Pikachu (Base Set #58) Collector’s Guide

Quick Facts

This Pikachu card is from the original Base Set of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It features 40 HP and is a Basic Lightning-type Pokémon. The card has two attacks: Gnaw, which deals 10 damage for one Colorless energy, and Thunder Jolt, which deals 30 damage but requires a coin flip that may cause Pikachu to deal 10 damage to itself. The card’s illustrator is Mitsuhiro Arita, known for his iconic artwork in early Pokémon TCG releases. It is classified as a Common rarity card.

Key Printings

• Set Name: Base
• Card Number: 58
• Rarity: Common
• HP: 40
• Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
• Stage: Basic
• Type: Lightning
• Retreat Cost: 1 Colorless energy
• Weakness: Fighting (×2)
• Flavor Text: “When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity can cause lightning storms.”
• Legality: unknown

Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 58. The card does not have a regulation mark, and no special abilities or additional subtypes beyond Basic are present.

Care & Storage Tips

To maintain the condition and value of this card:
– Store in a protective sleeve and a rigid top-loader or binder.
– Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent fading and warping.
– Handle with clean hands to avoid oils and dirt.
– Avoid bending or scratching the card surface.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Base Set: The original launch set of the Pokémon TCG, featuring iconic Pokémon like Pikachu. This card represents one of the earliest printings of Pikachu, capturing the nostalgic essence of the game’s beginnings.