Before we explore specific sets, it's essential to understand the concept of 1st edition and Unlimited edition cards. 1st edition cards were the initial print runs of a particular set and are distinguished by a small stamp indicating "1st Edition" on the card. We have provided an enlarged stamp that shows you exactly what a first edition stamp looks like on the left. Now, although we have shown you the most common 1st edition stamp you will find, there are several first edition stamp variations. But lucky for you, a moderator on the eFour forums, Quaador, did a complete breakdown of each of the 1st edition stamp variations. The reason this is important is because these first edition Pokémon cards are typically rarer and hold higher value among collectors. When it comes to the Unlimited edition Pokémon card set, they all lack the 1st edition stamp and were printed after the initial release, often in larger quantities due to the high demand.
How to Identify First Edition Pokémon Cards in 2024
1st (Limited) Edition and Unlimited Edition:
A note on pricing and condition
When assessing the value of Pokémon cards, several factors come into play, including rarity, condition, and demand. Mint condition cards, free from creases, scratches, or other defects, command premium prices in the collector's market. This makes card conditions extremely important if you need more clarification check out our Pokémon card condition guide. Additionally, the scarcity of 1st edition cards contributes significantly to their valuation, with certain cards fetching astronomical sums in pristine condition. For example, the last PSA 10 1st edition Shadowless Charizard sold for $347,600. The examples that we will be showing throughout the rest of the text are all from my personal collection, and the Pokémon we will be using is Metapod. While not as expensive as the Charizard card, it will get the point across nonetheless.
Base Set
The Base Set stands as the cornerstone of Pokémon TCG, comprising the earliest and most iconic Pokémon cards. Base Set was the first set that was released in the United States and has three different printings. While the first two printings of Base Set are both considered shadowless, which means there is no shadow underneath the art on the right side, the second printing is usually referred to as shadowless because the first printing is easily identifiable by the first edition logo that you will see on the left side of the card. The third printing is the Base Set Unlimited Edition, which changed the cards quite significantly, so we will go into that printing in its own section.
First, we wanted to show you the difference between a shadowless and shadowed card side by side so you can easily understand the difference. The shadowless card is depicted on the left, and the card on the right is the shadowed card, which we have shown with arrows for easy reference.
Base Set: Limited Edition, 1st Printing (1st Edition, Shadowless)
The Limited Edition, 1st Printing, commonly known as 1st Edition or Shadowless cards, represents the first print run of the Base Set. These cards lack the drop shadow behind the Pokémon illustration and feature the "1st Edition" stamp. Due to their limited availability and historical significance, 1st Edition Shadowless cards are some of the most valuable Pokémon cards in the game. If you have a 1st edition shadowless card, knowing how to grade Pokémon cards will be a priority, and we recommend using reputable grading services such as Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) or Certified Guaranty Company (CGC). Whether you get your 1st edition shadowless Pokémon cards graded or not, they are still worth a decent amount in any condition, so make sure to keep them protected in the best card sleeves you can find.
Base Set: Limited Edition, 2nd Printing (Shadowless)
Following the initial release of 1st Edition Shadowless cards, Wizards of the Coast introduced a second print run of the Base Set. These cards retained the lack of shadow behind the Pokémon illustration but omitted the 1st Edition stamp. While still valuable, 2nd Printing Shadowless cards are typically less sought-after compared to their 1st Edition counterparts. However, this does not make them any less valuable; a PSA 10 shadowless Blastoise sold for $6,850 just last year!
Base Set: Unlimited Edition
The Unlimited Edition of the Base Set encompasses cards printed after the 1st Edition and 2nd Printing runs. The Unlimited Edition of the Base Set is where we started to see significant changes made to the cards. This is where "shadowed" Pokémon cards were first implemented, as discussed earlier, as well as certain text changes, most noticeably the HP (Hit Point) font, as well as the copyright dates on the bottom of the card, which for the Unlimited Edition cards only now display 1995,96,98. Although still desirable, Unlimited Edition cards are generally more accessible and affordable compared to their 1st Edition counterparts because they were printed in significantly larger quantities. Regardless, these first edition Pokémon cards still hold significant value, with a recent PSA 10 Base Set Charizard selling for $10,200 in January of this year!
Base Set 2
Base Set 2 serves as a sequel to the original Base Set, featuring reprints of many cards from the Base Set along with new additions that came from the Jungle Set. Unlike its predecessor, Base Set 2 cards lack the 1st Edition stamp and are designated as Unlimited Edition. You can identify a Base Set 2 card by the 2 symbol with a Pokéball on the top of it, which we have displayed for you on the left. While Base Set 2 cards hold nostalgic value for collectors, they are typically less valuable than their 1st Edition counterparts, and yet again still can be worth a decent amount! Even being a reprint set, a PSA 10 Base Set 2 Venusaur was last sold for $500. At this point, you probably should be realizing all of these cards can hold some value if they are in near-mint condition!
How to spot fake 1st edition Pokémon cards
Now, we know what you are thinking: "I thought these were all going to be Metapod examples!" When it comes to first edition Pokémon cards, and especially rare first edition Pokémon cards, as you have been reading, the prices of these cards increase dramatically. With that comes counterfeiters in full force, trying to rip off honest people. These are both from my personal collection: on the left is the real 1st edition Kangaskhan, and on the right is the fake 1st edition Kangaskhan. While this article is meant to just go over 1st edition Pokémon cards, knowing what to look out for is still just as important!
Easy fake Pokémon card identifiers
- Washed out colors along the borders and throughout the main card.
- Holographic foiling is completely different.
Fake Pokémon cards come in all shapes and sizes, and we aren't going to go completely in-depth in this article. But if you are curious and really want to explore how deep the rabbit hole goes, check out our fake Pokémon cards article that will tell you everything you would ever need to know!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 1st edition Pokémon cards worth anything?
ButtonYes, 1st edition Pokémon cards are the rarest Pokémon cards in the game and usually come with significant price tags if they are in great condition!
Why did Pokémon get rid of 1st edition?
Button1st edition Pokémon cards only existed during the Wizards of the Coast era. When their license expired in 2003, Nintendo took over printing of Pokémon cards, removing 1st edition Pokémon cards from future sets.
How to tell first edition Pokémon cards?
ButtonYou can tell if a pokemon card is first edition by the 1st edition logo stamp on the left side of the card.
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About the author: Kamryn Kirwan
Card collector, gamer, Pokémon enthusiast
Kamryn Kirwan is a passionate writer for TCG Review who loves gaming and collecting cards. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and expertise with the gaming community, and if you're looking to read something that's more than just generic tips, he's got your back.
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