1999 Pokemon Base Set 1st Edition Blastoise Holo #2

In the world of Pokemon card collecting, the 1999 Base Set 1st Edition holofoil cards occupy a tier of near-mythical status. While the Charizard gets the headlines and commands the highest prices in the set, the Blastoise at card #2 is the second holofoil in the set and one of the most sought-after cards in the entire Pokemon card universe. For collectors who cannot stretch to a first edition Charizard, a graded 1st Edition Blastoise is the natural alternative, combining extreme scarcity in high grades with the nostalgic power of one of Pokemon's most beloved original starters.

The 1999 Base Set

The Pokemon Base Set was the first English-language Pokemon Trading Card Game release, distributed by Wizards of the Coast in January 1999. Three print runs exist: 1st Edition (identified by the "1st Edition" stamp and no shadow on the art box), Shadowless (no shadow, no stamp), and Unlimited (with shadow). First edition is always the most valuable.

The set contained 102 cards total, with the 16 holofoil rares being the most sought-after. Cards #1 through #16 are the holo rares, with the entire set sorted by card number in reverse alphabetical order of the Pokemon's name. Blastoise at #2 and Charizard at #4 are the two most famous.

Why Blastoise Specifically

Blastoise, the final evolution of Squirtle, was one of the three original starter choices in the Pokemon Red and Blue video games. Its water cannon imagery (the hydro cannons on its shell) translates beautifully to the holographic card treatment. The 1st Edition Blastoise holo features the iconic artwork by Ken Sugimori.

The card's HP (100), a high stage-2 evolution, and its powerful Rain Dance ability made it extremely useful in competitive play, meaning many 1st Edition Blastoise cards were played rather than preserved. This use damage directly reduced the supply of high-grade examples.

The 1st Edition Stamp

The defining feature of a first edition card is the black oval "Edition 1" stamp on the left side of the card face, below the art image. This stamp was applied only to the first printing run. Without this stamp, you have a Shadowless or Unlimited copy, both desirable but worth significantly less.

Additionally, 1st Edition Base Set cards have a thick stamp variant (where the "1" in "Edition 1" is thick) versus thin stamp variants. The thick stamp is more common but both are genuine 1st Edition.

Values and Condition Grades

Grading is essential for 1st Edition Base Set holos. The PSA population data for this card makes it one of the best-researched cards in the hobby.

The PSA 10 ceiling is extraordinary. PSA 10 examples are extremely rare for this card, as the vintage printing process and handling history of 25+ years makes perfect centering and flawless surfaces nearly impossible to find. PSA 9 examples routinely sell in the $20,000-$35,000 range at auction.

Grading Challenges

Wizards of the Coast 1st Edition Base Set cards have specific grading obstacles:

Centering: Factory centering was poor, and many cards are dramatically off-center. PSA grading requires 60/40 or better for grades 8 and above.

Print Defects: Ink spots, print lines, and registration issues are common factory defects that cannot be corrected and cap grades.

Holo Scratches: The holographic foil scratches easily. Surface scratches on the holo are the most common grade-limiting factor.

Corners: All four corners must be sharp. Card corner wear reduces grades significantly.

Authentication Concerns

High-value first edition cards attract sophisticated fakes. Key authentication points include:

• Card stock (genuine cards have a specific weight and feel)

• Holo pattern (genuine Wizards holo has a distinctive starburst/sparkle pattern)

• Printing characteristics under magnification

• The "1st Edition" stamp geometry and placement

For any significant purchase, insist on PSA, BGS, or CGC certification. Raw cards at premium prices are high-risk without professional authentication.

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