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How To Tell 1st Edition Pokemon Cards

Top 5 First Edition Pokemon Cards

How To Tell If Your Pokemon Cards Are 1st Edition?

Any shiny, shadowless 1st Edition Pokémon card will be reasonably valuable, but there are a few which manage to stand out from the crowd.

Buy on eBay

Lets switch things up, moving on to a set that was released the year after. Lugia was the cover star for the next round of Pokémon games, and while he might not match up to many older options, its still a card that is highly prized by collectors.;

A white background is the source of a number of issues that are also seen with the 1999 Chansey card below, leading to higher values than the norm. There are often problems with the lining too, so there are only 41 PSA 10 examples out of almost 1300 that have been submitted.

The Top 10 Most Valuable Pokmon Tcg Cards

Pokémon cards are more popular than ever, so do you have some hidden treasures in your collection?


Joe Parlock

With the Pokémon Trading Card Game’s popularity at an all-time high, people are rushing to their old collections and hoping to find a few treasures they can sell. You see stories of cards being flipped for five or even six digits online with alarming regularity, causing the COVID-19 pandemic’s equivalent of a gold rush.

However, if you’re a casual fan digging out their old binders, there is a slim chance you’ll find any of those mythical best-sellers in your collection. While paying off your mortgage from one card may be all but impossible, you can still make a healthy profit. With that in mind, here are the top ten most valuable Pokémon cards that you might actually own.

To work this out, I went through every single Pokémon set on TCGPlayer’s price database and noted every single card worth with a market value of more than $100. I then removed all promotional cards, including tournament prizes, limited editions, and gift cards given to the game’s staff. While these can be worth a lot, it is very unlikely someone is going to have them sitting under their bed and simply not know about it.

Stormfront’s Charizard


Verify The Pokemon Cards Information

This is the first thing you need to do when authenticating a Pokemon card. By the information, we mean all the cards details.

The information that you should know about the Pokemon card includes:

  • How much HP does this Pokemon have?
  • Whats the correct spelling for the name?
  • What is the rarity of this Pokemon card?
  • What set does this Pokemon card belong to?

When there were only 102 Pokemon cards to collect, you could just memorize everything. Thats what hardcore collectors did to spot fake Pokemon cards.;They just knew every card out there.

As were more than 20 years into Pokemon cards now, knowing them all-let alone memorizing them- is much harder than it used to be. This is what Google searches are for!

So, all you have to do is Google the Pokemon card that youre trying to authenticate youll get all the information of the genuine card. Another way to do it is to use the Pokemon Card Database.


You can favorite this page and access it from your phone whenever you need to. Its like a Pokedex for Pokemon card collectors.

If the cards information doesnt check out, you dont have to proceed to step two. The card youre examining is fake.;

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First Edition Holographic Magneton

Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $1,750

Composed of three individual Magnemite held together by a strong magnetic force, Magneton is a dual-type electrical and steel Pokémon.


Often found near industrial areas and power plants, this mechanical creature charges itself by eating electrical currents.

Magneton is certainly one of the more unusual-looking of all Pokémon.

Finally A Quick Word On Card Condition

How to Spot 1st Edition Pokémon Cards From the Rest

Condition and value go hand-in-hand, so its important to be realistic about your expectations.;

Unless kept unopened, cards from 20+ years ago tend to have imperfections.

This can take the form of scratches, whitening round the edges, creases, bends and dirt.;


Collectors may pay premium for card rarity, but the real premium is in the card condition.

Many people rediscover their old cards, thinking theyre worth a fortune because of media hype, but the reality is, theyre not!;

There isnt a shortage of old Pokemon cards, but there is a shortage in mint condition.;

If you do possess minty cards, then you may be on to something!

I dont want to devalue what you have, the nostalgic value is through the roof in my opinion!


But I hope youll see this as a fair assessment, which will help you when trying to assess the value of your cards.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to check out some of these additional resources below:

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Ultimate First Edition Pokemon Cards Guide

The same is true for later releases, but its difficult to match the 1999 set in terms of interest or value.;

Trending Pokemon Topics

Charizard Pokemon Card

Heres everything you need to know about the best first edition Pokémon cards, including why some are more special than others, and which ones you should be looking out for.


St Edition And Unlimited Edition:

The first print run of a set would have a special Edition 1 logo on the left side of the card, just below the card art. An enlarged example of this logo is shown here. The 1st edition print run would typically be very limited, and once sold out, would no longer be available for sale. In fact, the first print runs of a set were officially called Limited Edition.;

To meet super-high demand from the public, an Unlimited edition version would then be printed. Unlimited edition cards dont have the Edition 1 logo on the left side. Typically, a 1st edition card will be worth more than an unlimited edition card. Often this price difference can be quite significant.

