Tag: Collector’s Guide

  • Collector’s Guide: Sandshrew (Base Set #62)

    Collector’s Guide: Sandshrew (Base Set #62)

    Sandshrew (Base Set #62) Collector’s Guide

    Sandshrew


    Quick Facts

    • Pokémon: Sandshrew
    • HP: 40
    • Type: Fighting
    • Stage: Basic
    • Rarity: Common
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 62
    • Legality: unknown

    Sandshrew is a Basic Fighting-type Pokémon with 40 HP. It features a single attack, Sand-attack, which deals 10 damage and can potentially prevent the opponent’s next attack if a coin flip results in tails. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and resists Lightning attacks (-30 damage), but is weak to Grass (×2 damage). The flavor text notes that Sandshrew burrows deep underground in arid locations and only emerges to hunt for food.


    Key Printings

    This guide focuses exclusively on the original Base Set printing of Sandshrew, card number 62. This printing is notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and its status as a common card in the foundational Base set of the Pokémon TCG.


    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Code: base1
    • Subtypes: Basic
    • Types: Fighting
    • Weakness: Grass (×2)
    • Resistance: Lightning (-30)
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Attack: Sand-attack (10 damage) with a coin flip effect
    • Evolves From: None (Basic Pokémon)
    • Print Variants: None reported

    Care & Storage Tips

    To maintain the condition and value of this Base Set Sandshrew card, collectors should:
    – Store the card in a protective sleeve or top loader to prevent surface scratches.
    – Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid fading of the Ken Sugimori illustration.
    – Maintain a stable, low-humidity environment to prevent warping or moisture damage.
    – Handle the card by its edges to avoid fingerprints and oils on the surface.


    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Sandshrew #62 is part of the original Base set, which introduced many iconic Pokémon cards. This common Fighting-type Basic Pokémon card is a staple for collectors interested in early TCG history and features classic artwork by Ken Sugimori.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 62 Common 40 Ken Sugimori

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    Sandshrew (Base Set) #62

  • Collector’s Guide: Squirtle (Base Set #63)

    Collector’s Guide: Squirtle (Base Set #63)

    Squirtle (Base Set #63) Collector’s Guide

    Quick Facts

    Squirtle from the Base Set (#63) is a Basic Water-type Pokémon card with 40 HP. It features two attacks: Bubble, which deals 10 damage and can paralyze the opponent’s Pokémon on a coin flip, and Withdraw, which can prevent all damage to Squirtle during the opponent’s next turn if a coin flip is heads. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and a weakness to Lightning-type attacks (×2). It is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and classified as a Common rarity.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 63
    • Rarity: Common
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • HP: 40
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Basic

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants or alternate regulation marks. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 63. The card’s image can be referenced at /images/base1/base1-63.jpg.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and a 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 Squirtle card is part of the original Base Set, known for its iconic artwork and foundational gameplay mechanics. It features classic attacks and straightforward abilities typical of early Pokémon TCG cards.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 63 Common 40 Mitsuhiro Arita

    Legality: unknown

    Squirtle (Base Set) #63

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    Squirtle (Base Set) #63

  • Collector’s Guide: Starmie (Base Set #64)

    Collector’s Guide: Starmie (Base Set #64)

    Collector’s Guide: Starmie (Base Set #64)

    Starmie Base 64


    Quick Facts

    Starmie is a Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon from the original Base Set of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It evolves from Staryu and has 60 HP. This card features two attacks: Recover, which allows you to discard a Water Energy to remove all damage counters from Starmie, and Star Freeze, which deals 20 damage and may paralyze the opponent’s Pokémon on a coin flip. Starmie has a retreat cost of 1 and a weakness to Lightning-type attacks (×2). The card is illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi and is classified as Common rarity.

    • HP: 60
    • Type: Water
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Staryu)
    • Attacks: Recover, Star Freeze
    • Weakness: Lightning ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Rarity: Common
    • Set: Base
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    • Base Set (Set Code: base1)
      The original printing of Starmie (#64) is part of the Base Set, the very first set released for the Pokémon TCG. This printing is notable for its classic artwork and straightforward gameplay mechanics.

    Variants & Identifiers

    This Starmie card has no known print variants or special regulation marks. It is identified by:

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 64 Common 60 Keiji Kinebuchi
    • Card ID: base1-64
    • Illustrator: Keiji Kinebuchi
    • Flavor Text: “Its central core glows with the seven colors of the rainbow. Some people value this core as a gem.”
    • Image URL: /images/base1/base1-64.jpg

    Care & Storage Tips

    To maintain the condition and value of your Starmie Base Set card:

    • Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or binder.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork.
    • 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: Starmie #64 debuted here as a reliable Water-type Stage 1 Pokémon with healing and paralysis capabilities. Its simple yet effective attacks made it a versatile card for early gameplay strategies.

