validation. Remember that this is your collection and your interests/opinions matter the most.
It worries me a bit to see you happily post about your “danger noodle” and how you are part of the “pearl gang,” only to see you flip flop toward a different direction a few months later. I was also concerned with your post about spending your partner’s money without their knowledge to buy Pokemon cards as an “investment.”
I mention these things not to shame you, but to bring attention to some of these odd behaviors that may be related to a larger problem that we are not aware of. To be completely clear, there is absolutely nothing wrong with consulting e4, seeking praise for big purchases, or changing your mind on the direction of your collection. I just want to make sure that these changes align with your long-term goals and aren’t fueled by social media or FOMO.
Anyway, good luck with your decision! 
Oh no that wasn’t my partners money it was mine In my own savings , I just felt bad I didn’t tell them I spent my money on a card rather than an investment. I think that’s where your mid understanding
And too be frank I think you brining that up again on here would be a bit of trying too make me feel bad about it but I didn’t think I needed too clarify or bring attention too it as it’s something that I didn’t think I had too since I don’t know you nor you know me hence I just ignored it lol
I appreciate you clarifying that you don’t mean too bring shame but too write that and say you don’t mean too clearly shows you know I will feel that way even though you mis understood that it was my own savings money that my partner has access too as well but I didn’t tell them I spent it on a card instead I spent it on an investment but we both laugh about it as they appreciate the card in our collection either way as it was a very long time ago 
Whether intentional or not, phrasing something this way could very easily be misunderstood by others as “I spent savings my partner and I had in a joint account on a Pokemon card and never told them.”
I don’t feel @Dyl wrote any of that to make you feel shame (they’re one of the nicest people on E4), but many of your spontaneous decisions are a cause for genuine concern from the perspective of an onlooker.
I feel like I’m being talked too by dr Phil lol I don’t see how reminding the community about something that would make someone feel a bit sad in another post even if that person says I don’t mean too shame , had the clear message that it will lol
Sure the misunderstanding is going to happen I get it but if you truly thought that then bringing it back up in another post seems a bit causing for some negative emotion
I’m sure they are the nicest but I don’t feel great reading what they said. I felt like it was a way of saying yoir going to feel crappy but I’m not trying to make you feel crappy.
I am also trying too not let everything hit me hard because I lost a loved one recently but it’s hard too read that and not feel the greatest
I think all anyone wants to do is help @alleybro, not bring shame. If you are primarily collecting based on how others will view your collection, or are unable to derive enjoyment from your collection on your own, it can make collecting feel hollow.
There is nothing wrong with wanting some external validation from time to time, that’s human nature, but do think that points above are something to think through.
All options you have (keep ray and pearl or end up with illustration promos) are great ones, and hope you land somewhere that makes you happy!