What Are Shadowless Pokemon Cards And How Much Are They Worth?

What Are Shadowless Pokemon Cards And How Much Are They Worth?

What Are Shadowless Pokemon Cards And How Much Are They Worth?

Trying to sell your childhood Pokemon card collection can be confusing if you don’t know some key terminologies. Terms such as “1st edition” and “shadowless” are enough to make someone’s head spin if encountered without context. Thankfully, learning those terms only takes a few minutes and can save you loads of headaches.

 

Shadowless Pokemon cards are among the franchise’s most valuable and sought-after collectibles. These rare cards feature a minor difference from their more common counterparts, making them highly desirable to collectors. 

 

Shadowless cards easily fetch thousands of dollars depending on their condition. Let’s look further into how to identify them and what makes them so valuable.

What Counts As A Shadowless Pokemon Card?

Shadowless Pokemon cards are extremely rare nowadays and it takes less than a glance to spot one.

 

If you notice a base set card without any drop shadow on its artwork frame, that’s a shadowless card. You can then perform other checks, such as checking if it’s 1st edition, confirming the copyright years at the bottom, or if it’s a real one instead of a fake card.

 

What’s the difference between 1st edition shadowless and regular shadowless?

 

There are two kinds of shadowless cards: 1st edition and regular. There’s only one significant difference between them, but that’s enough to create a gulf in their price. So how do you tell them apart?

 

The main differentiator between the two cards is the presence of the 1st edition stamp on the card. At the bottom left of the artwork frame is a “1,” and the word “EDITION” is written above it in a semi-circle. Without that stamp, the card is just a regular shadowless card.

Shadowless Base Set Bulbasaur

How do you identify a shadowless Pokemon card?

Identifying a shadowless Pokemon card is easy, and the best way to do it is to look at the frame surrounding the artwork. You want to focus on the right side because that’s where you’ll find the difference between a shadowless and an unlimited card.

 

You’re looking for a black line, called a drop shadow, on the right side of the artwork frame. If there is one, you’re looking at an unlimited version of that card. But if there isn’t a drop shadow, congratulations – you have a shadowless Pokemon card.

 

Another indicator of a shadowless card is the copyright year at the bottom. You don’t need to read the entire line; you only need to find “1999” on the card. 

 

Of course, all 1st edition cards (except Machamp from the base set) are shadowless. So if you find that “1st EDITION” logo at the bottom left corner of the artwork frame, then you’re guaranteed to have a shadowless card.

Regular Alakazam vs Shadowless Alakazam

What’s The Deal With Machamp And Shadowless Cards?

You may have noticed earlier that we excluded Machamp when discussing 1st edition cards being shadowless. That’s because the Machamp card from the base set has an oddity: all of them, even ones that aren’t shadowless, have the 1st edition stamp.

 

So why are all Machamp cards 1st edition? That’s because Wizards of the Coast included a 1st edition Machamp card in the Pokemon TCG 2-Player Starter Set. The card was a bonus on the starter set – it was the only Stage 2 Pokemon in the deck. 

 

Additionally, Machamp was never in any booster packs, so most Machamp cards in public hands are 1st Edition. The only non-1st Edition Machamp card was found in Trainer Deck A, sent to Pokemon Leagues before the TCG’s official launch; these cards have “Trainer Deck A” stamped on the back. There weren’t a lot of them, and they are very rare.

 

However, when they started printing unlimited cards, WOTC never removed the 1st Edition stamp on Machamp. As a result, two versions of 1st Edition Machamp exist: shadowless and shadowed.

How Do You Determine If A Booster Pack Has Shadowless Cards Or Not?

Spotting a shadowless card when it’s right in front of you is easy, but what about booster packs? How can you tell if your booster pack contains shadowless cards without opening it?

 

For 1st edition shadowless cards, the method is straightforward. All you need to do is look for the same 1st edition logo on the pack. It will be near the bottom, to the right of the red box that says “TRADING CARD GAME.”

 

If the pack doesn’t have the 1st edition logo, don’t fret – you can still determine whether it’s shadowless without opening it. Here’s how:

 

  • The red “TRADING CARD GAME” logo is the first to look for. If it’s still at the bottom, it’s shadowless. But it’s unlimited if it’s at the top of the pack. 
  • If the pack says “11 Tradeable Game Cards,” you have a shadowless pack. Unlimited card packs will say “11 Additional Game Cards.”
  • If you can hold the pack yourself (i.e., it’s not in a display case), the back of shadowless packs will say, “Each player must have a Deck of Pokemon cards to play. Collect all four theme decks!”

Shadowless Base Set Pack

Which Sets Have Shadowless Cards?

Believe it or not, only Base Set cards have shadowless versions; the rest do not. Shadowless cards exist because Wizards of the Coast, the company handling the printing of Pokemon cards at the time, was experimenting with card layouts. WOTC knew 1st edition cards had to be a limited run, but they weren’t sure what subtle differences they could add to each card edition.