    This guide covers the exact Base Set printing of Starmie (#64). Legality status for tournament play is unknown.

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    Starmie (Base Set) #64

  • Collector’s Guide: Ponyta (Base Set #60)

    Collector’s Guide: Ponyta (Base Set #60)

    Ponyta (Base Set #60) Collector’s Guide

    Ponyta

    Quick Facts

    Ponyta from the Base set is a Basic Fire-type Pokémon card with 40 HP. It features two attacks: Smash Kick, dealing 20 damage for two Colorless Energy, and Flame Tail, dealing 30 damage for two Fire Energy. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and a Water-type weakness (×2). Its flavor text highlights Ponyta’s hooves being “10 times harder than diamonds,” emphasizing its strength and speed.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 60
    • Rarity: Common
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 60. The card is a Basic stage Pokémon with subtype Basic and Fire type.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 60 Common 40 Ken Sugimori

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition of this vintage Base set Ponyta card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid handling the card with bare hands to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: This Ponyta card is part of the original Base set, notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and straightforward gameplay mechanics. It is not currently legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats, with overall legality listed as unknown.

    This guide covers the exact Ponyta Base set printing, providing collectors with essential information for identification and preservation.

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    Ponyta (Base Set) #60

  • Collector’s Guide: Rattata (Base Set #61)

    Collector’s Guide: Rattata (Base Set #61)

    Collector’s Guide: Rattata (Base Set #61)

    Rattata

    Quick Facts

    • Pokémon: Rattata
    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 61
    • Rarity: Common
    • HP: 30
    • Type: Colorless
    • Stage: Basic
    • Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
    • Attack: Bite (20 damage, costs 1 Colorless Energy)
    • Weakness: Fighting (×2)
    • Resistance: Psychic (-30)
    • Retreat Cost: 0
    • Flavor Text: “Bites anything when it attacks. Small and very quick, it is a common sight in many places.”
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Rattata, card number 61. It features classic artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita and is notable for its low HP and simple attack, reflecting the early design philosophy of the Pokémon TCG.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Code: base1
    • Subtypes: Basic
    • Print Variants: None documented for this exact printing
    • Regulation Mark: None
    • Legal Status: unknown
    • Market Reference Query: “Rattata Base 61”

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Base Set Rattata card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card holder.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork and text.
    – 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: The original release of the Pokémon TCG, featuring foundational cards like this Rattata. This set introduced many collectors to the game and remains iconic for its classic art and simple gameplay mechanics.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 61 Common 30 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Rattata (Base Set) #61

  • Collector’s Guide: Poliwag (Base Set #59)

    Collector’s Guide: Poliwag (Base Set #59)

    Poliwag (Base Set #59) Collector’s Guide

    Quick Facts

    Poliwag from the Base Set (#59) is a Basic Water-type Pokémon card with 40 HP. It features a single attack, Water Gun, which deals 10 damage plus an additional 10 damage for each extra Water Energy attached (up to two). The card has a retreat cost of 1 and a Grass-type weakness (×2). Illustrated by Ken Sugimori, this Common rarity card is part of the original Base Set series.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 59
    • Rarity: Common
    • HP: 40
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Image:

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants or alternate versions. It does not have a regulation mark or a specified release date. The card is classified as Basic stage with no abilities and no evolutions from other Pokémon.

    Care & Storage Tips

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

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Poliwag #59 is a straightforward Basic Water-type Pokémon card with a simple but scalable Water Gun attack. It reflects the early design and gameplay mechanics of the original Pokémon TCG era.

    Legality

    • Standard: unknown
    • Expanded: unknown
    • Unlimited: unknown

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 59 Common 40 Ken Sugimori

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    Poliwag (Base Set) #59

  • Collector’s Guide: Pikachu (Base Set #58)

    Collector’s Guide: Pikachu (Base Set #58)

    Pikachu (Base Set #58) Collector’s Guide

    Pikachu Base 58

    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.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 58 Common 40 Mitsuhiro Arita

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    Pikachu (Base Set) #58

  • Collector’s Guide: Magnemite (Base Set #53)

    Collector’s Guide: Magnemite (Base Set #53)

    Collector’s Guide: Magnemite (Base Set #53)

    Magnemite Base 53


    Quick Facts

    Magnemite from the Base set (#53) is a Basic Lightning-type Pokémon card with 40 HP. It features two attacks: Thunder Wave, which has a chance to paralyze the opponent’s Active Pokémon, and Selfdestruct, which deals damage to all Benched Pokémon and Magnemite itself. This card is illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi and classified as Common rarity. Its retreat cost is 1, and it has a Fighting-type weakness (×2). The card does not have any abilities or resistances.

