Alolan Sandshrew (Guardians Rising 19a) Collectors Guide

Character Intro

Alolan Sandshrew from the Guardians Rising set is a Common card numbered 19a. It has 60 HP and features the attack Ice Ball. This card captures the unique icy form of Sandshrew found in the Alola region.

Quick Facts

• Type: Water
• Stage: Basic
• Retreat Cost: 1
• Weakness: Metal ×2
• Attacks:
• Defense Curl: Flip a coin; if heads, prevent all damage done to this Pokémon by attacks during your opponent’s next turn.
• Ice Ball: Deals 30 damage.
• Flavor Text: “It lives on snowy mountains. Its steel shell is very hard—so much so, it can’t roll its body up into a ball.”
• Evolves From: None

Key Printings

This exact printing is from the Guardians Rising set, identified by the card number 19a. It is a Common rarity card with no known alternate print variants. The card art by Hideki Ishikawa emphasizes the Pokémon’s icy environment and steel shell.

Variants & Identifiers

There are no known print variants for this card. The card can be identified by its set code “sm2,” number “19a,” and the unique Water-type symbol. The absence of a regulation mark and the lack of a release date are notable identifiers.

Legality & Play Notes

Legality: unknown
This card is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats according to available data. Its simple attacks and low HP suggest it is more suited for casual play or collection rather than competitive use.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve this card’s condition, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its common rarity, it is accessible but still benefits from careful handling to maintain its collectible value.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Guardians Rising (sm2): Introduced as a Basic Water-type Pokémon with a unique steel shell that prevents it from curling up, this card adds thematic depth to the set’s snowy mountain environment. It features straightforward gameplay mechanics and clean, detailed artwork by Hideki Ishikawa.