 

As a result, shadowless cards served as an in-between print to determine how a card would look without the 1st edition stamp. And considering its short print run, it’s clear that WOTC wasn’t entirely happy with the card’s appearance before settling with a drop shadow on the frame.

By the time WOTC started printing Jungle set cards, shadowless cards were no longer a thing; they were printing only 1st edition and unlimited cards. And although 1st edition cards existed until the Neo Destiny set (except for Base Set 2, which never had a 1st edition), those cards were never shadowless.

How Much Are Shadowless Cards Worth?

Shadowless cards are worth a lot of money, even for the common cards. Their rarity drives up the prices; it doesn’t help that there are fewer of them each year as more cards get settled into people’s collections. And if the card is a 1st edition shadowless, its value goes up exponentially.

 

Here are five of the most expensive shadowless cards:

 

  • Charizard 4/102 1st edition: $36,766
  • Charizard 4/102 regular shadowless: $33,092
  • Chansey 3/102 1st edition: $31,206
  • Blastoise 2/102 1st edition: $23,433
  • Venusaur 15/102 1st edition: $19,000

Final Thoughts

Finding a shadowless card in your collection can be exhilarating, especially considering its potential value. Diligently performing a few simple checks can save you the regret of underpricing it as an unlimited edition card. As long as you take a few seconds to glance at the card’s characteristics, you know you can set a value on your card correctly.

 

So the next time you go through your childhood binder or go searching through someone’s collection, take a few moments to look at each card in detail. You’ll never know what kind of treasures you’ll find with a careful eye.

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The 10 Most Valuable BREAK Pokemon Cards

The 10 Most Valuable BREAK Pokemon Cards

If you’re a more seasoned collector of the Pokemon TCG then you may recall a time when The Pokemon Company was producing cards known as Break cards. These cards were first introduced to English cards in the cleverly named “BREAKthrough” expansion way back in November 2015.

What Are Shadowless Pokemon Cards And How Much Are They Worth?

What Are Shadowless Pokemon Cards And How Much Are They Worth?

Trying to sell your childhood Pokemon card collection can be confusing if you don’t know some key terminologies. Terms such as “1st edition” and “shadowless” are enough to make someone’s head spin if encountered without context. Thankfully, learning those terms only takes a few minutes and can save you loads of headaches.

The 10 Funniest Pokémon Cards To Make It Into The TCG

The 10 Funniest Pokémon Cards To Make It Into The TCG

The 10 Funniest Pokémon Cards To Make It Into The TCG

When it comes to the Pokemon Trading Card Game (TCG), most of the cards tend to be grand and epic, featuring powerful Pokémon and awe-inspiring artwork. But every now and then, the artists get a little more creative and produce some hilariously funny cards that are sure to make players smile.

These cards provide a break from the intense gameplay and allow players to have a good laugh at the expense of their opponents.

While they may not be the most powerful cards in the game, they certainly add a unique and enjoyable aspect to the TCG. In this article, we will be taking a look at the top 10 funniest Pokémon cards to ever make it into the TCG.

1. Imakuni?’s Doduo

This unique card was illustrated by Tomoaki Imakuni and released in 1998. It is worth about $20-$30. Some sales can also cross $100.

Imakuni?’s Doduo is a bizarre and hilarious card that features a fusion of the Pokémon Doduo and the Japanese musician Imakuni, with unique effects that can confuse both players. The card’s effect is equally confusing and amusing.

This card features colorful and chaotic artwork, which resembles a wild party scene. The card’s artwork, illustrated by Tomoaki Imakuni, depicts Imakuni riding on the back of Doduo, with the two of them joined at the hip.

Released in 2016 in the XY Evolutions card set, this card has become a favorite among fans for its absurdity and humorous artwork. Its creator, Imakuni, is a well-known figure in the Pokémon community, famous for his bizarre and wacky contributions to the franchise. Imakuni?’s Doduo card is popular among collectors and players due to its fun factor.

Imakuni?’s Doduo

2. Bunnelby 150/189

This comical card was created by Tomokazu Komiya and released in 2019 as part of the Darkness Ablaze set. It can be purchased for about $0.50.

Unlike the Imakuni?’s Doduo card, the Bunnelby card is a more traditional Pokémon card design, but still features a psychedelic illustration of the Pokemon. Bunnelby is a basic Pokémon with average attack and defense points.

Released in 2019 as part of the Sword & Shield Darkness Ablaze expansion set, this card features Bunnelby taking on the role of the March Hare from “Alice in Wonderland.” It shows Bunnelby with a move called “Mad Party” that does damage to each of your Benched Pokémon with the “Mad Party” attack. It’s psychedelic artwork and “Mad Party” move make it one of the most entertaining cards in the game.

