CGC Cards Registry Featured Set: EX Delta Species Reverse Holos

EX Delta Species was released in October 2005. The set introduced a new type of Pokémon to the Pokémon TCG, called Delta Species Pokémon. Delta species Pokémon provided a twist in gameplay by switching up the types of certain Pokémon, such as Eevee swapping from Colorless type to Steel type. The type change allowed for more interesting gameplay, including new abilities to try, using Pokémon abilities to add energy and stadiums and more.

Like other sets in the Ruby & Sapphire EX era, reverse holo cards in the set each contained a stamp with the set name on the side of the Pokémon's artwork. Reverse holos from this era are generally more sought after by collectors, so obtaining a full set isn't easy. 

Riley12301's Delta Species Reverses set is 100% complete and includes cards graded CGC 8.5 through CGC Pristine 10, which is amazing considering the set is nearly 20 years old and was largely short printed. We caught up with Riley12301 to talk about his set and the CGC Cards Registry. Check out the Q&A below!

Click images to enlarge.

Q&A with the Set Owner, Riley12301

How did you become interested in collecting Pokémon cards?

I was interested in Pokémon from a young age. Growing up, I played Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver religiously; my brother also had the game and we would trade and battle each other. Naturally, when I saw the cards at the store, I had to have them. We would put the cards in binders, organize them by type, set number, etc... It wasn't an exact science because we were kids, but we had a lot of fun doing it.

As I grew older, I drifted away from Pokémon. But I eventually came back to it after I graduated high school. I discovered a newfound appreciation for collecting the cards, and also the chase of grading them. Spending time scouring online became a routine habit, and I found the process of collecting mentally stimulating. Beyond chasing cards and grades, I've come to have met a lot of great people. Everyone is kinda doing their own thing, and it's inspiring when they succeed.

What is your favorite card in this set and why?

It has to be Holon's Magnemite. Magnemite has always been one of my favorite Pokémon and it just fits the theme of the set so well. There is actually a very common error of this card, also — a small red printer hickey can show up in the left border on the front of the card. It almost looks like a bit of lipstick. I'm happy to have both versions of the card in Gem Mint or better. It was a very rewarding moment when I received those grades!

Click images to enlarge.

I want to give an honorable mention to my Kirlia graded CGC Pristine 10. It's an impressive grade of a card of its age and I'm happy to have been the one to send it in. (There is only one example of Kirlia reverse holo from EX Delta Species graded CGC Pristine 10 in the CGC Cards Population Report, with none graded higher.)

Click images to enlarge.

What makes this set unique or special to you?

EX Delta Species introduces Delta Species Pokémon. [According to lore,] these Pokémon have different types than they would normally have due to an experiment gone wrong at the Holon Research Lab. Electromagnetic radiation causes a new type of species to emerge: the Delta Species.

For example, this set has a Fire/Steel-type Tyranitar and a Steel-type Eevee. From a lore standpoint, I think it's really cool and I love the way it carries over into the designs of the cards.

What are your collecting goals?

I'm really fond of Mitsuhiro Arita's artwork. In terms of the Pokémon TCG, he's legendary. I mean, who doesn't know the Base Set Charizard? But he also has a lot of other great artwork. My personal interest is in his artwork from the e-Reader series, EX and Diamond & Pearl. I find that these artworks have so much character to them.

My personal favorite card of all time is the Umbreon from Aquapolis. Umbreon is featured on a rooftop with a clock tower in the background and a very prominent moon. There is also a daytime version released as a McDonalds promo in Japan, of all things. So yeah, in addition to completing some of my favorite sets, I'm also picking up cards from my favorite artists, such as Arita.

How has the CGC Cards Registry helped with your collecting goals?

The CGC Cards Registry adds another layer to an already very fun hobby. I can see all of my cards in one place, work on finishing my sets and compete with other collectors. Just like putting my cards in a binder, I can add graded cards to what is almost like a "digital binder." Anyone who is a collector should be able to appreciate that. It's really useful to see which cards you may be missing to finish a complete set. Once you're done, you get to show it off!

In the future, I'd like to see the CGC Cards Registry add the Generation 2 and 3 Pokémon master sets. I just know that if there was a Magnemite set, I would be #1. Also, it would be cool to see sets that bring attention to the many wonderful artists. For example, I would love to see a master set of all Yuka Morii clay Pokémon.

Note: At the time these cards were graded, they were encapsulated with the original CGC Cards label. Starting July 11, 2023, CGC Cards began encapsulating cards with the new CGC Cards label.

About the CGC Cards Registry

The CGC Cards Registry is a free online platform where collectors can register and display CGC-certified cards, compete with other collectors and get inspired. The CGC Cards Registry is also a great organizational tool for your collection. Begin adding your CGC-certified cards in the CGC Cards Registry here.

If you don’t see a set for your cards, please request a set. You may also review our CGC Cards Registry FAQs for details on how to make requests for new sets and slots.

The CGC Cards Registry team is here to help. Questions or comments? Want to connect with other collectors? Visit the CGC Registry Chatboards!

Previous CGC Cards Registry Featured Sets:

POKÉMON

• Base Set – 1st Edition
• Fossil 1st Edition Master Set
• Neo Genesis 1st Edition
• Pokémon 1st Edition Gray Stamp
• Pokémon Rumble
• Shining Fates Master Set
• Snorlax – Main Set
• Southern Islands
• Team Rocket First Edition Master Set
• Wizards of the Coast Black Star Promos

MAGIC: THE GATHERING

• Arabian Nights
• Happy Little Gathering
• Legends – Reserved List
• Limited Edition Alpha

OTHER

• Marvel The Silver Age Autographs
• All Enchanteds
• Cinema Stars
• Marvel Super Heroes
• X-Men Series 2 Gold Foil