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Category: Collector’s Guide

  • Collector’s Guide: Venusaur (Base Set #15)

    Collector’s Guide: Venusaur (Base Set #15)

    Venusaur (Base Set #15) Collector’s Guide

    Venusaur Base 15

    Quick Facts

    Venusaur from the Base Set (#15) is a Stage 2 Grass-type Pokémon card with 100 HP. It features the Pokémon Power Energy Trans, allowing the player to move Grass Energy cards between their Pokémon during their turn, provided Venusaur is not affected by Sleep, Confusion, or Paralysis. Its attack, Solarbeam, deals 60 damage and requires four Grass Energy cards. The card has a retreat cost of 2 and a Fire-type weakness (×2). It is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and classified as a Rare Holo.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the original Base Set, identified by set code “base1” and card number 15. It is a Rare Holo card, making it a sought-after collectible for fans of the earliest Pokémon TCG releases.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include:
    – Set Name: Base
    – Card Number: 15
    – Rarity: Rare Holo
    – Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    – Stage: Stage 2 (evolves from Ivysaur)
    – Types: Grass
    – Abilities: Energy Trans (Pokémon Power)
    – Attack: Solarbeam (60 damage)

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Rare Holo Venusaur card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent fading and warping.
    – Handle with clean hands to avoid oils and dirt.
    – Avoid bending or heavy pressure to maintain holofoil integrity.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set (base1): The original launch set of the Pokémon TCG, featuring iconic cards like Venusaur #15. This set introduced foundational gameplay mechanics and remains highly collectible.

    Legality

    The card’s tournament legality is unknown.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 15 Rare Holo 100 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Venusaur (Base Set) #15

  • Collector’s Guide: Zapdos (Base Set #16)

    Collector’s Guide: Zapdos (Base Set #16)

    Collector’s Guide: Zapdos (Base Set #16)

    Zapdos Base 16

    Quick Facts

    Zapdos is a Basic Lightning-type Pokémon card from the original Base Set, illustrated by Ken Sugimori. It has 90 HP and features two powerful attacks: Thunder, which deals 60 damage but risks self-damage on a tails coin flip, and Thunderbolt, which deals 100 damage at the cost of discarding all attached Energy cards. This card has a retreat cost of 3 and resistance to Fighting-type attacks (-30). It is classified as a Rare Holo card.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 16
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • HP: 90
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 16. The card does not have a regulation mark, and its legality status is unknown.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 16 Rare Holo 90 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holofoil finish and maintain card condition, store this card in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface. Given its age and rarity, consider using a top-loader or a graded case for long-term storage.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original release featuring iconic Pokémon like Zapdos. This set introduced many collectors to the Pokémon TCG and includes the classic Ken Sugimori artwork. Zapdos stands out as a powerful Lightning-type Basic Pokémon with strong attacks but a high retreat cost.

    Legality: unknown
    Image URL: /images/base1/base1-16.jpg

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    Zapdos (Base Set) #16

  • Collector’s Guide: Beedrill (Base Set #17)

    Collector’s Guide: Beedrill (Base Set #17)

    Beedrill (Base Set #17) Collectors Guide

    Beedrill Base 17

    Quick Facts

    Beedrill from the Base Set (#17) is a Stage 2 Grass-type Pokémon card with 80 HP. It evolves from Kakuna and features two attacks: Twineedle, which deals 30 damage times the number of heads from flipping two coins, and Poison Sting, which deals 40 damage and may poison the opponent’s Pokémon. The card has a Fighting resistance (-30), a Fire weakness (×2), and no retreat cost. Illustrated by Ken Sugimori, this card is classified as Rare.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 17
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • HP: 80
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Kakuna)
    • Legal Status: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants or regulation marks. It is identified by the set code “base1” and card number 17. The card’s rarity symbol and artwork are consistent with the original Base Set style.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 17 Rare 80 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this vintage card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean, dry hands to prevent oils and dirt transfer.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Beedrill #17 is part of the original Base Set, notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and straightforward gameplay mechanics. This card is a staple for collectors interested in early Grass-type Stage 2 Pokémon.

    Legality: unknown

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    Beedrill (Base Set) #17

  • Collector’s Guide: Dragonair (Base Set #18)

    Collector’s Guide: Dragonair (Base Set #18)

    Dragonair (Base Set #18) Collector’s Guide

    Dragonair

    Quick Facts

    Dragonair from the Base set is a Stage 1 Colorless-type Pokémon card with 80 HP. It evolves from Dratini and features two attacks: Slam, which deals 30 damage times the number of heads from flipping two coins, and Hyper Beam, which deals 20 damage and can discard an Energy attached to the Defending Pokémon. This card has a retreat cost of 2 and resistance to Psychic attacks (-30). It does not have any abilities or listed weaknesses.

