How To Tell First Edition Pokemon Cards

Pikachu From Legendary Collection

To wrap up the hiding in plain sight section of this article, we have the reverse holo portion of the Legendary Collection set. There are reverse holos in a lot of sets, but Legendary Collection was the first set to include them. Unlike later reverse holo cards, the difference between a regular copy and a reverse holo copy was massive, as shown above. There are many reasons why these are valuable, but I will start by discussing their history.

When released, these were not looked at as anything special. This is sort of ironic, because the set was sort of geared towards collectors, going as far as including a collectable jumbo box topper in each box. In fact, many collectors did not like them because of how vastly different they look than other Pokemon cards. They remind many people of those fake sticker Pokemon cards you might find at a flea market, which is not exactly a great thing to be connected to.

Check To See If There Is A Shadow

Another feature that you will find on first edition Pokémon cards is that they are shadowless. The first edition and the second run cards have the Pokémon inside of a box on the card. If you check the right border of the box, there should not be a shadow along the side. If you look at Pokémon cards that were made after that, there is a shadow down that right side.

This is an important distinguishing feature, but there is one problem. After the first edition, they printed a second run. These cards are also shadowless. The only way to tell the difference is that the second run cards do not have the first edition stamp. Any first edition card will have the stamp, and there will not be a shadow on the right side.

Bulbasaur 1st Edition $450

One of the most popular Pokemon, Bulbasaur delivers long term. Previously third in the pecking order for PSA 9s, 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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How To Know If Pokmon Cards Are Fake

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Many people enjoy collecting Pokémon cards. Unfortunately, there are some scam artists who will try to sell fake cards to enthusiastic collectors. However, their fakes are not as close to the real thing as they want you to think. An example of a legitimate card is one that is real. To authenticate legit cards, keep reading.

Charmander 1st Edition $330

Charmander’s value has been all over the place in the last 12 months. After the 2020 summer of record sale after record sale, baby Zard’s value has taken a dip recently, but don’t be surprised if Charmander rebounds due to the power Charizard yields on the market.

PSA Pop: 1521 – 652 – 661

Current Value: PSA 10 $1186 PSA 9 $330

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Which Is The Most Expensive First Edition Pokemon Card

On top of common and rare cards in the base set, there are variations such as Shadowless and First Edition Pokémon cards needed to complete an entire run. Those First Edition cards are especially some of the rarest and some are even considered to be among the most expensive Pokémon cards in general.

First Edition Holographic Chansey

Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $3,500

Chansey is a pink, normal-type Pokémon that, despite its short legs, is a fast runner and extremely difficult to catch making it one of the more elusive creatures on this list.

Using the egg held in its pouch, Chansey will often complete its signature move known as “Soft-Boiled” to help heal both people and other Pokémon.

Its gentle nature and kind heart are said to bring happiness to those who catch it while bringing lots of money to those who own this card.

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The Best Place To Sell Your Pokemon Cards Online: Ebay

The main marketplace is for sure going to be eBay, Pratte says. Even if youre someone who just stumbled upon your childhood collection, its really easy to take a couple of pictures make a decent listing.

Why eBay? Its home to several high-profile deals, and it also caters to the $20 and $30 transactions. In short, eBay is the perfect meeting ground for nostalgic buyers and sellers and those whove been wheeling and dealing Pokemon cards since the 90s.

Identify The Card With The Name And Number In The Set

Finally, identify the card by looking up its name and card number on eBay.

The name will be located above the illustration of the card and the number is on the bottom right of the card. After checking all three of these steps, you should easily be able to identify every card, even if you dont know exactly what set it is in.

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First Edition Holographic Ninetales

Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $3,000

It’s easy to see where Ninetales gets its name although the spelling of “tails” is noticeably different.

And while each of its golden-white tails is catching to the eye, it is said that simply grabbing one of them can result in a 1,000-year curse giving this fox-like Pokémon its reputation of extreme vengeance.

Inspired by the kitsune of Japanese folklore, Ninetales holds mysterious powers within its nine tails and can even control the mind with its piercing, red eyes.

Examples Of Valuable Pokemon Cards

The table below includes the values of some of the rarest Pokemon cards in the world, i.e. ones that were acquired as prizes for winning competitions in the late 90s and early 2000s.

These types of cards were never available to the general public, and they make headlines every so often by selling for six figures at auction. The table also includes some cards that were available publicly as part of the original base set prints. According to Pratte, these are the most commonly sold cards among hobbyists. And if you do have a rare card in your collection, its likely to be of this type. Note how the condition drastically changes the value.

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Top Tips In This Article

Scott Pratte, our expert card trader and collector, provided lots of tips to make money selling Pokemon cards. Here is his best advice:

• First edition or New Edition? All kidding aside, we know that you know New Edition is a boy band from the 70s and 80s. Still, you need to know what you have in that box of Pokemon cards. In other words, which are the rare cards and which are not. Do you have one of the original holographic cards? Cha-ching.
• Whats the condition of your cards? If theyve been under the bed in a box so light didnt fade them or the dog didnt get to them, you may be in good shape. Never taken out of the wrapper? More cha-ching. That is whats called mint. All cards in good condition are likely worth more than what you paid for them.
• The best place to sell Pokemon cards? Its eBay all the way. It would be great to sell one card for oodles of money and eBay has facilitated some of that. But if you want a big audience and buyers willing to shell out $30 a pop for your cards, you can rack up sales.
• Think youve got something valuable? Consult the Professional Sports Authenticator and get an estimate. This will put you in a good position to haggle with a buyer, which you should expect to do.

