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

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

    Venusaur (Base Set #15) Collector’s Guide

    base1-15

    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: Raichu (Base Set #14)

    Collector’s Guide: Raichu (Base Set #14)

    Collector’s Guide: Raichu (Base Set #14, Rare Holo)

    base1-14


    Quick Facts

    • Pokémon: Raichu
    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 14
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • HP: 80
    • Type: Lightning
    • Stage: Stage 1 (Evolves from Pikachu)
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Legality: unknown

    Raichu from the Base set is a classic Stage 1 Lightning-type Pokémon card featuring two attacks: Agility, which can prevent all effects of attacks during your opponent’s next turn if a coin flip is heads, and Thunder, a powerful attack that risks self-damage on tails. The card’s flavor text highlights Raichu’s long tail as a grounding tool to protect itself from its own electricity.


    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the original Base set printing of Raichu, card number 14, illustrated by Ken Sugimori. It is a Rare Holo variant, one of the more sought-after holographic cards from the foundational Pokémon TCG set.


    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Code: base1
    • Subtype: Stage 1
    • Retreat Cost: 1
    • Weakness: Fighting (×2)
    • No Abilities
    • No Regulation Mark
    • No Resistances
    • Print Variants: None documented for this exact printing

    Collectors can identify this card by its holofoil background, the classic Base set layout, and the Ken Sugimori artwork. The card’s number “14” and rarity symbol confirm its status as a Rare Holo from the original Base set.


    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the value and condition of this vintage holo card:

    • Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card saver.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
    • Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    • Handle with clean hands or gloves to prevent oils and dirt.
    • Keep in a stable environment to avoid warping or bending.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original launch set of the Pokémon TCG, featuring iconic Pokémon and simple mechanics. Raichu #14 is a key Lightning-type Stage 1 card with balanced offensive and defensive capabilities, reflecting the straightforward design of early Pokémon cards.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 14 Rare Holo 80 Ken Sugimori

    Legality: unknown

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    Raichu (Base Set) #14

  • Collector’s Guide: Poliwrath (Base Set #13)

    Collector’s Guide: Poliwrath (Base Set #13)

    Poliwrath (Base Set #13) Collector’s Guide

    base1-13

    Quick Facts

    Poliwrath from the Base Set is a Stage 2 Water-type Pokémon with 90 HP. It evolves from Poliwhirl and features two attacks: Water Gun, which deals 30 damage plus additional damage based on attached Water Energy, and Whirlpool, which deals 40 damage and can discard an Energy card from the opponent’s Pokémon. This card has a retreat cost of 3 and a Grass-type weakness (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Rare Holo.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 13
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • HP: 90
    • Stage: Stage 2
    • Type: Water
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This specific printing of Poliwrath has no known alternate print variants. It is identified by the set code base1 and card number 13. The card’s holofoil treatment and Ken Sugimori’s classic illustration style are key visual identifiers.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the value and condition of this Rare Holo Poliwrath:
    – Store in a protective sleeve and hard case to prevent scratches and bending.
    – Keep away from direct sunlight to avoid fading of the holofoil and artwork.
    – Maintain in a cool, dry environment to prevent warping or moisture damage.
    – Handle with clean hands or gloves to avoid oils and dirt on the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Poliwrath #13 is part of the original Base Set, known for its iconic artwork and foundational gameplay mechanics. This card exemplifies early Water-type strategies with its flexible Water Gun attack and disruptive Whirlpool move.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 13 Rare Holo 90 Ken Sugimori

    Legality: unknown

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    Poliwrath (Base Set) #13

  • Collector’s Guide: Ninetales (Base Set #12)

    Collector’s Guide: Ninetales (Base Set #12)

    Ninetales (Base Set #12) Collector’s Guide

    base1-12

    Quick Facts

    Ninetales from the Base Set (#12) is a Fire-type Stage 1 Pokémon with 80 HP. It evolves from Vulpix and features two attacks: Lure, which allows switching an opponent’s Active Pokémon with one of their Benched Pokémon, and Fire Blast, a powerful 80-damage attack requiring discarding a Fire Energy card. The card has a retreat cost of 1 and a Water-type weakness (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Rare Holo.

