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Collecting

1st Edition Pokémon cards: how to recognise them and what they're worth

Updated on 16/10/2026

1st Edition Pokémon cards: how to recognise them and what they're worth
11st EditionEdition 1 stamp, no shadowShadowlessno stamp, no shadowUnlimitedshadow right of the art box
English Base Set (1999), diagram: 1st Edition has the "Edition 1" stamp under the artwork box; the first reprint (shadowless) has neither stamp nor shadow; later print runs (unlimited) have a shadow on the right side of the box.

The Edition 1 stamp

The first print runs of the English sets printed by Wizards of the Coast between 1999 and 2002 carry a small round black stamp reading Edition 1, on the left just under the artwork box. They were printed in much smaller quantities than later runs: that's why they're worth more.

SetYear1st Edition
Base, Jungle, Fossil1999Yes
Team Rocket2000Yes
Gym Heroes, Gym Challenge2000Yes
Neo Genesis, Discovery, Revelation, Destiny2000–2002Yes
Base Set 2, Legendary Collection2000–2002No
Modern setsfrom 2003No

Shadowless and unlimited

In Base Set there are three versions of the same card: 1st Edition, shadowless (first reprint, no stamp and no shadow) and unlimited, with a shadow on the right side of the artwork box. In the same condition 1st Edition is worth the most, then shadowless, then unlimited.

What about Japanese cards?

The "Edition 1" stamp concerns English cards. In the first Japanese set of 1996 the difference is another one: the very first cards had no rarity symbol, which was added in reprints. The Japanese "no rarity" Charizard is one of the most sought-after cards in the world.

What a 1st Edition card is worth

It depends mainly on three things: the Pokémon (Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur and the most loved holos are worth more), the condition and grading. 1st Edition commons in normal condition are worth a few euros; holos in perfect condition can be worth thousands.

The most loved modern cards from our catalogue

Pikachu ex 126/103 — 30th Celebration JP

Pikachu ex

126/103

74,99 €3 pcs
Salamence ex 133/103 — 30th Celebration JP

Salamence ex

133/103

19,99 €2 pcs
Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR 234/172 — VSTAR Universe

Hisuian Zoroark VSTAR

234/172

36,49 €2 pcs
Deoxys VSTAR 223/172 — VSTAR Universe

Deoxys VSTAR

223/172

32,99 €1 pcs

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a Pokémon card is 1st Edition?+
Look for the round black stamp reading 'Edition 1', printed on the left just under the artwork box. If it isn't there, the card isn't 1st Edition.
Which sets have a 1st Edition?+
The English Wizards of the Coast sets from Base Set (1999) to Neo Destiny (2002): Base, Jungle, Fossil, Team Rocket, Gym Heroes, Gym Challenge and the four Neo sets.
What does shadowless mean?+
It's the first reprint of the English Base Set: no 1st Edition stamp, but without the shadow on the right side of the artwork box that later print runs have.
Do new cards have a 1st Edition?+
No: modern cards no longer carry the 1st Edition stamp.

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