While not the most powerful card in the TCG, the Bunnelby card remains a fan favorite due to its quirky and amusing design.

Bunnelby 150/189

3. Slowbro 43/214

The goofy Slowbro card was drawn by Ken Sugimori and released in 2019 as part of the Unbroken Bonds set. It is worth about $1-$2. Retail can also go up to around $5.

The Slowbro card from the Unbroken set features an illustration by Ken that is both silly and creative with it’s crazy patterend background.

This card’s artwork depicts Slowbro with a Shellder attached to its tail, making it look like a suit of armor.

The card’s ability, “Shellder Armor,” allows the player to attach a Shellder card from their hand to Slowbro, increasing its defense. The Slowbro card is both humorous and unique. Its move, “Amnesia,” allows Slowbro to forget what it’s doing in battle, adding an extra layer of absurdity to the gameplay.

Slowbro 43/214

4. Magikarp 35/102

Featuring hilarious artwork by Mitshuiro Arita, this Magikarp card was re-released in 2016 as part of the X, and Y Evolution set but originally came from the base set of Pokemon.  It is valued at about $0.25-$2. Like with the Slowbro card, the retail for the Magikarp card can also sometimes reach up to $5.

Magikarp is known for being one of the weakest and most useless Pokémon in the game, and this card does a pretty good job of highlighting that with the derpiest looking Magikarp on the planet. The Magikarp card from the base set of Pokemon features an illustration by Mitshuiro that is both hilarious and fitting for the Pokémon’s character.

The card’s artwork depicts Magikarp with a move called “Flail,” where it flops around helplessly, doing damage based on how much HP it has left. Despite its lack of practicality, the Magikarp card remains a popular choice for players who enjoy a good laugh.

Magikarp 35/102

5. Psyduck 28/149

Shibuzoh illustrated this silly Psyduck card released in 2018 as part of the Sun and Moon McDonald’s Collection. It can be obtained for about $0.50.

The card’s art features what is likely one of the most distressed Psyducks you will ever see as he sits and suffers what we can only assume is the worst headache in the world. The fact that the card has a move called headache makes this art all the more fitting. 

Its unique ability to cause damage to both players when attacking makes it a strategic choice for those looking for a bit of fun. The Psyduck card is both humorous and useful in gameplay.

Psyduck 28/149

6. Pikachu Illustrator

This is one of the most sought-after cards in the TCG. The Pikachu card was illustrated by Atsuko Nishida and released in 1998. It is worth around $20,000.

This card is one of the most coveted and valuable cards in the entire Pokémon TCG. This rare and highly sought-after card features an illustration by Atsuko Nishida, the original designer of Pikachu. The Pikachu Illustrator card was only released in Japan in 1998 as part of a promotional event.

This card was only given out as a prize to winners of a CoroCoro magazine contest in Japan. Only a handful of these cards were ever produced.

Other than being one of the most expensive cards, it is also considered one of the funniest cards. The card’s artwork depicts Pikachu drawing a picture of itself with a comedic effect. The effects add fun to the all-time great Pokémon character, Pikachu. The drawing seems fun. It looks like Pikachu has been to an art school to be able to draw itself.

Pikachu Illustrator

7. Wooper 38/98

This whimsical Wooper card was released in 2015 as part of the X&Y set Ancient Origins. It is valued at about $1-$2. The artist who designed the Pokémon Wooper card is Sumiyoshi Kizuki.

If you’re a fan of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, chances are you’ve come across the amusing Wooper card. These cards usually come as Water or  Fighting-type and feature the iconic blue, dual-typed Pokémon.

Wooper is known for being a quirky and playful Pokémon, and this card certainly captures that spirit.

It features the Wooper with its notorious dopey expression on its face sat happily in what seems to be a hotspring. You just can’t help but love the little guy for how cute he looks. 

Wooper 38/98

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8. Gengar 17/99

This creepy but comical Gengar card was created by Mitsuhiro Arita and released in 2009 as part of the Platinum Arceus set. It can be purchased for about $1-$2.

Gengar is a ghost-type Pokémon known for its mischievous behavior and haunting abilities.

This card features Gengar running across rooftops in the night time with his iconic teethy grin plastered across his face. In the background you can see a dystopian city which resembles that of Gotham as lightning strikes down. 

The card’s humor comes from the fact that the move “Nightmare” causes the opponent to lose sleep, adding to Gengar’s reputation as a mischievous prankster.

The card’s design is both striking and detailed, with intricate shading that gives Gengar a three-dimensional appearance. 

Gengar 17/99

10. Rocket’s Snorlax ex 

Finally, this hilarious Snorlax card was illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita and released in 2004 as part of the ex Team Rocket Returns set. It is worth approximately $360. 

