tl;dr: The first Pokémon card ever made was the Pikachu Illustrator card.
If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of Pokémon cards and which one holds the title of being the very first, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore the fascinating history of Pokémon cards and reveal the answer to the question, “What was the first Pokémon card ever made?”
History of Pokémon cards
Creation of Pokémon
Pokémon, short for “Pocket Monsters,” was created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori. The franchise began as a video game series developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. The concept of Pokémon revolves around fictional creatures called Pokémon, which humans, known as Pokémon Trainers, catch and train to battle each other for sport.
Introduction of Pokémon cards
As the popularity of Pokémon grew, it expanded beyond video games and into various forms of media, including an animated television series, movies, toys, and trading card games. The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) was introduced in Japan in 1996 by Media Factory. It quickly gained traction and was later localized for international markets.
The first Pokémon card
Pikachu Illustrator card
The first Pokémon card ever made is the Pikachu Illustrator card. Released in 1998, this card holds a special place in Pokémon history. It was created as a promotional card for the Pokémon Illustration Contest, an art contest held in Japan. Only 39 copies of this card were ever produced, making it an incredibly rare and sought-after collector’s item.
Features of the Pikachu Illustrator card
Limited edition
The Pikachu Illustrator card is highly coveted due to its limited edition status. With only 39 copies in existence, it is incredibly rare to come across one. This rarity adds to its allure and makes it a prized possession for collectors.
Artwork and design
The artwork on the Pikachu Illustrator card is stunning and showcases the talent of the contest winner. The card features a unique illustration of Pikachu holding a paintbrush, surrounded by colorful splashes of paint. The design is vibrant and captures the essence of the Pokémon franchise.
Unique attributes
What sets the Pikachu Illustrator card apart from other Pokémon cards is its unique attributes. It bears the word “Illustrator” at the top instead of the usual “Trainer” or “Pokémon” designation. Additionally, it has a special pen icon in the bottom right corner, indicating its status as a promotional card.
Value and rarity of the Pikachu Illustrator card
Auction prices
Due to its rarity and desirability, the Pikachu Illustrator card has fetched astronomical prices at auctions. In 2019, a copy of this card sold for a staggering $195,000, making it one of the most expensive Pokémon cards ever sold. Its value continues to rise, making it a valuable investment for collectors.
Collector’s item
The Pikachu Illustrator card is a true collector’s item. Its scarcity and historical significance make it a prized possession for Pokémon enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Owning this card not only showcases a deep appreciation for the franchise but also represents a piece of Pokémon history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first Pokémon card ever made was the Pikachu Illustrator card. This limited edition card holds immense value and rarity, making it a highly sought-after item among collectors. Its unique artwork, design, and historical significance contribute to its allure. If you ever come across a Pikachu Illustrator card, consider yourself lucky, as you hold a piece of Pokémon history in your hands.
FAQs
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What is the 1st rarest Pokemon card?
#1 – Shadowless Charizard While the Pokemon Charizard may never achieve Legendary status, the same cannot be said for this card! The 1st edition shadowless Charizard is the rarest of all Base set cards in the world, as well as one of the most expensive Pokemon cards ever sold.
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What is the rarest Pokemon card?
1. 1998 Pokemon Japanese Promo Pikachu Holo Illustrator. Logan Paul purchased the 1998 Pokemon Japanese Promo Pikachu Illustrato-Holo for $5.3 million in July 2021. The Pikachu Illustrator card is widely considered the rarest and most expensive Pokemon card in existence.
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What is the oldest Charizard card?
The 1999 1st Edition Holographic Charizard card is recognized as the “holy grail” of the entire Pokémon trading card game, and seen as one of the most iconic non-sports cards.
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What did the first Pokemon card look like?
So to recap, 1st Edition came first; they hail from ’99, have a little stamp below the featured Pokémon and lack the drop shadow that outlines the right-hand side of the character box. Shadowless came next, and are separated by 1st Edition only by the absence of the stamp saying so.
Originally posted 2023-02-13 04:10:41.