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Ninetales, identified by the set code “base1” and card number 12. It is a Rare Holo card, making it a sought-after collectible from the foundational Pokémon TCG series.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact printing. Key identifiers include:

    • Set Name: Base
    • Card Number: 12
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Stage: Stage 1
    • Type: Fire
    • Weakness: Water (×2)
    • Retreat Cost: 1

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the value and condition of this Rare Holo card, store it in a protective sleeve and keep it away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid bending or scratching the holofoil surface. Use a rigid top-loader or a graded card case for long-term storage.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original release that introduced Ninetales as a Stage 1 Fire-type Pokémon with strong offensive capabilities. This card is notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and its role in early competitive play.

    Legality

    The legality of this card is unknown.


    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 12 Rare Holo 80 Ken Sugimori

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    Ninetales (Base Set) #12

  • Collector’s Guide: Nidoking (Base Set #11)

    Collector’s Guide: Nidoking (Base Set #11)

    Nidoking (Base Set #11) Collector’s Guide

    Quick Facts

    Nidoking from the Base Set (#11) is a Stage 2 Grass-type Pokémon card with 90 HP. It features two attacks: Thrash, which involves a coin flip to determine extra damage or self-inflicted damage, and Toxic, which poisons the opponent’s Pokémon with increased poison damage. The card has a retreat cost of 3 and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Rare Holo.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the original Base Set, identified by the set code “base1” and card number 11. It is a Rare Holo card, making it a desirable collectible for fans of the earliest Pokémon TCG releases.

    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Name: Base
    • Card Number: 11
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Type: Grass
    • Stage: Stage 2 (evolves from Nidorino)
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Regulation Mark: None
    • Legality: unknown

    No alternate print variants are documented for this exact printing.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this Rare Holo Nidoking card:
    – 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 or use gloves to prevent oils and dirt.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Nidoking #11 is part of the foundational Pokémon TCG set, featuring classic artwork by Ken Sugimori and representing one of the original Stage 2 evolutions. Its Grass typing is unique compared to its usual Poison/Ground typing in other media.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 11 Rare Holo 90 Ken Sugimori

    base1-11

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    Nidoking (Base Set) #11

  • Collector’s Guide: Mewtwo (Base Set #10)

    Collector’s Guide: Mewtwo (Base Set #10)

    Collector’s Guide: Mewtwo (Base Set #10)

    base1-10


    Quick Facts

    Mewtwo from the Base set is a Basic Psychic-type Pokémon card with 60 HP. It features two attacks: Psychic, which deals 10 damage plus an additional 10 damage for each Energy attached to the Defending Pokémon, and Barrier, which allows you to discard a Psychic Energy to prevent all effects of attacks, including damage, done to Mewtwo during your opponent’s next turn. The card has a retreat cost of 3 and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and classified as a Rare Holo.

    • HP: 60
    • Type: Psychic
    • Stage: Basic
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Weakness: Psychic ×2
    • Retreat Cost: 3
    • Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
    • Flavor Text: “A scientist created this Pokémon after years of horrific gene-splicing and DNA engineering experiments.”
    • Legality: unknown

    Key Printings

    This guide focuses on the original Base Set printing of Mewtwo, card number 10. This version is notable for its classic Ken Sugimori artwork and holofoil treatment, making it a sought-after card for collectors of vintage Pokémon TCG cards.