The Snorlax card is perhaps one of the most recognizable and beloved Pokémon Trading Cards of all time. Snorlax is typically a normal type Pokemon but in this card, appears as a dark type. 

This card portrays the famous snorlax sitting in a purple abyss with its sleepy eyes eating some sort of green food. The deep contrast makes for a pretty hilarious card art. 

The card is highly collectible and sought-after, not only for its humor but also for its beautiful design and high quality.

Rocket’s Snorlax ex

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What Are Shadowless Pokemon Cards And How Much Are They Worth?

Trying to sell your childhood Pokemon card collection can be confusing if you don’t know some key terminologies. Terms such as “1st edition” and “shadowless” are enough to make someone’s head spin if encountered without context. Thankfully, learning those terms only takes a few minutes and can save you loads of headaches.

The 10 Most Expensive McDonald’s Pokémon Cards

The 10 Most Expensive McDonald’s Pokémon Cards

The 10 Most Expensive McDonald’s Pokémon Cards

In the past years, McDonald’s has teamed up with The Pokemon Company to release a series of limited edition Pokémon trading cards.

These promotional cards, featuring beloved characters from the iconic franchise, have become highly sought-after among collectors and fans alike. In this article, we will look at the 10 most expensive McDonald’s Pokémon cards and provide some background on this popular promotional partnership.

What Are McDonald’s Pokémon Cards Promos?

McDonald’s Pokémon card promos are a set of limited edition cards that were distributed by McDonald’s as part of their Happy Meal promotion. These cards feature various Pokemon characters.

McDonald’s has worked with the Pokémon company several times in the past to release these promotional cards, with the first set being released in 1998 in Japan. Since then, McDonald’s has released several promotional cards in various countries, like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

McDonald’s started partnering with the Pokémon company in 2011, releasing a series of toys and trading cards to promote the launch of the Pokémon Black and White video games. Since then, the two companies have collaborated on several occasions, with McDonald’s releasing new sets of promotional cards every few years.

The most recent McDonald’s Pokémon card promo was released in 2021 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise, featuring cards from the Sword and Shield expansion. This set included 25 cards, each featuring a different Pokémon character, and was only available for a limited time at participating McDonald’s locations.

McDonald’s and Pokémon teamed up for a Happy Meal promotion, which was officially announced on August 21, 2022. This latest partnership came after the massive success of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, which was released in January 2022, and with more games set to be released by Pokémon.

The promotion, which ran from August 23 to September 6, features a variety of Pokémon-themed items. Each Happy Meal comes with a four-card booster pack, a Pokémon-themed coin, a spinner, and an instruction sheet on how to play a Match Battle, which is designed to teach kids more about the trading card game.

Now without further ado, let’s get into the list.

10. 2021 Pikachu Holo Pokémon McDonald’s Collection 25th Anniversary Card – $175

Pikachu cards are among Pokémon’s most expensive, top-rated, and highly sought-after cards. The Pikachu Holo Pokémon McDonald’s Collection 25th Anniversary Card was released in 2021 as part of a special collection celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Pokemon franchise.

The card features a holographic image of Pikachu, with a colorful border featuring various Pokémon characters and the McDonald’s logo. The card’s design is modern and sleek, with a bold and vibrant color palette that captures the spirit of the Pokémon franchise.

The holographic effect on the card also adds an extra layer of depth and dimension to the design, making it a must-have item for Pokémon and McDonald’s collectors alike. This card is valued at $175 in a PSA 10.

2021 Pikachu Holo Pokémon McDonald’s Collection 25th Anniversary Card

9. 2021 Turtwig, Holo Card – $200

Turtwig is a grass-type starter Pokémon from the Sinnoh region and is featured in a holographic design on this McDonald’s promotional card. The Turtwig Holo card was released as part of the Diamond and Pearl expansion in 2021 and has been valued at $200 when graded as a PSA 10.

The design of this card features Turtwig in a charming and playful pose, making it a favorite among collectors.

The card shows Turtwig standing in a grassy field with a bright and sunny background behind it. The holographic effect creates a shimmering quality to the card, making Turtwig appear as though it is basking in the sunlight.

2021 Turtwig 25th Anniversary, Holo Card

8. 2001 Japanese Limited Promo Holo Pikachu McDonalds Card – $200

The Japanese Limited Promo Holo Pikachu Mcdonald’s card was released in Japan in 2001 as part of a limited-time promotion at McDonald’s.

The card features a holographic image of Pikachu, the iconic mascot of the Pokémon franchise, with a vibrant purple background.

The artwork on the card is classic and timeless, with Pikachu’s playful and mischievous personality shining through. The holographic effect also adds an extra element of depth and dimension to the design, making it a valuable and desirable collectible for Pokémon fans. When graded 10 by PSA, this card will be worth $200.

