BASE SET
Machamp #8
Base Set
First Edition
Green Dot Error
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
This card was included in the Base Set, first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. A 1st Edition version of this card was included in the 2-Player Starter Set.
PSA does not recognize the error on their labels, and CGC only has a pop of 1 in GEM MT 10 on their registry. Resale values, as one could imagine, tend to be much higher than regular base cards because of the high demand.
Machamp punches with its’ four arms at blinding speed. It can launch 1,000 punches in two seconds.
Venusaur #15
1999 Base Set
First Edition
Beckett Grade: MINT 9
Centering: 9.5
Edges: 9
Corners: 8.5
Surface: 9
Included in the Base Set with artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita, Venusaur was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was reprinted in the Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection expansions. The Base Set print was later rereleased in the Celebrations expansion’s Classic Collection for the Pokemon 25th Anniversary. While it basks in the sun, Venusaur can convert the light into energy. As a result, it is more powerful in the summertime.
Dugtrio #19
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
This card was included in the Base Set, first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was reprinted in the Base Set 2 Expansion. This particular card was illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi.
Dugtrio’s three heads bob separately up and down to loosen the soil nearby, making it easier for it to burrow.
Electabuzz #20
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
This Ken Sugimori illustrated card was included in the Base Set, first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was reprinted in the Base Set 2 expansion.
Electabuzz’s body constantly discharges electricity. Getting close to it will make your hair stand on end.
Arcanine #23
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
This Ken Sugimori illustrated card was included in the Base Set, first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was reprinted in the Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection expansions.
An ancient picture scroll shows that people were captivated by arcanine’s movement as it ran through prairies.
Dewgong #25
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, this Dewgong was included in the Base Set, first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was also reprinted in the Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection expansions.
Dewgong sleeps under shallow ocean waters during the day, then looks for food at night when it’s colder.
Farfetch’d #27
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
The card was included in the Base Set, with artwork by Ken Sugimori, first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack.
Farfetch’d can’t live without the stalk it holds. That’s why it defends the stalk from attackers with its life.
Haunter 29/102
1999 Base Set
First Edition
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
Haunter was included in the Base Set, illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi, and was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was also reprinted in the Base Set 2 expansion.
Kadabra 32/102
1999 Base Set
First Edition
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
Another Ken Sugimori illustrated card, Kadabra was included in the Base Set, first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was reprinted in the Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection expansions. Using its psychic power, Kadabra levitates as it sleeps. It uses its springy tail as a pillow.
Magmar #36
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Ken Sugimori illustrated this fiery Base Set pokemon, which was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was also reprinted in the Base Set 2 expansion.
Found near the mouth of a volcano, Magmar’s fire-breather’s body temperature is nearly 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Raticate #40
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Another Ken Sugimori illustrated card, Raticate is a Base Set pokemon first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was also reprinted in the Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection expansions.
Raticate’s hind feet are webbed. They act as flippers, so it can swim in rivers and hunt for prey.
Charmander #46
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
A Mitsuhiro Arita illustration, Charmander was included in the Base Set and was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack.
The flame on its tail shows the strength of its life-force. If Charmander is weak, the flame also burns weakly.
Diglett #47
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Reprinted in the Japanese Intro Pack and the English Base Set 2 expansion, this Keiki Kinebuchi card was included in the Base Set and was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack.
Diglett lives about one-yard underground, where it feeds on plant roots. It also sometimes appears aboveground.
Drowzee #49
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Included in the Base Set, Drowzee was included in the Base Set, but was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. This Ken Sugimori illustration was reprinted in the Bulbasaur Deck of the Japanese Intro Pack, and was later reprinted in the Base Set 2 expansion.
Drowzee remembers every dream it eats. It rarely eats the dreams of adults because children’s are much tastier.
Koffing #51
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Koffing was included in the Base Set with artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita, first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack.
Koffing is based on air pollution and meteorites. Sometimes, it can over-inflate itself and explode. It appears as a floating space-rock with several gas vent holes that expel its fumes.
