Collector’s Guide: Meowth (Base Set 2 #80)

Quick Facts

Meowth from the Base Set 2 is a Basic, Colorless-type Pokémon card with 50 HP. It features a single attack, Pay Day, which costs two Colorless Energy and deals 10 damage; on a coin flip, heads allows you to draw a card. This card has a Fighting-type weakness (×2) and a Psychic resistance (-30). The card is illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and is classified as Common rarity.

Key Printings

• Set: Base Set 2
• Card Number: 80
• Rarity: Common
• HP: 50
• Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
• Attack: Pay Day (Flip a coin; if heads, draw a card; 10 damage)
• Type: Colorless
• Stage: Basic
• Weakness: Fighting ×2
• Resistance: Psychic -30
• Retreat Cost: 1

Variants & Identifiers

This exact printing of Meowth from Base Set 2 has no known print variants. It does not evolve from any Pokémon and has no abilities. The card’s flavor text reads:
Adores circular objects. Wanders the streets on a nightly basis to look for dropped loose change.

The card’s legality status is unknown, and it is not legal in Standard, Expanded, or Unlimited formats.

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this Meowth 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. Using a rigid top loader or a binder with individual pockets is recommended for long-term storage.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Base Set 2: This set reprints many cards from the original Base Set and Jungle expansions, including this Meowth. It is known for its nostalgic value and features classic Pokémon with simple mechanics. Meowth fits the set’s theme as a straightforward Basic Pokémon with a useful card-drawing attack.

This guide covers the exact printing of Meowth from Base Set 2, card number 80, illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita. Its simplicity and classic design make it a staple for collectors interested in early Pokémon TCG history.