    Variants & Identifiers

    • Set Name: Base
    • Set Code: base1
    • Card Number: 10
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • Print Variants: None documented for this exact printing
    • Regulation Mark: None
    • Legality: unknown

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the condition and value of this vintage holo card:

    • Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top loader or card holder.
    • Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the holofoil and card colors.
    • Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
    • Handle with clean hands or gloves to prevent oils and dirt from damaging the card surface.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original launch set of the Pokémon TCG, introducing iconic Pokémon like Mewtwo with classic artwork and simple yet strategic gameplay mechanics. This Mewtwo card is a cornerstone collectible from this foundational set.

    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 10 Rare Holo 60 Ken Sugimori

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    Mewtwo (Base Set) #10

  • Collector’s Guide: Magneton (Base Set #9)

    Collector’s Guide: Magneton (Base Set #9)

    Collector’s Guide: Magneton (Base Set #9, Rare Holo)

    base1-9

    Quick Facts

    Magneton is a Stage 1 Lightning-type Pokémon evolving from Magnemite. This card features 60 HP and two attacks: Thunder Wave, which can paralyze the opponent’s active Pokémon, and Selfdestruct, dealing damage to all Pokémon on both players’ Benches but also inflicting heavy damage to Magneton itself. It has a Fighting-type weakness (×2) and a retreat cost of 1. The card is illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi and is classified as a Rare Holo from the original Base set.

    Key Printings

    • Set: Base
    • Card Number: 9
    • Rarity: Rare Holo
    • HP: 60
    • Illustrator: Keiji Kinebuchi
    • Legality: unknown

    Variants & Identifiers

    This exact printing has no known print variants. It is identified by the set code base1-9 and the card number 9 in the Base set. The card does not have a regulation mark.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the holofoil and card condition, store Magneton in a protective sleeve away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid bending or scratching the card surface, especially the holographic area. Use a top-loader or a binder with individual pockets for added protection.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: Magneton #9 is part of the original Base set, notable for its classic artwork and foundational gameplay mechanics. This card’s combination of offensive and disruptive attacks makes it a memorable collectible from the early days of the Pokémon TCG.
    set_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 9 Rare Holo 60 Keiji Kinebuchi

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    Magneton (Base Set) #9

  • Collector’s Guide: Machamp (Base Set #8)

    Collector’s Guide: Machamp (Base Set #8)

    Machamp (Base Set #8) Collector’s Guide

    base1-8

    Quick Facts

    Machamp from the Base Set (#8) is a Stage 2 Fighting-type Pokémon card with 100 HP. It features the Pokémon Power Strikes Back, which deals 10 damage to an attacking Pokémon whenever Machamp is damaged by an opponent’s attack, provided Machamp is not Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed. Its sole attack, Seismic Toss, requires three Fighting Energy and one Colorless Energy to deal 60 damage. The card has a retreat cost of 3 and a weakness to Psychic-type attacks (×2). It is illustrated by Ken Sugimori and is classified as a Rare Holo.

    Key Printings

    This exact printing is from the original Base Set, one of the most iconic and sought-after sets in the Pokémon TCG. It is a Rare Holo card, making it a prized collectible for fans and players alike. The card evolves from Machoke and is notable for its combination of strong HP and a unique Pokémon Power that can retaliate against attackers.

    Variants & Identifiers

    There are no known print variants for this exact card. It can be identified by its set code base1-8, card number 8, and the Base Set symbol. The card’s rarity is Rare Holo, and it features the classic Ken Sugimori artwork.

    Care & Storage Tips

    To preserve the value and condition of this Machamp 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 area. Use a top loader or a card saver for additional protection during handling or display.

    Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

    • Base Set: The original launch set of the Pokémon TCG, featuring the first printings of many iconic Pokémon including Machamp. This set is highly collectible and marks the beginning of the Pokémon trading card phenomenon.

    Legality: unknown

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    Machamp (Base Set) #8

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

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

    Charmeleon (Base Set #24) Collector’s Guide

    base1-24

    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_name release_date number rarity hp illustrator
    Base 24 Uncommon 80 Mitsuhiro 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: Arcanine (Base Set #23)

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

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

    base1-23


    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