How to see if a Pokémon card is first edition: 3 signs

Collecting Pokémon cards has been a popular hobby for decades, and first-edition cards are highly sought after due to their rarity and value. But for beginners or even experienced collectors, identifying whether a card is a first edition Pokémon card can sometimes be tricky. Knowing how to see if a Pokémon card is first edition can help collectors understand the value of their collection and make more informed decisions when buying, selling, or trading cards.

In this guide, we will explore the key features that help you identify a first edition Pokémon card, the differences between editions, and tips for ensuring authenticity.

What Is a First Edition Pokémon card?

Before understanding how to see if a Pokémon card is a first edition, it’s important to know what the first edition means in the world of Pokémon trading cards. A first edition Pokémon card is part of the initial print run of a set. These cards are the very first to be produced and distributed, making them rarer and, often, more valuable than subsequent prints.

The first edition stamp, which is a small symbol printed on the card, helps distinguish these cards from other editions such as unlimited or shadowless editions. Collectors often prioritize first edition cards because they hold higher value in the market due to their scarcity.

How to identify a first edition Pokémon card

When trying to determine how to see if a Pokémon card is first edition, there are several features to look for. Here are the key indicators that a card is part of the first edition print run:

1. Look for the first edition stamp

The most obvious and reliable way to determine if a Pokémon card is the first edition is to check for the first edition stamp. This stamp is a small black circle with a “1” inside, accompanied by the words “Edition” below it. It’s usually located on the left side of the Pokémon card, just below the artwork and next to the bottom left corner of the card.

Where to find the first edition stamp:

• On English Pokémon cards, the stamp is located just below the bottom left corner of the Pokémon illustration box.
• On Japanese Pokémon cards, the first edition symbol may appear in a different location but is still a recognizable mark.

If the card has the first edition stamp, it’s a clear sign that the card is from the first print run of that particular set.

2. Check the set symbol

Another way to see if a Pokémon card is first edition is by looking at the set symbol. The set symbol, typically found in the bottom right corner of the card, indicates which set the card belongs to. Some early Pokémon sets, such as Base Set, Jungle, and Fossil, had first-edition print runs.

For example:

• Base Set first edition cards will have the first edition stamp, but they do not have a set symbol (Base Set cards do not have a set symbol in general).
• Jungle and Fossil sets will have the first edition stamp and the corresponding set symbol (a small leaf for Jungle and a bone for Fossil).

While the set symbol doesn’t always indicate whether the card is a first edition, it can help collectors determine the specific set the card belongs to and if that set had a first edition print run.

3. Look at the card’s borders and shadows

One of the easiest ways to identify how to see if a Pokémon card is first edition is by examining the card’s borders and shadows, particularly for early sets like the Base Set. First edition cards from the Base Set can be divided into two categories: shadowless and shadowed.

• Shadowless Cards: First edition Base Set Pokémon cards are shadowless, meaning they do not have the shadow effect along the right-hand side of the card’s artwork box. The lack of a shadow gives these cards a unique appearance and makes them highly sought after by collectors.
• Shadowed Cards: In later print runs, known as unlimited editions, a shadow was added to the right-hand side of the artwork box, giving the card a more 3D appearance.

If a card is shadowless and has the first edition stamp, it is a first edition Base Set card, which is highly valuable.

Differences between first edition, shadowless, and unlimited Cards

It’s important to understand the difference between first edition, shadowless, and unlimited cards when trying to identify how to see if a Pokémon card is a first edition.

1. First edition cards

As discussed earlier, first edition cards are part of the initial print run of a specific Pokémon set. These cards have the first edition stamp and, in the case of Base Set, they are also shadowless.

2. Shadowless cards

Shadowless cards are part of the second print run after the first edition cards. While these cards don’t have the first edition stamp, they are still more valuable than unlimited cards because of their shadowless appearance. Shadowless cards were printed before the addition of the shadow effect to the artwork box.

3. Unlimited cards

Unlimited cards are the most common and were printed after both the first edition and shadowless runs. These cards have a shadow effect around the artwork box and do not have the first edition stamp. Unlimited cards are generally less valuable compared to their first edition and shadowless counterparts.

Authenticating a first edition Pokémon card

Once you’ve identified a card as first edition, it’s essential to ensure its authenticity, especially if you’re planning to buy, sell, or trade the card. Here are a few tips for authenticating first edition Pokémon cards:

1. Check for fakes

Unfortunately, the Pokémon card market is flooded with counterfeit cards, particularly first edition cards due to their high value. Be cautious when purchasing cards from unfamiliar sellers and always check the following:

• Card quality: Authentic Pokémon cards are printed on high-quality cardstock with a smooth texture. Fake cards often feel flimsy and may have blurry artwork or text.
• Holographic foil: First-edition holographic cards have a distinct holo pattern that is difficult to replicate. Fake holographic cards often look dull or have irregular patterns.

2. Use a magnifying glass

Authentic Pokémon cards are printed with a specific dot matrix pattern. By using a magnifying glass, you can check the print quality of the card. If the dots are uniform and consistent, the card is more likely to be genuine. Fake cards often have blurry or uneven printing.

3. Get the card graded

If you have a valuable first edition card and want to ensure its authenticity, consider sending it to a professional grading service like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) or Beckett. These services will assess the card’s authenticity, condition, and value, giving it an official grade.

Final thoughts: How to see if a Pokémon card is first edition

Knowing how to see if a Pokémon card is first edition is a valuable skill for any collector. By checking for the first edition stamp, examining the card’s borders and shadows, and comparing it to other editions, you can confidently identify first edition cards and understand their place in the Pokémon card market. Remember to always verify authenticity, especially when dealing with high-value cards, to ensure your collection is legitimate.