    • HP: 40
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Basic
    • Weakness: Fighting ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Rarity: Common
    • Illustrator: Keiji Kinebuchi
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Magnemite, card number 53. It is part of the foundational Pokémon TCG set that introduced many players to the game.


    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Name: Base
    • Set Code: base1
    • Card Number: 53
    • Rarity: Common
    • Print Variants: None documented for this exact printing
    • Regulation Mark: None
    • Release Date: Unknown
    • Legality: unknown

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Base Set Magnemite card:

    • Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card holder.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork and text.
    • 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 Magnemite is part of the original 1999 Pokémon TCG Base Set, which laid the groundwork for all future expansions. It features classic artwork and straightforward gameplay mechanics, making it a nostalgic piece for collectors and players alike.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 53 Common 40 Keiji Kinebuchi

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    Magnemite (Base Set) #53

  • Collector’s Guide: Metapod (Base Set #54)

    Collector’s Guide: Metapod (Base Set #54)

    Metapod (Base Set #54) Collector’s Guide

    Metapod Base 54

    Quick Facts

    Metapod from the Base Set is a Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon card with 70 HP. It evolves from Caterpie and features two attacks: Stiffen, which can prevent damage on a coin flip, and Stun Spore, which deals 20 damage and may paralyze the opponent’s Pokémon. The card has a retreat cost of 2 and a Fire-type weakness (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Common rarity. The card’s legality status is unknown.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 54
    • Rarity: Common
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • HP: 70
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 1 (evolves from Caterpie)
    • Attacks: Stiffen (damage prevention), Stun Spore (20 damage + possible Paralysis)

    Variants & Identifiers

    This printing of Metapod does not have any known print variants. It is identified by the set code “base1” and card number 54. The card’s regulation mark and release date are unknown.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Base Set Metapod 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 card art and text.
    – Maintain a stable, low-humidity environment to prevent warping.
    – Handle with clean hands or gloves to avoid oils and dirt.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: This Metapod card is part of the original Base Set, notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and straightforward gameplay mechanics. It represents the early era of Pokémon TCG with simple but effective abilities and attacks.
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 54 Common 70 Ken Sugimori

    Legality: unknown

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    Metapod (Base Set) #54

  • Collector’s Guide: Nidoran ♂ (Base Set #55)

    Collector’s Guide: Nidoran ♂ (Base Set #55)

    Collector’s Guide: Nidoran ♂ (Base Set #55)

    Nidoran ♂


    Quick Facts

    • Pokémon: Nidoran ♂
    • HP: 40
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Basic
    • Rarity: Common
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 55
    • Legality: unknown

    Nidoran ♂ from the Base Set is a Basic Grass-type Pokémon with 40 HP. It features a single attack, Horn Hazard, which deals 30 damage but requires a coin flip to succeed. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2). There are no abilities or resistances listed.


    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Nidoran ♂, card number 55. This printing is notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and its role as a common Basic Pokémon in the foundational set of the Pokémon TCG.


    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Code: base1
    • Subtypes: Basic
    • Print Variants: None documented
    • Regulation Mark: None
    • Flavor Text: “Stiffens its ears to sense danger. The larger, more powerful of its horns secretes venom.”
    • Market Reference Query: “Nidoran ♂ Base 55”

    No alternate printings or special variants are recorded for this exact card.


    Care & Storage Tips

    To maintain the condition and value of this Base Set Nidoran ♂ card:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card holder.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork and text.
    – Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures to prevent warping or damage.
    – Handle with clean hands or gloves to avoid oils and dirt.


    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 55 Common 40 Ken Sugimori
    • Base Set: The original release featuring Nidoran ♂ as a common Basic Grass-type Pokémon. This card is a staple for collectors interested in the earliest era of the Pokémon TCG.

    This Nidoran ♂ card remains a popular collectible due to its iconic artwork and status as part of the foundational Base Set. Its legality status is unknown, so collectors should verify current tournament rules if intending to use it in play.

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    Nidoran ♂ (Base Set) #55