2001 Japanese Limited Promo Holo Pikachu McDonalds Card

7. 2021 Scorbunny, Holo Card – $206

Scorbunny is a fire-type starter Pokémon from the Galar region, and it is featured in a holographic design on this McDonald’s promotional card. This card was released as part of the Sword and Shield expansion in 2021 and has been valued at $206 when graded as a PSA 10.

The design of this card features Scorbunny in a dynamic pose with flames in the background, making it a highly desirable addition to any collection. The card shows Scorbunny leaping into action, with a bright and fiery background behind it. The holographic effect creates a flickering, flame-like quality to the card, making it a standout addition to any collection.

2021 Scorbunny 25th Anniversary, Holo Card

6. 2002 Japanese McDonald’s Promo Pichu Card – $220

This charming Japanese McDonald’s Promo Pichu card features the adorable electric-type Pokémon Pichu, with a bright yellow background and the McDonald’s logo in the lower left corner. The card was released in Japan in 2002 as part of a McDonald’s Happy Meal promotion.

The artwork on the card is bright and cheerful, with Pichu’s cute and playful personality shining through. The holographic effect on the card also adds an extra element of sparkle and shine, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors.

The 2002 Japanese McDonald’s Promo Pichu Card has been valued at $220 in a PSA 10 grade condition.

2002 Japanese McDonald’s Promo Pichu Card

5. 2021 Snivy, Holo Card – $232

Snivy is a grass-type starter Pokémon from the Unova region and is featured in a holographic design on this McDonald’s promotional card. The Snivy Holo card was released as part of the Black and White expansion in 2021 and has been valued at $232 when graded as a PSA 10.

The card features Snivy standing in a grassy field with a leafy background behind it. The holographic effect adds a shimmering quality to the card, making Snivy appear as though it is swaying in the breeze. The unique design of this card, featuring Snivy in a dynamic pose, has made it particularly desirable among collectors.

2021 Snivy 25th Anniversary, Holo Card

4. 2002 Larvitar Holo McDonald’s Japanese Pokémon Card – $236

This card was also released in Japan in 2002 as part of a McDonald’s Happy Meal promotion. The card features a holographic image of the Pokémon Larvitar, with a bright blue background and the iconic golden arches of McDonald’s in the upper right corner.

The card’s design is simple but effective, with a bold and colorful image of the popular Pokémon character. The holographic effect on the card also gives it a unique and eye-catching appearance, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

The 2002 Larvitar Holo McDonald’s Japanese Pokémon Card is valued at $236 in PSA 10 grade conditions.

2002 Larvitar Holo McDonald’s Japanese Pokémon Card

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3. 2001 Grass Energy Japanese Promo Card – $249

This is another Japanese card that is worth $249 in a PSA 10-grade condition. The Pokémon Grass Energy Japanese Promo card was released in Japan in 2001 as a promotional item in McDonald’s Happy Meals.

This beautiful card features a lush green forest with a stylized design of a grass symbol in the center. The artwork on this card is quite striking, with intricate details on the trees and leaves, as well as the Pokémon logo in the top left corner.

The holographic effect also adds an extra element of depth and dimension to the design, making it a highly desirable collectible for Pokémon and McDonald’s enthusiasts alike.

2001 Grass Energy Japanese Promo Card

2. 2021 Chespin, Holo Card – $400

Chespin is a grass-type starter Pokémon from the Kalos region, and it is featured in a holographic design on this McDonald’s promotional card. The Chespin Holo card was released as part of the XY expansion in 2021 and has been valued at $400 when graded as a PSA 10.

The card features Chespin standing in a grassy field with a bright and colorful background behind it. The holographic effect creates a shimmering, almost iridescent quality to the card, adding to its overall appeal and value.

Chespin is a popular and beloved Pokémon, and this card’s rarity and unique design have made it highly sought after by collectors.

2021 Chespin 25th Anniversary, Holo Card

1. 2002 Pokémon Japanese McDonald’s Holo Charmander #004 – $760

One of the most expensive cards by McDonald’s and Pokémon is the 2002 Pokémon Japanese McDonald’s Holo Charmander #004 card. This particular card recently sold for $760 in a PSA 10 grade, making it one of the most valuable McDonald’s Pokémon cards to date.

The card was released in Japan in 2002 as part of a McDonald’s Happy Meal promotion.

This card features a holographic image of Charmander, one of the most popular Pokémon from the first generation of the franchise. The card’s design is bold and colorful, with Charmander’s fierce and fiery personality shining through. The holographic effect on the card also adds an extra layer of depth and sparkle, making it a highly coveted item for collectors.

2002 Pokémon Japanese McDonald’s Holo Charmander #004

Why McDonald’s Pokémon Cards Are Valuable

The McDonald’s Pokémon cards have gained immense value due to various reasons. First, they are often only available for a short period of time and in limited quantities. Secondly, certain cards are exclusively available in specific countries, adding to their rarity and value.