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Most Expensive 1st Edition Pokemon Cards: Are They Still Worth Anything

What are the most expensive 1st edition Pokemon cards? 1st edition Pokemon cards mean a collection printed for the first time for a limited period, like a year or two. They get rare as years go by because they circulate among gamers worldwide. Are 1st edition Pokemon cards still made? Since another Wizards’ version will come out in late 2021, expect more versions in the future.

Are 1st edition Pokemon cards worth anything? Collections made between 1999 to 2000 are the most valuable ones this year. For instance, a Pikachu Illustrator costs $100,00. eBay Pokemon 1st editions are very affordable. Therefore, buy enough packs and wait for prices to hike.


First Edition Holographic Mewtwo

Pokemon Card Q&A: How to tell if my Pokemon card is 1st edition

Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $2,000

A member of the exclusive and powerful Legendary Pokémon group, Mewtwo is considered to be one of the best Pokémon of all-time.

Instantly recognizable, the psychic-type Mewtwo was created when a scientist altered its original DNA via gene-splicing techniques that transformed the creature into one of the most vicious and savage of all Pokémon.

Harnessing its psychic energy, Mewtwo unleashes physical damage on its enemies via its signature more, Psystrike.

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Pokmon Game #15 Venusaur Holo

Average Value in PSA 10: $3,605

The original four Pokémon from the Red, Blue, Yellow and Green versions of the video game are Charmander , Squirtle , Pikachu and Bulbasaur , respectively. Each cute companion got its own version of the game. Just like Raichu, you can attribute Venusaurs popularity to its video game origins and heavy face time throughout the franchise. PSA 10 examples of Venusaurs 1st Edition Holo can grab upwards of $4k.

Part 2 Of 2: Pricing Or Selling Your Collection

  • 1Look up card prices using online card-selling websites. There are thousands of unique Pokémon trading cards, and prices change over time as people sell, buy, and speculate. Recently printed cards may drop in price once they are no longer legal in tournaments. Because of these factors, looking up a card actually for sale is more likely to give you an accurate number than a price guide, which may not be up to date.
  • Try a Pokémon card-selling site or eBay, or search online for + “selling”. Remember to include any special features, using the terms described in the identification section.
  • Most online listings show how much a company is selling cards for. Look for a “buylist” to see how much the company will pay to buy your cards. If selling to another player, the price you’ll get will typically fall between these two numbers.
  • 2Ask Pokémon players or collectors. It’s often difficult to find a price online, especially for extra-rare cards that do not trade hands often. Search for a Pokémon trading card game forum online, and post a picture or description of your card for advice. You could also look for a hobby or gaming store in your area.
  • Be wary of scams. Get a second opinion on your cards’ value before selling them to a stranger.
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    Look For The First Edition Stamp

    The easiest and most accurate way to find out whether your Pokémon card is a first edition is to look for the first edition stamp. If you look at your card, go down under the left edge of the box that displays the Pokémon. Just below, you will see a darkened circle. It sits just outside of the corner of the Pokémon box, and it should be black. It has the number 1 inside the circle, and it has the letters that spell Edition across the top of the circle. They follow the lines of the circle, so the wording is curved. This symbol is only found on the first edition Pokémon cards, so if you find it, you know you have a first edition.

    The most valuable rare first edition card is the Charizard. It can sell for more than $20,000. You can still find first edition boxes, but they are expensive. Whether you want to keep your first edition Pokémon card or sell it, it will be worth more than other cards.

    First Edition Cards In Review

    Pikachu First Edition 60/64 Pokémon Card, Mint

    Whether you are a fan of them or not, there’s no debating that first edition Pokémon cards are some of the hottest cards in non-sports card collecting.

    The video games, television shows, and the cards themselves transformed Pokémon into a worldwide phenomenon with an enormous fan base.

    And many of those kids who grew up with these cards are now adults with more spending power able to pay big bucks for them in top condition.

    It doesn’t look like that trend will slow anytime soon as these cards have found their place as one of the most popular non-sports sets in the hobby.

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    How To Tell What Pokemon Cards You Have

    If youve rediscovered your old Pokemon cards, youre probably wondering how much theyre worth!;

    Well,it all starts by identifying exactly what cards you own, and what set/s they belong to.

    In this handy guide Im going to explain just how to do that, and then provide you with some useful resources for valuations and selling.

    What Are Shadowless Pokemon Cards

    Over the past;few years, and particularly during the Covid lockdown, a lot of people found themselves getting back into;old hobbies and pursuing new interests. As a result, the Pokemon Trading Card Game exploded with prices reaching crazy new highs. One Shadowless 1st edition PSA 10 Charizard, for example, sold for $369,000 in December of 2020. If you are looking into the hobby and keep coming across the term Shadowless, you might be wondering what this refers to. Today, we are going to be covering what Shadowless means, as well as touching on a few other frequently used terms in the Pokemon TCG world.

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    Look For The Black Line

    The plastic layer we mentioned earlier -on which the two faces of a Pokemon card are pressed- has a distinct black color.

