A Brief History of the Base Set
The Base Set was first released in Japan as part of the Pocket Monsters Card Game in October 1996. It was later brought to the United States and other Western markets in January 1999 by Wizards of the Coast, the company that initially managed the game’s distribution outside Japan. This set sparked a Pokémon craze that quickly swept through schools, playgrounds, and card shops worldwide.
Comprised of 102 cards, the Base Set included fan-favorite Pokémon, Trainer cards, and Energy cards, all with a unique design that has become emblematic of the early days of the TCG. The introduction of holographic cards and competitive play mechanics made the set revolutionary at the time.
Key Cards in the Base Set
The Base Set is home to some of the most recognizable and valuable cards in the history of the Pokémon TCG. Here are a few highlights:
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Charizard (Holo)
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Easily the most famous card from the Base Set, this holographic Charizard has achieved legendary status among collectors. Its iconic artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita and high playability made it a must-have card.
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Current market value: $300–$15,000+, depending on condition and grading.
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Blastoise (Holo)
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The powerful water-type starter evolution was another highly sought-after card. Its clean design and strong stats made it a fan favorite.
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Current market value: $100–$5,000+.
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Venusaur (Holo)
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The third starter evolution, Venusaur, rounded out the trifecta of holographic cards representing the Kanto starters.
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Current market value: $100–$4,000+.
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Pikachu (Yellow Cheeks and Red Cheeks Variants)
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Pikachu cards were printed with two different cheek colors, with the red-cheeks variant being more rare and valuable.
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Current market value: $30–$1,000+.
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Mewtwo (Holo)
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As one of the most powerful Pokémon in the series, Mewtwo’s holographic card was a prized possession.
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Current market value: $150–$4,000+.
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Other notable cards include Alakazam, Gyarados, and Hitmonchan, each with stunning holographic designs.
Variants and Errors
The Base Set has several notable variants and errors, which add to its mystique:
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Shadowless Cards: Early print runs of the Base Set lacked the shadow on the right side of the card’s border. These “shadowless” cards are rarer and more valuable than the standard versions.
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1st Edition Cards: The first wave of Base Set cards featured a “1st Edition” stamp, making them extremely desirable to collectors.
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Errors: Misprints, such as incorrect energy symbols or alignment issues, also add unique value to certain cards.
Current Market Prices
The value of Base Set cards varies widely depending on their condition, rarity, and whether they’ve been graded by professional services like PSA or Beckett. Here are general price ranges for some key categories:
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1st Edition Shadowless Holo Cards: $1,000–$30,000+ (PSA 10).
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Unlimited Holo Cards: $50–$3,000+.
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Commons/Uncommons: $1–$50, with rare exceptions.
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Sealed Booster Packs: $500–$2,500, depending on print run and condition.
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Sealed Booster Boxes: $15,000–$50,000+.
Where to Buy Base Set Cards
If you’re looking to add Base Set cards to your collection, TradingCards.gg is the perfect place to start. From individual cards to booster packs, you can find a wide variety of options to suit your collecting goals and budget. Keep an eye on auctions and listings for rare 1st Edition and shadowless cards to snag the best deals.
Why the Base Set Remains Iconic
The Base Set is more than just a collection of cards—it’s a piece of Pokémon history. For many fans, these cards represent the joy and excitement of discovering Pokémon for the first time. The simple yet elegant designs, combined with the rarity and nostalgia, ensure that the Base Set will always hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and players alike.
Whether you’re hunting for a specific card or just enjoying the nostalgia, the Base Set offers a timeless experience that continues to inspire new generations of Pokémon fans.
Ready to start your journey into Pokémon’s most iconic set? Visit TradingCards.gg today and explore our collection of Base Set cards, packs, and more!
