Collectors of Pokemon cards—especially those from the first series—know that the 1st edition Pikachu card has been one of the most sought-after and valuable cards since its release in 1999. Now more than two decades later, it’s still highly sought after and sought after by collectors. Let’s take a closer look at why this particular card is so popular with collectors.
The Rarity of the Card
The Pikachu card is part of a set of 102 cards released in 1999, known as Base Set 2 or Neo Genesis. Of these 102 cards, only three are considered rare: Charizard, Blastoise, and Pikachu. The rarity of these cards can be attributed to the fact that they were printed in much lower numbers than other cards in the set due to their popularity among collectors. As a result, there are only about 3500 copies of each card in existence today. It is estimated that about two thirds of them have been professionally graded for authenticity and condition by third party companies like Beckett Grading Services or Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA).
Unique Design Features
Another factor that makes the 1st edition Pikachu card special is its unique design features. The card features an illustration by Ken Sugimori, a Japanese illustrator who created many iconic Pokémon characters for Nintendo's Gameboy games. The card also features unique artwork elements such as gold foil on both sides, which was not present on any other Pokémon card from this era. This makes it stand out from other cards in the same set, making it even more desirable to collectors who want to showcase their prized possessions with pride!
The Value of the Card
Because this card is so rare and highly sought after by collectors, it carries quite a bit of value—roughly $25000 USD according to recent sales records! That being said, if you happen to have one tucked away somewhere in your collection you should definitely get it appraised as soon as possible! The value could increase even further over time if demand continues to stay high or if you find yourself lucky enough to have an especially well-preserved copy with beautiful artwork and vivid colors.
In conclusion, the 1st edition Pikachu Pokemon Card has become one of the most sought after and valuable cards among serious collectors since its debut almost two decades ago back in 1999. Its rarity combined with its unique design features make it highly desirable among avid fans and investors alike—so much so that even a single copy can fetch upwards of twenty-five thousand American dollars! If you happen to possess one tucked away somewhere amongst your collectibles then now might be a good time for appraisal!