Since its debut in 1996, the Pokémon Trading Card Game has become increasingly popular not just among players of the game, but among collectors of rare and valuable cards as well, and one such collectible was auctioned off by Heritage Auctions for over a thousand dollars.
According to Heritage Auctions, the card in question is a first-edition Pikachu card from the American Base Set published by Wizards of the Coast in 1999. The PSA has certified 879 copies of this card variant, which earned it the Gem Mint 10 grade. The card sold for $1,380.00.
While any card from the Pokémon Trading Card Game‘s original Base Set is sought after by collectors, this card is particularly valuable because it is one of two possible variants of the card. When this set was initially released, Pikachu could be found with red or yellow cheeks, each with about equal frequency. This card is a “Yellow Cheeks” variant, making it even harder to come across for collectors than the average card from the Base Set.
Not only is this card a rare variant, but it is also in remarkably good condition, with a PSA rating of Gem Mint 10 which, according to the PSA Grading Scale, means the card is virtually perfect. In addition to being completely free of stains, marks or imperfections, Gem Mint 10 cards feature “four perfectly sharp corners, sharp focus and full original gloss.”
The “Yellow Cheeks” variant of the Base Set Pikachu card is no longer available for purchase on Heritage Auctions.
Sources: Heritage Auctions, PSA Grading Scale
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