    The card is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and is classified as Rare. Its flavor text describes Dragonair as “A mystical Pokémon that exudes a gentle aura. Has the ability to change climate conditions.”

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 18
    • Rarity: Rare
    • HP: 80
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants or regulation marks. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 18. The card is part of the original Base set, making it a classic collectible for fans of early Pokémon TCG releases.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Dragonair card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and hard case to prevent edge wear and surface scratches.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid fading of the artwork and text.
    – Maintain a stable, low-humidity environment to prevent warping or moisture damage.
    – Handle with clean hands or use gloves to avoid oils and dirt transfer.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Dragonair #18 is a staple Stage 1 card from the original Pokémon TCG release. Its combination of moderate HP, versatile attacks, and Psychic resistance made it a useful card in early gameplay. The artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita is iconic and highly regarded among collectors.
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 18 Rare 80 Mitsuhiro Arita

    Legality: unknown

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    Dragonair (Base Set) #18

  • Collector’s Guide: Charmeleon (Base Set #24)

    Collector’s Guide: Charmeleon (Base Set #24)

    Charmeleon (Base Set #24) Collector’s Guide

    Charmeleon Base 24

    Quick Facts

    Charmeleon from the Base Set is a Stage 1 Fire-type Pokémon card with 80 HP. It evolves from Charmander and features two attacks: Slash, which deals 30 damage for three Colorless Energy, and Flamethrower, which deals 50 damage but requires discarding a Fire Energy attached to Charmeleon. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and is weak to Water-type attacks (×2). It carries the flavor text: “When it swings its burning tail, it raises the temperature to unbearably high levels.” The card was illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and is classified as Uncommon rarity.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 24
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • HP: 80
    • Type: Fire
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Charmander)
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants or regulation marks. It is identified by the set code “base1” and card number “24.” The card is part of the original Base Set, making it a foundational piece for collectors of early Pokémon TCG cards.

    set_namerelease_datenumberrarityhpillustrator
    Base24Uncommon80Mitsuhiro Arita

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Charmeleon card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: This Charmeleon card is a classic Stage 1 Fire-type from the original Base Set, notable for its iconic artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita and balanced attack options. It remains a popular collectible due to its nostalgic value and role in early gameplay.

    Legality: unknown

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    Charmeleon (Base Set) #24

  • Collector’s Guide: Dugtrio (Base Set #19)

    Collector’s Guide: Dugtrio (Base Set #19)

    Dugtrio (Base Set #19) Collector’s Guide

    Dugtrio Base 19

    Quick Facts

    Dugtrio from the Base Set (#19) is a Fighting-type Stage 1 Pokémon with 70 HP. It evolves from Diglett and features two attacks: Slash, dealing 40 damage, and Earthquake, which deals 70 damage but also inflicts 10 damage to each of your own Benched Pokémon. This card has a weakness to Grass (×2), resistance to Lightning (-30), and a retreat cost of 2. The card’s flavor text highlights Dugtrio as a team of triplets that cause massive earthquakes by burrowing deep underground.

    Key Printings

    This specific printing is from the original Base Set, identified by the set code “base1” and card number 19. It is classified as a Rare card and illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this card. Key identifiers include its Fighting type, Stage 1 subtype, and the unique combination of attacks and resistances.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To maintain the card’s condition and value, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially the illustrated area by Keiji Kinebuchi.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Dugtrio #19 is part of the foundational Pokémon TCG set, featuring classic artwork and gameplay mechanics. It holds nostalgic and collector value as an early representation of the Fighting-type Pokémon.
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 19 Rare 70 Keiji Kinebuchi

    Legality: unknown

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    Dugtrio (Base Set) #19

  • Collector’s Guide: Electabuzz (Base Set #20)

    Collector’s Guide: Electabuzz (Base Set #20)

    Electabuzz (Base Set #20) Collector’s Guide

    Electabuzz

    Quick Facts

    Electabuzz from the Base Set (#20) is a Basic Lightning-type Pokémon card with 70 HP. It features two attacks: Thundershock, which can paralyze the opponent’s Pokémon on a coin flip, and Thunderpunch, a potentially high-damage attack that risks Electabuzz hurting itself. This card has a retreat cost of 2 and a Fighting-type weakness (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as Rare.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 20
    • Rarity: Rare
    • HP: 70
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This Electabuzz printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 20. The card’s subtype is Basic, and it does not evolve from any other Pokémon.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 20 Rare 70 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Electabuzz card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve or top loader.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: This Electabuzz is part of the original Base Set, known for its iconic artwork by Ken Sugimori and foundational role in the Pokémon TCG. It is a solid Lightning-type attacker with status effect potential and moderate HP.

    Summary

    This Electabuzz card is a classic collectible from the Base Set with solid gameplay utility and iconic artwork. Its legality status is unknown, so collectors should verify tournament rules before play. The card’s rarity and nostalgic value make it a desirable piece for collectors focusing on early Pokémon TCG history.