Machop #52
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Airta, Machop was included in the Base Set, first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was also reprinted in the Squirtle Deck of the Japanese Intro Pack, and reprinted again in the Base Set 2 expansion.
Machop’s whole body is composed of muscles. Even though it’s the size of a human child, it can hurl 100 grown-ups.
Magnemite #53
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Magnemite was included in the Base Set, illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi, it was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was also reprinted in the Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection expansions.
The electromagnetic waves emitted by the units at the sides of its head expel antigravity, which allows it to float.
Onix #56
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
This Ken Sugimori illustrated Onix was included in the Base Set, but was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. It was also reprinted in the Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection expansions.
As it digs through the ground, it absorbs many hard objects. This is what makes Onix’s body so solid.
Poliwag #59
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Illustrated by Ken Sugimori, Poliwag was included in the Base Set, first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. In Japan, however, the card was reprinted with artwork by Hiroyuki Sasaki. The famous swirl on its’ belly is Poliwag’s insides showing through the skin, and it appears more clearly after Poliwag eats.
Ponyta #60
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Ponyta was included in the Base Set, and was illustrated by Ken Sugimori. First released in the Japanese Expansion Pack, it was also reprinted in the Legendary Collection expansion. About an hour after birth, Ponyta’s fiery mane and tail grow out, giving the Pokémon an impressive appearance.
Rattata #61
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Rattata was included in the Base Set, illustrated by infamous Mitsuhiro Arita. First released in the Japanese Expansion Pack, it was also reprinted in the Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection expansions. This pokemon chews on anything with its fangs. If you see one, you can be certain that 40 more live in the area.
Sandshrew #62
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Another Ken Sugimori illustration, this card was included in the Base Set. Sandshrew was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack, and would be reprinted in both Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection expansions. It digs deep burrows to live in; and when in danger, it rolls up its body to withstand attacks.
Tangela #66
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Included in the Base Set, Tangela was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. Tangela was also reprinted in the Base Set 2 expansion and illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita.
Hidden beneath a tangle of vines that grows nonstop even if the vines are torn off, this Pokémon’s true appearance remains a mystery.
Vulpix #68
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Illustrated by Ken Sugimori, Vulpix was included in the Base Set, and would also be first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack. The pokemon was also reprinted in the Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection expansions.
Several of the Base Set and Base Set 2 prints have the HP read “HP 50” instead of “50 HP.” Interestingly, “HP xx” became the standard from Generation IV forward. If it is attacked by an enemy that is stronger than itself, Vulpix feigns injury to fool the enemy and escapes.
Maintenance #83
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi, Maintenance was released as a Trainer Card in the Base Set. First released in the Japanese Expansions Pack, it would later be reprinted (with the same artwork) in the Base Set 2 expansion.
Pokemon Center #85
Base Set
First Edition
Beckett Grade: GEM MT 9.5
Pokemon Center was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack, but it was also included in the Base Set with artwork by Keiji Kinebuchi.
On the Base Set print of this card, "Pocket Monsters" can be clearly seen on the English translation of the card. This is one of the few times that the English cards refer to Pokémon as "Pocket Monsters".
Fire Energy 98/102
1999 Base Set
First Edition
CGC Grade: GEM MT 10
One of the original Basic Energy cards, Fire Energy was released at the beginning of the Trading Card Game in the Expansion Pack in Japan and Base Set internationally. Illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi, the Base Set 2, Gym Heroes, Gym Challenge and Neo Genesis expansions all reprinted this card. Prior to the Expedition Base Set Set, all Basic Energy cards credited to Kinebuchi as their illustrator. The Expedition, and all subsequent prints, do not list an illustrator credit.
Grass Energy #99
Base Set
First Edition
PSA Grade: GEM MT 10
Prior to the Expedition Base Set, all Basic Energy cards credited Keiji Kinebuchi as their illustrator; however, the Expedition (and all other subsequent prints) do not list an illustrator credit.