CleanOutlet
Get the Full Story on|Dive Deep into CleanOutlet for the Aug 2025 Coverage.

How Do You Know If Pokemon Card Is First Edition?

1st Printing of the First Edition StampAround the top half of the circle, there is a “EDITION.” It resembles a small, black sun in the sky. If you have a 1st Edition card with this stamp, you know it could be worth a lot of money.

Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Aro...
Silky Terrier Dog Breed Playing Around

What is the first edition mark on Pokémon cards?

The “Edition 1” symbol appears on the card, often on the other side of the Expansion symbol, to identify 1st Edition cards (or next to it with early Japanese 1st Edition sets). On the 1st Edition, this symbol can be found on the booster packs and boxes as well.

What year Pokémon cards are 1st edition?

Do you know anything about the new Pokemon cards called the “First Editions?” These cards are from the 1999 Pokemon card set and are known as “first edition” cards. The first set of Pokemon cards to be made available in the United States was this one.

👉 For more insights, check out this resource.

Are all 1999 Pokémon cards first edition?

Is it safe to assume that all 1999 Pokemon cards are considered 1st Edition? No, early Pokemon card sets had multiple ‘print runs.’ A card isn’t considered first edition if it doesn’t bear the first edition stamp.

Can 1st Edition Pokémon cards have a shadow?

The shadow to the right of the image frame will never appear on 1st Editions or Shadowless cards. It’s an Unlimited card if you see that shadowing. If the shadow is missing, you’ll either have a 1st Edition or a Shadowless card, depending on the rarity. To be certain, look for the stamp on the document.

👉 Discover more in this in-depth guide.

How do I tell what edition my Pokémon cards are?

The unique 1st Edition stamp, the absence of a shadow on the right of the frame, and the copyright dates 1995, 1996, 1998, and 1999 are all helpful in identifying a Pokémon card from the 1st Edition Base Set. Shadowless and Unlimited are two other Base Set editions that can be very valuable.

How many 1st Edition Pokémon cards are there?

Pokémon cards from the first generation of the franchise featured 102 unique cards, including cards that are now among the most valuable in existence, like the first-edition holographic Charizard card.

Is Base set 1st Edition?

Basic Set: First Printing, Limited Edition (1st Edition, Shadowless) Base Set cards with these print runs are the most valuable and rare. In Near Mint condition, this first print run is extremely difficult to come by, as it was produced before “Pokémania” took hold in the United States.

Are Pokémon cards from 1995 worth anything?

Pokemon Topsun 1995 — Charizard’s First Edition.Topsun Charizard has a blue back, indicating that it was printed in 1995, when this card was first released. Due to its extreme rarity, this first-ever Charizard card can fetch up to $10,000 in auctions.

How much do 1st Edition Pokémon cards sell for?

First-edition cards in perfect condition are currently valued at $40 or more. The holographic cards aren’t any more rare. One can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $24,000 for a first-edition holo in mint condition.

What is Pokémon 1st edition?

The Set That People Want. Short version: First Edition means the first batch of cards for a new product. A small stamp appears below the card’s featured Pokémon to indicate that it is a 1st Edition card. 1st Edition sets can be distinguished from less sought-after ones by the inclusion of this stamp.