Nostalgia and the allure of collecting vintage items have made first edition Pokemon cards highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike. These rare cards hold significant value, captivating the imagination of fans worldwide. However, distinguishing between first edition cards and their later counterparts can be a challenge, especially for novice collectors. Fortunately, there are telltale signs that differentiate these treasured collectibles from subsequent editions.
Scrutinizing the card’s back is paramount when determining its edition. First edition cards bear a distinct black border around the card’s text box, a feature absent in later editions. Additionally, the copyright date located at the bottom of the card will typically read “1999-2000 Nintendo.” The presence of a first edition stamp or symbol on the card’s face is another reliable indicator of its rarity. These symbols vary depending on the set, but they often appear as a small black star or a set logo with the word “1st” inscribed within it.
Examining the card’s overall appearance can also provide clues about its edition. First edition cards tend to exhibit a more vibrant and saturated color scheme compared to their later counterparts. The card’s texture may also differ, with first edition cards often having a slightly rougher or more textured surface. By carefully observing these subtle differences, collectors can discern the true nature of their Pokemon cards and appreciate the unique history and value associated with first edition collectibles.
Identifying the "Shadowless" Design
The most distinctive characteristic of 1st Edition English Pokémon cards is their so-called "shadowless" design. Unlike later editions, where a drop shadow is added to the artwork of each card, 1st Edition cards feature crisp and clean artwork without any shading. This design element is particularly evident in the iconic Pikachu card, where the original version lacks the subtle shadowing around its cheeks and tail that appears in subsequent editions.
To further clarify the difference, here is a table comparing the 1st Edition and later editions of the Pikachu card:
| 1st Edition | Later Editions | |
|---|---|---|
| Artwork | Clean and shadowless | Artwork with subtle drop shadows |
| Example |  |
 |
It’s important to note that the shadowless design does not apply to all cards in the 1st Edition set. Some cards, such as certain holofoils, do have a faint shadow around their artwork. However, the vast majority of cards are completely shadowless, making this a key indicator of 1st Edition status.
Examining the “1st Edition” Stamp
The presence of the “1st Edition” stamp is the most direct indicator of a card’s first run status. Located on the bottom left corner of the card, this stamp is typically printed in black ink and features the words “1st Edition” in English. It is important to note that the stamp may occasionally appear in other languages, such as Japanese or German, depending on the region where the card was produced.
Here are some additional details to help you identify the “1st Edition” stamp:
- Font: The text “1st Edition” is typically printed in a specific font, which may vary slightly depending on the card set. However, the font should generally have a clean and legible appearance.
- Color: The “1st Edition” stamp is almost always printed in black ink, although there have been rare cases where it appears in other colors, such as red or blue.
- Placement: The “1st Edition” stamp should be located in the bottom left corner of the card, directly below the copyright information.
- Size: The size of the “1st Edition” stamp can vary slightly, but it is typically around 10 millimeters in width and 5 millimeters in height.
| Characteristic | 1st Edition Stamp |
|---|---|
| Location | Bottom left corner of the card |
| Font | Clean and legible, may vary slightly by card set |
| Color | Typically black ink, may appear in other colors |
| Size | Approximately 10mm wide x 5mm high |
Verifying the Copyright Information
Inspecting the copyright information printed on the back of the card is a crucial step in verifying its first edition status. Here are the key details to look for:
Copyright Date
First edition cards typically display a copyright date of “1999” or “1995-1999”. While some reprints may also bear these dates, they can be distinguished by other factors.
Copyright Symbol
The copyright symbol should be a letter “C” enclosed within a circle. In first edition cards, this symbol is accompanied by the words “Nintendo TM” in close proximity.
Additional Copyright Information
First edition cards often include additional copyright information above or below the copyright date. This information may include the name of the printer, such as “Printed in U.S.A.” or “Printed in Japan”.
To further assist your verification process, here is a table summarizing the copyright information found on various editions of Pokémon cards:
| Edition | Copyright Date | Copyright Symbol | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Edition | 1999 or 1995-1999 | “C” in a circle with “Nintendo TM” | Printer’s name (e.g., “Printed in U.S.A.”) |
| Unlimited | 1999 or 1995-2000 | “C” in a circle | No additional information |
| Revised | 2000 | “C” in a circle | “Revised” in parentheses |
Checking the Card Number
The card number can provide a reliable indicator of whether a Pokémon card is a 1st Edition. Typically, 1st Edition cards have a card number that follows a specific format:
For cards with a card number that comprises only numbers (e.g., “001/102”), the 1st Edition variant will typically have a card number ending in “/78” or “/110”. For example, the 1st Edition Charizard card will have a card number of “006/78”.
