Set Overview
Ancient Origins, released in August 2015, is known for its secret-rare Charizard and its Ancient Trait mechanic. It carries Pokémon-EX, Mega EX and Full Art cards.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 12, 2015 (English) |
| Publisher | The Pokémon Company |
| Total Cards | 98 numbered + 3 secret rares |
| Pokémon-EX | 11 cards |
| Full Art | 13 cards |
| Secret Rares | 5 cards |
| Key Chase Card | Primal Kyogre-EX 96/98, Primal Groudon-EX 97/98 |
About the Set
Ancient Origins, released in August 2015, is known for its secret-rare Charizard and its Ancient Trait mechanic. It carries Pokémon-EX, Mega EX and Full Art cards.
How to identify it: numbered cards read N/98. Secret rares are numbered above the total (99/98 onward).
Rarities & Chase Cards
XY Ancient Origins had a single English print run. The chase cards are its Pokémon-EX and secret rares.
Complete Card Gallery
All 101 cards from XY Ancient Origins. Click any card to view it full size — use the arrow keys (or swipe) to move through the set.
Key Cards
The cards below lead XY Ancient Origins on the secondary market.
| Card | Name | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
 |
Primal Kyogre-EX 96/98 Secret Rare | A secret rare card and one of Ancient Origins’s headline pulls. |
 |
Primal Groudon-EX 97/98 Secret Rare | A secret rare card and one of Ancient Origins’s headline pulls. |
 |
M Rayquaza-EX 98/98 Secret Rare | A secret rare card and one of Ancient Origins’s headline pulls. |
Promo Cards
The XY Black Star Promos ran alongside the era’s expansions.
Black Star Promos use their own numbering and carry a black star where a set symbol would be.
Collecting & Where to Buy
XY Ancient Origins is out of print and trades on the secondary market. Common singles are inexpensive, while the Pokémon-EX, Full Art and secret rares carry the strongest premiums.
Collector tip: the Full Art and secret cards are the prize — check borders and surface closely on any graded copy.
Note: external links are provided for reference only. Always confirm a card's printing, condition and authenticity before purchasing.