Top 12 Most Expensive 1st Edition Pokemon Cards

How do you tell if you have a first edition Pokemon card? Your deck should have three types of gaming items, a Pokemon, a Trainer, and an Energy. Check the first edition symbol on each card. According to PSA ratings, these are 1st edition Pokemon cards values in 2021:

This was the hottest gaming collection back in the 90s, and its price has soared even higher in 2021. Its value is almost similar to the 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan basketball packs. You can roup sell it for as high as $55,000 on PWCC.

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Squirtle First Edition $370

Squirtle is the first evolution of Blastoise and carries the 2nd most value of any of the big three pre-evolutions. Although grading has slowed down drastically, prices have dipped in the Pokemon market. That said, Squirtle is one of the essential characters of the show and is a must have for any collector. Be sure to assemble your Squirtle-Squad by acquiring his English Rookie card.

PSA Pop: 1418 – 600 – 633

Current Value: PSA 10 $1175 PSA 9 $370

Do Pawn Shops Buy Pokemon Cards

Pawn shops do buy Pokemon cards in some cases, but we dont recommend selling them there. Unless the pawn shop is known to specialize in trading card games, chances are high the clerk wont know the ins and outs of Pokemon card trading. So you can expect a lowball offer.

If you want to sell them locally and in-person, try comic book shops or hobby shops instead.

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Pokmon Game #5 Clefairy Holo

Average Value in PSA 10: $2,600

Now on to, arguably, the cutest Pokémon in the 1st Edition set, the adorable Clefairy. With its one-toothed smile and cuddly disposition, Clefairy stands suspended among a sparkling background, looking either confused or genuinely happy to be there, or both. If you can track down a gem example of the card, figures in the $2k range arent out of the question.

Pricing Or Selling Your Collection

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Is A Graded Card Always Safe To Buy

For the most part, graded cards, which have undergone a process of verification and close quality inspection from a reputable company, are safer. However its not foolproof. There have been fake cards graded before happens with rebacked cards in Magic: The Gathering, Nguyen says. It is much harder and takes more effort to fake a graded card though.

Image: Sarah Jarvis

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Pokmon Game #14 Raichu Holo

Average Value in PSA 10: $2,296

Players of the Yellow version of the original video game were introduced to the world of Pokémon with the reliable companion of Ash Ketchum, Pikachu. After a steady diet of hard-fought battles, a well-timed Thunder Stone and ketchup if you watched the anime Pikachu evolves into the more powerful but equally reliable Raichu. Lots of face time for Pikachu throughout the franchise has likely contributed to the popularity of related cards, including this 1st Edition Holo Raichu. Prices over $2k for cards in PSA 10 condition arent shocking.

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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.

First Edition Holographic Hitmonchan

Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $3,250

Sporting boxing gloves, shoulder pads and extreme quickness, Hitmonchan exhibits every bit of the appearance of the fighting-type Pokémon that he is.

The five protrusions on top of its head round out an overall ferocious look.

Bidding for this card in high grade can be just as ferocious as Hitmonchan itself as prices will often rise above $3,000 or more.

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Variables That Can Affect A Cards Value

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

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First Edition Holographic Gyarados

Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $1,800

This serpentine creature is an extremely temperamental and destructive Pokémon that relies on both its water and flying abilities to unleash its wrath.

Its tough scales are practically impenetrable while its sharp fangs are capable of crushing rocks.

Because it lives in both fresh and saltwater, it’s best to stay clear of water in general if you want to avoid Gyarados.

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Card Condition Is Important

The condition of your Pokémon cards is a vital part of whether they have any value. Collectors arent interested in ripped, stained, or otherwise defaced cards, and such wear can severely tank a cards value even if it is a rare one.

Youve probably heard of mint condition cards before. If youre wondering whether or not a card qualifies as mint, youll need to get it graded by a PSA representative. Your card could be worth more if you have its condition officially graded.

Is Weighing Pokemon Packs Illegal

The good news is that weighing Pokemon packs is not, indeed, illegal. That said, if you are going to try this for yourself then you will likely want to do this at a large, local store which carries them, such as Wal-Mart or Target. If you try to do it at a local comic book or gaming store then you may be asked to stop. Worse, is another Pokemon player may well give you an earful.

It is a bit of a contentious issue among players, as part of the appeal is that when you purchase a pack you dont know what you are getting. This adds a bit of a luck factor to the game and some people feel that you are taking this away from the game by weighing packs in advance to locate rarer cards.

Whether or not this is true, of course, we cant say as everyone has their own personal opinions on this issue, with many players not caring either way.

Were just here to give you the facts. With that in mind, is weighing packs a more cost-effective way to obtain rare cards? Lets do the math and see!

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Pokemon Card Set Symbols

Pokemon » Set Symbols

The most common way to organize Pokemon cards is by set. To identify the set, look for a little symbol at the bottom of the card, next to the card number. There are a bunch of these set symbols 5-6 sets are released every year, each with a different set symbol, and theyve been printing cards since 1999!

The following table is a complete list of Pokemon card sets, sorted by date the newest sets are at the top the oldest are at the bottom. If I missed something, let me know if the comments! I want this to be THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR POKEMON CARD SETS!

Do we have something missing or wrong? How could we improve this reference? Please let us know in the comments so we can make this the best possible guide for Pokemon card sets!