Below you’ll find out the most valuable cards from the 1999 Pokemon Base Set.
Join me as we scroll through the rarest, most sought-after artworks from the original set that laid the groundwork for a global phenomenon!
Best Pokémon cards in Base
Base
Interesting Facts About The Original 1999 Pokemon Base Set
1. First-Ever Pokémon TCG Set
The Pokémon Base Set was the very first set released for the Pokémon Trading Card Game in English. It was launched in the United States in January 1999 by Wizards of the Coast, the same company behind Magic: The Gathering.
2. Iconic “Charizard Craze”
The Base Set introduced the coveted holographic Charizard card (#4/102), which quickly became a fan favorite. It remains one of the most iconic and valuable cards in Pokémon TCG history, with pristine first edition copies selling for tens of thousands of dollars.
3. First Edition, Shadowless, and Unlimited Variants
The set was released in three distinct print runs:
- First Edition: Identified by the “1st Edition” stamp on the left side of the card.
- Shadowless: These lack the shadow along the right side of the image box and were printed immediately after the First Edition run.
- Unlimited: The most common print run, which added a shadow to the card’s image box.
4. The Original 102 Cards
The Base Set contained 102 cards, featuring Pokémon from the original 151 species, Trainer cards, and Energy cards. It focused on the Kanto region, showcasing Pokémon like Pikachu, Blastoise, and Venusaur.
5. Error Cards
Several error cards were part of the set, including:
- The Red Cheeks Pikachu: Early prints of Pikachu had red cheeks instead of yellow, matching its appearance in the animated series.
- Fighting Energy Symbol Error: Some Diglett cards mistakenly used a Fighting Energy symbol in the attack description.
- “1999-2000” Date Stamp: Some European Base Set cards had a different copyright date due to later production.
6. First Holofoil Cards
The Base Set introduced holofoil cards, with 16 holographic rares such as Mewtwo, Alakazam, and Gyarados. These shiny cards became a hallmark of Pokémon card collecting.
7. Base Set Design Origin
The English set was based on the original Japanese Pocket Monsters Card Game set released in October 1996. Wizards of the Coast adapted the cards for Western audiences while maintaining the original artwork by Ken Sugimori and other iconic Pokémon artists.
8. Original Packaging
The booster packs were sold in artwork featuring Charizard, Venusaur, Blastoise, and Pikachu, making them instantly recognizable. Each booster pack contained 11 cards, including one rare card.
9. Controversial Kadabra Card
The Base Set includes a Kadabra card (#32/102), which became a rarity in later years due to legal disputes involving illusionist Uri Geller, who claimed the card used his likeness without permission.
10. First Appearance of Trainer Cards
The Base Set introduced essential Trainer cards like Professor Oak, Bill, and Energy Removal. These cards established strategic mechanics that are still core to the Pokémon TCG today.