For cards with a card number that contains a letter followed by numbers (e.g., “F01/F10”), the 1st Edition variant will usually have a card number ending in “/78” or “/102”. For instance, the 1st Edition Dark Charizard card will have a card number of “F05/78”.
However, not all cards follow this rule. The “Jungle” and “Fossil” sets are exceptions, with their 1st Edition cards having card numbers ending in “/82” or “/102”. Additionally, some variations of the “Diamond & Pearl” series have card numbers ending in “/111” instead of “/102”.
Below is a table summarizing the card number endings for 1st Edition cards in most sets:
| Set | 1st Edition Card Number Ending |
|---|---|
| Base | /78 or /110 |
| Jungle | /82 or /102 |
| Fossil | /82 or /102 |
| Base Set 2 | /78 or /110 |
| Team Rocket | /78 or /102 |
| Gym Heroes | /78 or /102 |
| Gym Challenge | /78 or /102 |
| Neo Genesis | /102 |
| Neo Discovery | /102 |
| Neo Revelation | /102 |
| Neo Destiny | /102 |
| Legendary Collection | /102 |
| Expedition | /102 |
| Aquapolis | /102 |
| Skyridge | /102 |
| Diamond & Pearl | /102 or /111 |
| Emerald | /102 or /111 |
Inspecting the Holofoil Pattern
1st Edition Base Set: The holofoil pattern in 1st Edition cards is a diagonal honeycomb design with a faint “diamond dust” effect.
1st Edition Jungle: Similar to the Base Set, Jungle cards have a diagonal honeycomb holofoil pattern with a slightly more pronounced diamond dust effect.
1st Edition Fossil: Fossil cards feature a unique “shattered glass” holofoil pattern composed of irregular, diamond-shaped shards.
1st Edition Team Rocket: Team Rocket cards have a horizontal honeycomb holofoil pattern with a more distinctive diamond dust effect compared to the Base Set.
1st Edition Gym Heroes/Challenge: These cards have a vertical honeycomb holofoil pattern with a faint diamond dust effect.
Here’s a table summarizing the holofoil patterns of 1st Edition English cards:
| Set | Holofoil Pattern | Diamond Dust Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Base Set | Diagonal honeycomb | Faint |
| Jungle | Diagonal honeycomb | Slightly pronounced |
| Fossil | Shattered glass | N/A |
| Team Rocket | Horizontal honeycomb | Distinctive |
| Gym Heroes/Challenge | Vertical honeycomb | Faint |
Analyzing the Artwork
Comparing the artwork between the 1st edition and later prints is another crucial step. Here are some key differences to look for:
Border Thickness
The borders of 1st edition cards are slightly thicker than those of later prints. This is especially noticeable around the white edges of the cards.
Saturation and Colors
The colors on 1st edition cards are generally more vibrant and saturated. This is especially noticeable in the shadows and highlights of the artwork.
Shading and Details
The 1st edition cards often have more detailed shading and finer details in the artwork. This is particularly evident in the eyes, fur, and other textures of the Pokémon.
Misprints and Errors
1st edition cards are more prone to printing errors and misprints due to the limited quality control at the time. These errors can range from minor color variations to missing details.
Font and Text
The font used in the text boxes on 1st edition cards is slightly different from later prints. The spacing and size of the text may also vary.
Shadow vs. Shadowless
The first edition of the Base Set was released with both shadowless and shadowed cards. Shadowless cards have a white border around the artwork, while shadowed cards have a gray border. 1st edition shadowless cards are particularly rare and valuable.
| Feature | 1st Edition | Later Prints |
|---|---|---|
| Border Thickness | Thicker | Thinner |
| Saturation and Colors | More vibrant | Less saturated |
| Shading and Details | More detailed | Less detailed |
| Misprints and Errors | More common | Less common |
| Font and Text | Slightly different | Same |
| Shadowless | Yes (some cards) | No |
Looking for Printer Errors
When examining your Pokemon cards, pay close attention to any noticeable misprints or printing errors. These errors can manifest in various ways, and identifying them can serve as a valuable sign of a 1st edition printing.
