Salamence Ex (187)

Salamence ex 187/159 is one of the most visually striking cards from the Pokémon TCG Journey Together expansion, released as part of the Scarlet & Violet series. Numbered 187/159, this card sits beyond the standard set count, marking it as a Special Illustration Rare (SIR) and one of the most sought-after pulls in the set. The full-art treatment by artist Tsuyoshi Nagano showcases Salamence in a dramatic, immersive scene that elevates it above a standard holofoil print.

Card Details

This card features Salamence in its ex form as a Stage 2 Dragon type Pokémon. It evolves from Shelgon and brings 320 HP to the table, giving it impressive staying power in both competitive play and collection displays. Two attacks, Wide Blast and Dragon Impact, define its battle role and make it a recognisable name among players building Dragon-type strategies in the current format.

• Card Name: Salamence ex
• Card Number: 187/159
• Set: Journey Together
• Series: Scarlet & Violet
• Type: Dragon
• Stage: Stage 2 (evolves from Shelgon)
• HP: 320
• Attacks: Wide Blast, Dragon Impact
• Rarity: Special Illustration Rare (SIR)
• Artist: Tsuyoshi Nagano
• Category: Pokémon TCG Single

Set and Rarity Information

Journey Together is a Scarlet & Violet series expansion that continues the tradition of pairing competitive card power with premium collector variants. The Special Illustration Rare rarity tier represents the highest visual tier within a standard expansion release, featuring full-bleed illustrated artwork that transforms the card into a miniature piece of art. At card number 187/159, the Salamence ex SIR sits in the coveted beyond-set-count range, a strong indicator of pull rarity and collector desirability.

For collectors tracking set completion, securing the Salamence ex 187/159 holofoil variant is a key milestone within the Journey Together master set. Its position in the SIR tier places it alongside other full-art illustration cards that tend to hold long-term collector interest.

Attack and Playability Overview

From a gameplay perspective, Salamence ex brings both bulk and offensive capability. With 320 HP as a Stage 2 ex, it requires a meaningful investment to bring down, making it a durable option in Dragon-type builds. Wide Blast and Dragon Impact offer versatile attack options depending on the energy and strategy available in a given matchup.

Players who enjoy building around Stage 2 evolution lines will find Salamence ex a rewarding card to build around. Its Dragon typing adds thematic consistency for themed decks, and its ex status means it can benefit from ex-specific support cards in the Scarlet & Violet format.

Condition and Collectibility

When buying a raw Pokémon TCG single like the Salamence ex Journey Together card, condition is one of the most important factors to consider. Raw cards, meaning ungraded cards, are assessed visually across four key areas: centering, surface, edges, and corners.

• Near Mint (NM): Minimal to no visible wear, ideal for grading submissions or high-condition collections
• Lightly Played (LP): Very minor surface marks or edge wear, still highly presentable
• Moderately Played (MP): Noticeable wear but structurally sound, better suited to gameplay
• Heavily Played (HP): Significant wear, typically purchased for gameplay only

Special Illustration Rares like the Salamence ex SIR are particularly sensitive to handling due to their full-art foil surfaces, which can show micro-scratches more readily than standard prints. If you intend to submit this card for grading with services such as PSA or CGC, sourcing a Near Mint copy and handling it with clean sleeves from the moment of purchase is strongly recommended.

Why Collect Salamence ex 187/159?

There are several reasons why Salamence ex 187/159 stands out as a desirable addition to any Pokémon TCG collection:

• Artwork quality: Tsuyoshi Nagano’s full-art illustration makes this one of the most visually impressive cards in the Journey Together set
• Rarity tier: Special Illustration Rares are among the lowest pull-rate cards in any expansion, making each copy a genuine pack achievement
• Set significance: Journey Together is a Scarlet & Violet expansion, tying this card into an actively supported and widely collected series
• Playability crossover: Unlike some collector-only SIRs, Salamence ex has genuine competitive relevance, broadening its appeal across both collector and player audiences
• Stage 2 Dragon appeal: Salamence has a long history as a fan-favourite Pokémon, adding sentimental and nostalgic value for long-term fans of the franchise

Whether you are building a master set of Journey Together, assembling a Dragon-type display collection, or looking for a standout raw card to submit for grading, buy Salamence ex 187/159 to secure one of the defining cards from this expansion.

Condition and Purchase Information

This listing is for the Salamence ex 187/159 single card from the Journey Together set. As with all singles at TCG Target, please review the listed condition tier carefully before purchasing to ensure the card meets your collecting or gameplay requirements. If you have questions about the condition of a specific copy, feel free to reach out before completing your order.

Explore more Pokémon TCG products available at TCG Target, including sealed products and other high-demand singles:

• Paradox Rift Elite Trainer Box Roaring Moon: A sealed Scarlet & Violet Elite Trainer Box featuring Roaring Moon, great for cracking packs and hunting SIRs
• Evolving Skies Booster Box: A fan-favourite Sword & Shield era box, popular with collectors who appreciate high-rarity Dragon type cards
• Pokémon GO Special Collection Alolan Exeggutor V Box: A themed special collection box for players and collectors

Frequently Asked Questions

What set is Salamence ex 187/159 from?

Salamence ex 187/159 is from the Journey Together expansion, part of the Scarlet & Violet series of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

What rarity is Salamence ex 187/159?

This card is a Special Illustration Rare (SIR), one of the highest rarity tiers in a standard Pokémon TCG expansion. Its card number, 187/159, places it beyond the standard set count, which is a characteristic marker of this rarity tier.

Who is the artist for Salamence ex 187/159?

The artwork on this card was created by Tsuyoshi Nagano, whose full-art illustration style is a key part of what makes this SIR variant so collectible.

What are the attacks on Salamence ex?

Salamence ex features two attacks: Wide Blast and Dragon Impact. It is a Stage 2 Dragon type Pokémon with 320 HP that evolves from Shelgon.

Should I buy a raw or graded copy of Salamence ex 187/159?

This depends on your goals. A raw card in Near Mint condition is a good option if you plan to submit it for grading yourself, display it sleeved, or use it in gameplay. A graded copy offers a verified condition score from a third-party service and is typically preferred by collectors who prioritise certainty around card condition and long-term preservation. Review the condition notes on any raw listing carefully before purchasing.

Is Salamence ex 187/159 playable in the Pokémon TCG?

Yes. Salamence ex is a Stage 2 Dragon type Pokémon ex with 320 HP and two attacks, Wide Blast and Dragon Impact, making it a functional card for players building Dragon-type strategies within the Scarlet & Violet format.