Another factor that contributes to the value of these cards is their condition. Collectors often seek out cards that are in mint or near-mint condition, which means that they have not been damaged or played with. Cards that have been professionally graded by organizations such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) can also command higher prices.

In recent years, the value of these cards has surged dramatically, with some rare cards selling for hundreds of dollars. Nevertheless, it is important to note that not all McDonald’s Pokémon cards hold high value, and their worth depends on aspects such as rarity, condition, and popularity among collectors.

Despite their high market value, these McDonald’s Pokémon cards still hold sentimental value for many collectors. They signify a distinctive collaboration between two famous brands and remind us of the lasting popularity of the Pokémon franchise.

FAQs

1. Does Pokémon still collaborate with McDonald’s?

Yes, the two companies are still in collaboration, making exclusive Pokémon cards for McDoanld’s happy meals. The most recent partnership was in September 2021, when McDoanld’s released a variety of Pokémon-themed items.

2. What are McDonald’s Pokémon cards worth?

McDonald’s Pokémon cards are a hot commodity. The value of McDonald’s Pokémon cards varies depending on the specific card and its condition. They generally range in value anywhere from $1.21 to $25.

3. What are holographic and non-holographic cards?

Holographic cards are shiny and have a reflective foil layer that creates a hologram effect. Non-holographic cards do not have this foil layer and are usually less shiny.

There are 15 Pokémon cards in each Happy Meal pack. Each Pokémon has a holographic set, and each pack has four cards. The non-holographic cards are in the $1-2 range, as they are very common to be found in the Happy Meal packs.

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The 10 Most Valuable BREAK Pokemon Cards

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What Are Shadowless Pokemon Cards And How Much Are They Worth?

What Are Shadowless Pokemon Cards And How Much Are They Worth?

Trying to sell your childhood Pokemon card collection can be confusing if you don’t know some key terminologies. Terms such as “1st edition” and “shadowless” are enough to make someone’s head spin if encountered without context. Thankfully, learning those terms only takes a few minutes and can save you loads of headaches.

How Many Pokemon Cards Are There?

How Many Pokemon Cards Are There?

How Many Pokemon Cards Are There?

If you were a child in the 90s or early 2000s, then chances are you have fond memories of collecting and trading Pokémon cards with your friends. But have you ever stopped to wonder just how many Pokémon cards there are in the world? The answer, my friends, is not as straightforward as you might think.

What Are Pokemon Cards?

For those who don’t know, Pokémon is a video game franchise that was first introduced in Japan in 1996. The game quickly became a sensation, and in 1998, it was brought over to the United States. Along with the game came the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), which allowed players to collect and trade cards featuring their favorite Pokémon characters.

 

The TCG was an immediate hit, and soon kids all over the world were obsessively collecting and trading Pokémon cards. But what was it about these little pieces of cardboard that made them so appealing? Part of it was undoubtedly the thrill of the hunt – searching for that elusive rare card that would complete your collection. But there was also something undeniably cool about having a physical representation of your favorite Pokémon, one that you could hold in your hand and show off to your friends.

 

Over the years, the popularity of Pokémon cards has waxed and waned. At times, they’ve been dismissed as a mere fad, a passing trend that would eventually fade away. And yet, here we are over two decades later, and Pokémon cards are still going strong.

Why Are Pokemon Cards Still Popular?

Part of the reason for this longevity is the fact that the TCG is constantly evolving. New sets are released on a regular basis, each one featuring new Pokémon and new mechanics to keep things fresh. And while some sets may be more popular than others, there’s always something new and exciting on the horizon for Pokémon card collectors.

 

Another reason for the enduring popularity of Pokémon cards is the sense of community they create. Collecting and trading cards is a social activity, one that brings people together and allows them to bond over a shared interest. Whether you’re swapping cards with your best friend or attending a large-scale card trading event, there’s something special about the camaraderie that comes with being a Pokémon card collector.

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How Many Sets Of Pokemon Are There?

First, let’s talk about the different sets of Pokémon cards that exist. Over the years, there have been dozens of sets released for each era, each with its own unique cards and artwork. From base set all the way up until Crown Zenith there are about 103 sets released in English. This is a great place to start if we are trying to estimate the total number of unique cards in the history of the TCG. 

 

But just how many cards are in each set? Well, that can vary quite a bit. The Base Set, for example, contained a total of 102 cards, while newer sets can contain over 200 cards each. And that’s not even taking into account special promotional cards, which can be given away at events or included in certain products.

 

So, if we were to add up all the cards from every set, we could come up with a rough estimate of how many Pokémon cards there are in the world.

Silver Tempest Booster Box

How Many Cards Are There In The World?