Misaligned Text or Images:
Look for text or images that appear off-center or misaligned on the card’s surface. This misalignment indicates a printer error and is commonly found in 1st edition prints.
Inverted Stamps:
The copyright stamp located at the bottom of the card may be inverted or reversed in 1st edition prints. This inverted stamp is an indication of an early production error.
Incorrect Card Numbers or Rarity Symbols:
Compare the card number and rarity symbol on your card with the established information for that particular set. Inconsistencies or errors in these elements can suggest a 1st edition print.
Incomplete Ink Coverage:
Check for areas on the card where the ink appears faded or incomplete. This patchiness can indicate a printer error and is sometimes present in 1st edition cards.
Misprints or Typos:
仔细检查卡片的文字，寻找任何拼写错误或印刷错误。这些错误可能很小，但它们表明印刷过程中发生了问题，这在 1 版印刷品中很常见。
Blurry or Doubled Images:
Examine the images on your card closely. If they appear blurry or doubled, this could be a sign of a printer error that is common in early prints, including 1st editions.
Table of Key Printer Errors:
| Error Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Misaligned Text/Images | Text or images are positioned off-center or crooked. |
| Inverted Copyright Stamp | The copyright stamp at the bottom of the card is upside-down or backwards. |
| Incorrect Card Number/Rarity | The card number or rarity symbol does not correspond with the established information for that set. |
| Incomplete Ink Coverage | Areas of the card show faded or patchy ink. |
| Misprints/Typos | One or more spelling or printing errors are present on the card. |
| Blurry/Doubled Images | The images on the card appear hazy or partially duplicated. |
Comparing with Known 1st Edition Cards
To accurately identify 1st Edition Pokémon cards, it is highly recommended to compare them with known 1st Edition cards. This method allows you to directly assess the physical characteristics that distinguish 1st Edition cards from later printings.
Printing Quality
1st Edition cards generally exhibit higher print quality compared to later editions. The colors are more vibrant and the lines are more crisp and clear. The dot pattern used in the printing process is also finer, resulting in a smoother overall appearance.
Card Stock
1st Edition cards are typically printed on a thicker, sturdier card stock compared to later editions. The card stock is less flexible and has a slightly rougher texture. This difference in thickness and texture can be easily felt by holding and comparing cards from different editions.
Font and Symbol
The font used for the card name and set symbol on 1st Edition cards is slightly bolder and more pronounced compared to later editions. The “Pokémon” logo in the set symbol is also more rounded and has a slightly different shape.
Border Thickness
The border surrounding the card is typically thicker on 1st Edition cards compared to later editions. This difference in border thickness is not always immediately noticeable, but it can be observed by placing cards from different editions side-by-side.
Color of the Back
The back of 1st Edition cards has a slightly darker green color compared to later editions. This difference in shade is subtle, but it can be noticed when comparing cards under consistent lighting conditions.
Dotted Outline
1st Edition cards have a dotted outline around the edges of the card back. This outline is created by small, evenly spaced dots that are not present on later editions. The dotted outline is particularly noticeable along the top and bottom edges of the card.
Glossy Finish
1st Edition cards have a slightly glossy finish on both the front and back of the card. This glossy finish is more prominent on the back of the card, giving it a slightly reflective appearance.
Price
1st Edition Pokémon cards are generally more valuable than later editions due to their rarity and historical significance. If you encounter a Pokémon card that is priced significantly lower than the expected value of a 1st Edition card, it is more likely to be a later edition or a fake.
Consulting with Experts
Consulting with experts in the field of Pokémon card collecting can provide valuable insights into identifying first edition cards. These experts may be found at conventions, online forums, or through professional appraisal services. They can physically inspect your cards, assess their condition, and provide informed opinions on their authenticity and edition.