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    Electabuzz (Base Set) #20

  • Collector’s Guide: Electrode (Base Set #21)

    Collector’s Guide: Electrode (Base Set #21)

    Collector’s Guide: Electrode (Base Set #21)

    Electrode Base 21

    Quick Facts

    Electrode from the Base Set (#21) is a Stage 1 Lightning-type Pokémon with 80 HP. It evolves from Voltorb and features the unique Pokémon Power Buzzap, allowing it to be Knocked Out and attached as an Energy card providing two Energy of a chosen type. Its attack, Electric Shock, deals 50 damage but risks Electrode damaging itself on a coin flip. This card is illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi and is classified as Rare.

    • HP: 80
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Voltorb)
    • Ability: Buzzap (Pokémon Power)
    • Attack: Electric Shock (50 damage, with a self-damage risk)
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 1

    Key Printings

    This Electrode card is from the original Base Set, one of the most iconic and foundational sets in the Pokémon TCG. It has no known regulation mark or release date. The card is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, with its overall legality status listed as unknown.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this Electrode card. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 21. The card’s rarity is Rare, and it is part of the Base Set series.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the value and condition of this Electrode card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially the holographic areas if applicable. Proper storage in a rigid card holder or binder is recommended.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: This Electrode card is a classic from the original Base Set, notable for its strategic Pokémon Power Buzzap and solid 80 HP. It represents early game mechanics and is a collectible piece for fans of the original TCG era.
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 21 Rare 80 Keiji Kinebuchi

    Legality: unknown

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    Electrode (Base Set) #21

  • Collector’s Guide: Pidgeotto (Base Set #22)

    Collector’s Guide: Pidgeotto (Base Set #22)

    Collector’s Guide: Pidgeotto (Base Set #22)

    Pidgeotto

    Quick Facts

    • Pokémon: Pidgeotto
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Pidgey)
    • HP: 60
    • Type: Colorless
    • Rarity: Rare
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 22
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This guide covers the original Base Set printing of Pidgeotto, card number 22. It features two attacks:
    – Whirlwind: Deals 20 damage and forces the opponent to switch their Defending Pokémon with one of their Benched Pokémon after damage is applied.
    – Mirror Move: If Pidgeotto was attacked last turn, this attack replicates the final result of that attack on the Defending Pokémon.

    The card has a retreat cost of 1, a Fighting resistance (-30), and a Lightning weakness (×2). The flavor text reads:
    “Very protective of its sprawling territory, this Pokémon will fiercely peck at any intruder.”

    Variants & Identifiers

    • No known print variants exist for this exact printing.
    • The card is identified by set code base1 and number 22.
    • It carries no regulation mark.
    • The rarity symbol denotes it as Rare.
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 22 Rare 60 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this vintage card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card holder.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    – Handle with clean hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: This Pidgeotto is part of the original Base Set, notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and foundational gameplay mechanics. It remains a sought-after card for collectors interested in early Pokémon TCG history.

    This Pidgeotto card is a classic collectible from the Base Set, valued for its nostalgic appeal and iconic design. Its legality status is unknown, so collectors should verify tournament rules if planning to use it in play.

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    Pidgeotto (Base Set) #22

  • Collector’s Guide: Arcanine (Base Set #23)

    Collector’s Guide: Arcanine (Base Set #23)

    Collector’s Guide: Arcanine (Base Set #23)

    Arcanine Base 23

    Quick Facts

    • Pokémon: Arcanine
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Growlithe)
    • HP: 100
    • Type: Fire
    • Rarity: Uncommon
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Water (×2)
    • Abilities: None
    • Attacks:
    • Flamethrower: Deals 50 damage; requires discarding 1 Fire Energy attached to Arcanine.
    • Take Down: Deals 80 damage but causes Arcanine to do 30 damage to itself.
    • Flavor Text: “A Pokémon that has been long admired for its beauty. It runs gracefully, as if on wings.”
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Arcanine, card number 23. This is the only known printing with these exact attributes and artwork by Ken Sugimori.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Name: Base
    • Set Code: base1
    • Card Number: 23
    • Subtype: Stage 1
    • Regulation Mark: None
    • Print Variants: None known
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 23 Uncommon 100 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To maintain the condition of this vintage card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight and moisture. Given its age and rarity, handle with clean hands and consider using a top loader or graded case for long-term preservation.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original printing of Arcanine features classic Ken Sugimori artwork and solid Fire-type attacks. It is a Stage 1 evolution with respectable HP and a moderate retreat cost, fitting the early game mechanics of the Base Set. This card is not legal in current Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, with legality listed as unknown.

    This Arcanine card remains a sought-after piece for collectors of the Base Set era, notable for its iconic artwork and nostalgic value.

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    Arcanine (Base Set) #23