If we take into account that the average number of cards in a set lies between 100 – 200 then we can come to a rough estimate of 13,600 cards. However, this of course isn’t extremely accurate as it doesn’t take into account the countless promos and smaller sub-sets of Pokemon.

 

For example, cards like the relatively rare Special Delivery Charizard that was recently given out as a bonus with any purchase from the Pokemon Center online. It’s difficult to accommodate for every card like this in the world because there are a lot of them. Not to mention Japanese exclusive promos that can date all the way back to the 90s. 

 

So, while we can make an educated guess as to how many Pokémon cards exist in total, the truth is that we may never know for sure. The world of Pokémon card collecting is vast and ever-changing, with new sets being released all the time and rare cards being discovered and sold for exorbitant prices.

 

Despite this uncertainty, one thing is clear: Pokémon cards continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans young and old. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, there’s something undeniably magical about holding a shiny new card in your hand, and imagining all the adventures and battles that await.

 

So, the next time you come across a Pokémon card, take a moment to appreciate the incredible artistry and design that went into its creation. And who knows – maybe you’ll be lucky enough to stumble upon a rare card that will become the crown jewel of your collection. Just don’t forget to treat it with the care and respect it deserves!

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The 5 Best Pokemon Packs To Buy In 2023

The 5 Best Pokemon Packs To Buy In 2023

The 5 Best Pokemon Packs To Buy In 2023

Starting to collect Pokemon cards can be overwhelming, we know. There are hundreds of sets, thousands of packs, and tens of thousands of cards, where are you even supposed to start? All these alien names like Silver Tempest, Lost Origin, Evolving Skies, what does it all mean? Well, today we’re going to break down the best packs of Pokemon cards to buy in 2023 as well as what makes a pack of Pokemon cards good.

What Makes A Pack Good?

At its core, a pack is often made “good” by its potential for good pulls proportionally to the cost of the pack. Proportionally is the keyword there as there are plenty of vintage, first edition sets like Team Rocket or Jungle that you could probably pull a $10,000 card from which is pretty much unachievable in any modern set but you have to consider that you also are paying several hundred dollars per pack, not to mention that you can’t just buy these cards at your local store, you likely have to buy it from a trusted collector and seller.

Now, compare this to some modern sets where you can buy a whole booster box for around $100 and pull several cards worth more than the whole booster box without even grading it. Of course, it is all completely chance and in essence, you are gambling every time you buy a Pokemon pack but opening a “good pack” is opening a pack where your chances of getting some sort of return on investment are the highest. It just so happens that this is most often the case in modern sets thanks to the introduction of alternate arts in every new set which are basically just money printers for the Pokemon Company as people are willing to throw their money at sets of Pokemon to get their hands on one. 

 

Sure, opening packs may not be all about making money, and sometimes people just like to collect cards they think are cool and that mean something to them and that’s perfectly okay. Also, some people opening packs are just trying to get some new cards to add to their deck and the value of the cards is just secondary. However, for the most part, people opening Pokemon cards are looking for those big hitters.

How Can You Tell If A Card Is Expensive?

Okay so let’s say you’ve got your hands on the packs of your desire, how do you even know if the cards you are pulling are worth anything? Well, for one, 80% of a Pokemon pack is practically guaranteed to be worthless. There are typically only 2 cards in the pack (the rare slot and reverse holographic slot) that have the potential to be worth something and even that is being generous. If you’ve done the card trick right when opening a pack then, the rare and reverse holo should be at the back of the pack and these are the only two cards you need to worry about. A card’s rarity is indicated by the little symbol, whether it be a star, a circle, or a diamond on the bottom left of the card. We are only interested in the cards with the star at the bottom as those are rares and also the only cards that are actually going to be worth anything in modern sets. So, if you have found yourself a rare Pokemon card, you can check its value by going on to sites like pricecharting.com or tcgplayer.com to see what people are willing to pay for it.

#5 Silver Tempest

Coming in at the number five spot we have the 2022 set, Silver Tempest. This set gathered a lot of hype after the Lugia V alternate art was revealed and since its release, it has remained one of the most expensive alternate arts out there at around $200 ungraded. However, that isn’t the only selling point of this set as although the Lugia is vastly more expensive than any other card in the set there are also several other consistently good pulls in this set that all sell for around $30 ungraded. These cards include Unown V Alternate Art, Rainbow Rare Lugia VStar, Serena (Trainer) Full Art, Regidrago V Alternate Art, and Golden Rare Lugia VStar. Not to mention, this set also contains a trainer gallery which is always a major selling point of a set as a trainer gallery is a whole subset of cards within the set that contains only full arts and this one happens to also contain some great pulls like the Rayquaza VMax. On top of all this, packs currently only sell for around $4 each and a booster box sells for about $120.