Evaluating Card Details
When consulting with experts, be prepared to provide clear and detailed photographs of your cards. Experts will closely examine the following aspects:
- Printing quality and sharpness
- Card back design
- Font size and style
- Coloration
- Symbol placement
- Holofoil pattern (if applicable)
Additional Context
In addition to the card’s physical characteristics, experts may also consider the following factors:
| Factor | First Edition Indicators |
|---|---|
| Set Number | 1st edition cards typically have a set number printed in the bottom left corner. |
| Copyright Date | 1st edition cards have a copyright date of 1999. |
| Expansion Symbol | 1st edition cards have a set symbol that is outlined in black. |
| Card Number Font | 1st edition cards have a slightly smaller card number font. |
| Holofoil Pattern | 1st edition holos have a more vibrant and textured holofoil pattern. |
| Shiny Back | 1st edition cards have a slightly shiny back compared to unlimited editions. |
Utilizing Online Verification Tools
The Internet has become a valuable resource for authenticating Pokemon cards. Several reputable online tools can assist in verifying the authenticity and edition of your cards:
1. PWCC Marketplace Verification Tool
This tool allows users to submit high-resolution images of their cards for expert opinion. The evaluation process takes 24-48 hours, and the results include a detailed report on the authenticity and edition of the cards.
2. Card Collector’s Society (CCS) Grading Service
CCS offers a comprehensive grading service that includes authentication and edition verification. Their team of experts meticulously examines cards and assigns a grade based on their condition and authenticity.
3. Beckett Graded Card Services (BGS)
BGS provides a similar grading service to CCS, specializing in Pokemon cards. Their grading process includes a 10-point scale for condition and an authentication check to confirm the edition.
4. Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA)
PSA offers a high-quality grading service for trading cards, including Pokemon. Their expert team verifies the authenticity of cards and assigns a numerical grade based on their condition.
5. TCGplayer Verification Service
TCGplayer provides a convenient online verification tool that allows users to upload images of their cards. Their team of experts assesses the cards and provides feedback on their authenticity and edition.
6. YouTube Authentication Channels
There are several reputable YouTube channels dedicated to authenticating Pokemon cards. These channels often provide detailed tutorials and examples to help viewers identify genuine cards.
7. Reddit Authentication Subreddits
Reddit hosts several subreddits dedicated to trading and authenticating Pokemon cards. Users can post images of their cards and seek opinions from experienced collectors.
8. Facebook Authentication Groups
Similar to Reddit, Facebook has active groups dedicated to Pokemon card authentication. Members can share images of their cards and engage in discussions to verify their authenticity.
9. Local Comic Book Shops and Card Retailers
Local comic book shops and card retailers often have staff knowledgeable about Pokemon cards. They may be able to provide guidance and assist with authentication, especially if they are certified dealers.
10. Card Grading Events
Various organizations and collectors host card grading events where experts are available to examine and authenticate cards. These events provide an opportunity for collectors to obtain professional verification and protect the value of their collections.
How To Tell If Pokemon Cards Are 1st Edition
Pokemon cards have grown increasingly popular, and as a result, it is essential to be able to identify first edition cards from later editions. There are a few key ways to identify 1st edition cards, which include looking at the copyright date, the set symbol, and the card number.
The copyright date is located at the bottom of the card and will typically read “1999 Wizards of the Coast…” If the copyright date is different, then the card is not a 1st edition card. Additionally, first edition cards will have a black star to the left of the set symbol, which is located at the bottom right-hand corner of the card. Finally, 1st edition cards will have a card number that is less than 100.
People Also Ask About How To Tell If Pokemon Cards Are 1st Edition
How can you tell if a Pokemon card is a first edition?
There are a few ways to tell if a Pokemon card is a first edition. First, look at the copyright date at the bottom of the card, which will typically read “1999 Wizards of the Coast…” If the copyright date is different, then the card is not a 1st edition card.
Second, look for a black star to the left of the set symbol at the bottom right-hand corner of the card. This star is only present on 1st edition cards.
Finally, check the card number. If the card number is less than 100, then it is a 1st edition card.
What is the most sought-after 1st edition Pokemon card?
The most sought-after 1st edition Pokemon card is the Charizard card. This card is one of the most difficult to find, making it one of the most valuable. It is also one of the most popular cards among collectors, making it a great investment.
How much is a 1st edition Pokemon card worth?
The value of a 1st edition Pokemon card can vary depending on the condition of the card and its rarity. However, some 1st edition cards can be worth thousands of dollars. The Charizard card, for example, can be worth as much as $10,000 or more.