    When youre trying to spot fake pokemon cards, this is something that you should ALWAYS look for.

    If turn a genuine Pokemon card sideways, you can spot this black line in the middle of the material. In case of a fake Pokemon card, this layer isnt and as a result, the side of the card will be completely white.

    Variables That Can Affect A Cards Value

    How To Get The 1st Edition Charizard Pokemon Card For SUPER CHEAP!

    1. The Grading Company

    PSA is the king of Pokémon card grading with BGS a close 2nd. Both companies command top $ for their graded cards and have proven that grades do matter in the Pokémon realm, with a BGS 9.5 1st Edition Charizard selling for nearly $73,000.00 in July.;

    2. Supply of the card

    Pokémon cards have low populations compared to sports cards. The number of graded cards can be the biggest indicator of value, but some cards, such as Pikachu or Charizard, have insane demand regardless of populations. Supply is outmatched by current demand, and after two decades since these cards were produced, that wont change. Check the PSA 1999 Pokémon Game Population report to get more info on how limited the Base set cards are.;

    3. Buying Raw vs. Graded

    Thanks to modern technology, getting clear photos of cards is easier than ever. That said, until you hold a card, you dont know how clean it really is. Graded cards are the safest indicator that youre getting what you want. When buying graded cards, think of the price paid for the grading and that there is no wait time besides shipping. There is much less risk buying graded cards, but raw can be the best bet to make profits faster. You never know what you can find in a binder someone is selling, but be careful and do your best to inspect those cards.;;

    4. Surface, corners, edges, creases & centering

    5. Your negotiation tactics

    6. Nostalgic elements

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    How Value Is Determined

    The surge in Pokémon card prices doesnt necessarily mean every card is worth a lot of money or will be.

    I think prices will rise for some cards, but obviously not all cards, which is what some people dont get, Caitlin Sidhu explained. If cards are still in print, they wont rise in price. Once the card is out of print it may go up in price, but its not guaranteed.

    Jason A., a collector from East Tennessee who declined to give his last name, compared it to the stock market: You can take a bet on a cards value. Is it going to increase? Is it going to flop? Or is it just gonna stay steady?

    There are plenty of cards out there that when they first got released are still the same price that they were back then, he said.

    A cards scarcity, condition and the actual Pokémon on it all play a role in its value. First edition;holographic cards released as part of Pokémons first print in 1999 command high prices especially Charizard.;;

    Why is he always so coveted? In that first set, he was objectively the most powerful, with both the highest HP and the strongest attack. But maybe the reason for his appeal is more obvious than that.

    I mean, hes a dragon. Kids love dragons, Garcia said. In the cartoon show, he was kind of rebellious, did whatever he wanted.

    Kalvin Foley, after losing his eBay bid, said he was able to finally obtain his Rainbow Vmax Charizard in a private sale.

    Only 39 were initially released through a Japanese comic contest in 1998. ;

    First Edition Holographic Alakazam

    Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $2,800

    With its psychic powers that stem from its extremely powerful brain, Alakazam can bring massive headaches to those unfortunate enough to be nearby.

    The evolution from Abra to Kadabra to its final form of Alakazam is one of the more fun name transitions of the series while this card itself is one of the more fun to own.

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    First Edition Holographic Nidoking

    Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $1,500

    Nidoking is a dual-type poison and ground Pokémon that is the final evolved form of Nidoran.

    With its sharp teeth, pointy ears, plated underside, claws and venomous horn that protrudes from its forehead, Nidoking is obviously a very intimidating reptilian creature.

    However, its powerful tail is the primary weapon of choice to smash its enemies or create the spacing Nidoking needs to execute one of its devastating charges.

    High grade specimens of this card can sell for around $1,500 or more.

    Bulbasaur 1st Edition $450

    Pokémon Fossil

    One of the most popular Pokemon, Bulbasaur delivers long term. Previously third in the pecking order for PSA 9’s, Bulbasaur is currently higher than Squirtle and Charmander. With low populations, be sure to make Bulbasaur a top priority.;

    PSA Pop: 783 – 237 – 416

    Current Value: PSA 10 $3200;PSA 9 $450

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    Examine The Copyright Years

    One other feature that you will find on first edition cards is the year 99 along the bottom after the copyright symbol. It will have the copyright symbol followed by 1995, 96, 98, 99. The 99 was only printed on the first edition and second run shadowless cards.

    When you find this sign that you might have a first edition card, you need to make sure that the card has the first edition symbol. This is another distinguishing feature shared by the first edition and the shadowless cards. However, only these two types of cards have it.

    The first edition Pokémon cards are extremely valuable, and they are still collected today. People always hope to find the highly sought after first edition cards and other valuable Pokémon cards. If you found an old pile of Pokémon cards, you can easily determine whether or not they are first editions.

    The easiest way to know that you have a first edition card is to look for the first edition symbol. If your card has this symbol, then there is no doubt that it is a first edition.

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