Silver Tempest Booster Box

#4 Lost Origin

Lost Origin, released in 2022 made quite a splash after its mascot and chase card was revealed to be Giratina in one of the coolest alternate arts of the year. It remains the most expensive card of 2022 coming in at around $300 ungraded. Even without this alternate art though the set is still amazing. It contains an Aerodactly V alternate art which is also worth around $120 as well as several other relatively expensive cards. These cards include Rotom V Alternate Art, Galarian Perrserker V Alternate Art, Rainbow Rare Giratine VStar, Trainer Gallery Pikachu VMax, and Trainer Gallery Pikachu V.  Much like Silver Tempest this set also contains a trainer gallery which is always great for collectors who are just interested in cool arts. This set is also made great by the fact that you can easily find packs for around $4 and booster boxes for $115.

Lost Origin Elite Trainer Box

#3 Chilling Reign

Now we have the set that really made alternate arts a staple addition to the Sword & Shield era of Pokemon. A lot of people have complained about the pull rates from this set saying that they are just too unforgiving but for the several chase cards in this set, the punishing pull rates might be worth it. Released in 2021, this set most famously brought about alternate arts of the Galarian version of the legendary birds (Moltres, Zapdos & Articuno), however, it also brought several other pulls that aren’t discussed nearly as much. Despite popular belief, the most expensive pull in this set is actually the Blaziken VMax Alternate Art which is worth around $170, not to mention the several other expensive pulls that this set has such as Golden Rare Snorlax, Zeraora V Alternate Art, Shadow Rider Calyrex VMax Alternate Art, Ice Rider Calyrex VMax Alternate Art and Galarian Rapidash V Alternate Art. Due to the lack of a trainer gallery, this set is chocked full of rare alternate art pulls and almost all of them are worth a little bit of moola. As well as this, despite being released two years ago, packs are still worth about $4 each.

Chilling Reign Pack Assortment

#2 Evolving Skies

This set very nearly made it to number one because it’s just so amazing but like Chilling Reign it has a big problem with pull rates, but this can be easy to ignore when you see the sheer volume and value of pulls in this set. This set, released in 2021, features some of the most expensive pulls in modern Pokemon history as well as some of the coolest full arts in modern Pokemon history. The set is renowned for its use of the Eeveelutions as the mascots as well as the several alternate arts that consequently came with it, the most famous being the Umbreon VMax Alternate Art also known as the Moonbreon which can now be found selling for more than $520 ungraded. Some of the other insane pulls from this set include Rayquaza VMax Alternate Art, Leafeon VMax Alternate Art, Glaceon VMax Alternate Art, Sylveon VMax Alternate Art, Umbreon V Alternate Art, Dragonite V Alternate Art, Rayquaza V Alternate Art, Espeon V Alternate Art, Glaceon V Alternate Art, Sylveon V Alternate Art and last but not least Leafeon V Alternate art. It’s also worth noting that these are only the super expensive pulls, there are several other relatively rare pulls that are still worth a bit of money when graded. The only downside of this set is that the value of booster packs has been going up as a result of the set’s value meaning that a single booster can cost $8.

Evolving Skies Booster Box

#1 Crown Zenith

Finally, we have the Mac Daddy set that has closed out the Sword & Shield era of Pokemon. This set has one of the biggest trainer galleries, some of the craziest card arts, and the highest volume of rare pulls out of any Pokemon set you’ve ever seen. It was only released this year (2023), so the pulls still have plenty of time to skyrocket in value and even then they are already worth an arm and a leg. This set introduced the Golden Alternate Arts as well as VStar Alternate Arts and the pulls just don’t stop coming. There are over 70 full art pulls in this set and most of them come from the insane trainer gallery. Although Evolving Skies and Chilling Reign may have more expensive pulls than this set, the pull rates in this set are insane. As well as this, Crown Zenith contains cards like Golden Rare Giratina VStar, Mewtwo VStar Alternate Art, Golden Rare Palkia VStar, Golden Rare Arceus VStar, Golden Rare Dialga VStar as well as several other amazing pulls. The best thing about this set is because it’s so new, the packs sell for about $5 each.

Crown Zenith Elite Trainer Box

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How Much Will I Spend Before I Get Something Good?

It’s hard to say definitively how much you will have to spend before you get something good as in essence there is no guarantee that you will get something “good”. It depends on what you class as good. If you class anything that isn’t just a standard rare as a good pull such as normal Vs then you can expect to get good pulls about 1 in every 7 or 8 packs. However, if you consider things like secret rares good pulls, they average at about 1 – 2 in every booster box (36 packs). But, if you consider only expensive pulls as good pulls then there is just no saying how much money you will have to spend to get it as you are chasing one or two cards in sets of sometimes hundreds.

Sell Your Pokemon Cards Fast With WeBuyPokeCards

Sell Now!

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The 10 Most Valuable BREAK Pokemon Cards

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What Are Shadowless Pokemon Cards And How Much Are They Worth?

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