Quick Facts

• Card: 1999 Ikon (Episode I)
• Number: #12 “Darth Maul”
• Why It’s a Rookie: Early Episode I mass release—Council recognizes this Ikon base as Maul’s rookie of record (per request).

Why This Card Matters

Maul is the breakout visual icon of Episode I; a perennial fan favorite and chase character. This base card is the flagship rookie in this build.

Design & Identification Guide

• Front: Maul portrait/action; bold late-90s Ikon graphics.
• Back: Character bio and film branding.
• Common Tells: Surface scuffs and edge whitening; centering drift.

Condition Sensitivity (What Kills Grades)

• Surface: Use raking light to catch hairlines.
• Edges/Corners: Lower corner whitening is common.
• Centering: Prioritize symmetry.

Collector Tip: Prioritize centering/framing first, then the most eye-catching areas (nameplate/faces/helmets) before corners and surface.

Variants & Gotchas

• Foil/parallel inserts exist in some Episode I-era products; Council rookie tracks the specified base.

Grading Notes (PSA / SGC / CGC)

• High grades hinge on clean edges and minimal scuffs.
• Slab aesthetics: Red/black palette pops in SGC’s black insert.

Market Snapshot (Context, Not Advice)

• Character premium: Maul demand spans films, animation, and comics.
• Grade cliffs: Big jump from 8 → 9; 10s are tough.

Collecting Strategies

1. Centering first; then edges and surface.
2. Sleeve immediately—Maul’s dark areas show ticks.

Fun Facts

• The double-bladed lightsaber reveal made Maul an instant icon.

Council of Dorks Rookie Verdict

A marquee prequel villain rookie—eye-catching and condition-sensitive.