Pokémon Sets

The English-language set that started it all: Wizards of the Coast's 1999 release adapting Japan's first set, home to the iconic Charizard #4/102. Its print runs climb from scarce 1st Edition and Shadowless to Unlimited, which itself splits into 1999 and 1999-2000 Copyright variants, the most chased cards in vintage Pokemon.

The April 2000 villain-themed expansion introducing 'Dark' Pokemon like Dark Charizard and Dark Blastoise. It debuted the first secret rare in the English game, Dark Raichu (#83), numbered beyond the printed set total.

The third English set (October 1999), built around prehistoric and Fossil Pokemon such as Aerodactyl, Kabutops, and Dragonite, plus the legendary birds. The last of the three original Generation I expansions before the reprints began.

The October 2000 conclusion of the two-set Gym series and the final Generation I-themed English WOTC release, headlined by Giovanni's, Sabrina's, and Blaine's Pokemon. Closes out the Kanto Gym Leader storyline with chase cards like Blaine's Charizard.

The second English expansion (June 1999), spotlighting Generation I Kanto Pokemon like Snorlax, Scyther, and the Eeveelutions. Early 1st Edition copies were printed without the set symbol, creating the sought-after 'no symbol' error variants.

The August 2000 English opener of the Gym series, featuring Pokemon owned by Kanto Gym Leaders such as Brock, Misty, and Lt. Surge. The first time named trainers appeared on the cards themselves.

A February 2000 English reprint compilation that merged top cards from Base Set and Jungle into one Unlimited-only set. With no 1st Edition run, it is the more accessible way to own classic Generation I artwork.

Collection-owned Korean Base Set Charizard, 1st Edition. Other cards and languages in the shared PSA heading are excluded.

Collection-selected FR Base Set cards only; the metadata allowlist excludes unowned bulk.

Collection-selected DE Base Set cards only; the metadata allowlist excludes unowned bulk.

Collection-selected ES Base Set cards only; the metadata allowlist excludes unowned bulk.

The 53 Wizards Black Star promotional cards released from 1999 through 2002, including the movie promos, Birthday Pikachu, Ancient Mew and the Pokemon Center cards.

The two English Grey Star promotional cards distributed through Japan's CoroCoro Comic in April 1999. They are separated from the 34 Japanese-language CoroCoro promos so language-specific promo browsing stays accurate.

1998 English Pokemon test prints with a gold border and Magic: The Gathering back. The catalog follows CGC's research group, with population and historical auction evidence kept distinct from a current valuation.

The first Japanese Pokemon Trading Card Game release (1996), home to vintage No Rarity Symbol (NRS) first prints and the foundational set that preceded all international releases. Charizard and Blastoise command the highest market values, particularly in NRS form.

The 1999 Japanese Gym Expansion 2, featuring Pokemon owned by Sabrina, Koga, Blaine, and Giovanni. Its distinct 98-card checklist later contributed cards to the English Gym Challenge expansion.

The Team Rocket / Rocket Gang expansion (1997), the first set featuring Dark Pokemon cards. A defining vintage Japanese set with strong collector demand for high-grade copies.

The third Japanese expansion (1997), built around prehistoric and Fossil Pokemon such as Aerodactyl, Kabutops, and Dragonite, plus the legendary birds. A key set in the vintage Japanese market.

The 1995-1997 Japanese Topsun gum cards: 150 Pokemon in Blue Back and Green Back, the No Number Blue Backs, and the holofoil and prism versions of the 16 holo cards.

The second Japanese expansion (1997), spotlighting Generation I Kanto Pokemon such as Snorlax, Scyther, and the Eeveelutions. Japanese first edition copies are highly sought alongside their English-market counterparts.

The fifth Japanese main expansion (1998), centered on Brock, Misty, Lt. Surge, and Erika. Its cards later formed part of the English Gym Heroes expansion.

The 1998 Japanese promotional cards, home to the Pikachu Illustrator from the CoroCoro Comic illustration contest, the Tamamushi University Magikarp and the Family Event Trophy Kangaskhan.

The 35 Japanese-language cards in PSA's current 37-card registry of regular-size Pokemon promos distributed through CoroCoro Comic from November 1996 through May 2001. The two English Grey Star cards are cataloged separately with English promos.

A five card Japanese promotional set distributed through the Communication Evolution mail order campaign, featuring holographic Alakazam, Machamp, Golem, Gengar, and Omastar cards.

A 125-card Japanese promotional collection distributed through vending machines in three 1998 Expansion Sheet series: Blue, Red, and Green. Full sheets, Series 00 previews, and Masaki mail-in promos are outside this set.

The 1997 Japanese promotional cards, from the gold, silver and bronze Trophy Pikachu awarded at the first official Pokemon card tournament to Stamp Rally and magazine giveaways.

PSA's 1998-99 Japanese promo heading: the 64 Mario Stadium Best Photo Snap cards, Ancient Mew, the Tropical Mega Battle Challenge Road card and the Grand Party Trainer.

The trophy cards of the 1999 Super Secret Battle, an invitation-only tournament whose players learned its location only after winning a regional event. About seven No. 1 Trainer cards exist.

Bandai's 1996 Pokemon Carddass vending cards, the anime-era series with the Prism holos and the numbered Trainer cards.

Cards from the 1999 Tropical Mega Battle in Hawaii, including the No. 1 Trainer trophy and the Tropical Wind and Challenge Road cards given to players.

The Pokemon Snap cards printed from winning entries to a 1999 CoroCoro Comic photo contest built on the Nintendo 64 game.

A 2002 compilation set reprinting classic Base, Jungle, and Fossil Pokemon with new holographic artwork, best known for its distinctive reverse-holo parallels.

The final set of the e-Card era and the last English release of the Wizards of the Coast run (2003). Its 144 cards are joined by a 32-card holo subset numbered H1-H32 and a closing run of Crystal-type chase cards headlined by the prized Crystal Charizard, with a reverse holo parallel across the set.

The fourth and final Generation II set (February 2002) and the last of the Wizards of the Coast era, headlined by the Light and Dark Pokemon and the chase Shining Pokemon secret rares.

The September 2002 debut of the e-Card era, the first English set built for the Nintendo e-Reader with its signature dot-code strips printed along the card edges. A 165-card mix of Generation I and II Pokemon carrying the reverse holo parallel, headlined by chase holos like Charizard, Feraligatr, and Typhlosion.

The second e-Card set (2002), a 147-card release built for the Nintendo e-Reader. Beyond the main set it carries a 32-card holo subset numbered H1-H32 and closes with the era's first Crystal-type chase cards, and every card has a reverse holo parallel.

The first Generation II set (December 2000), opening the Neo era with Johto Pokemon, Baby Pokemon, and the new Darkness and Metal types. Headlined by Lugia.

The third Generation II set (September 2001), best known for debuting the first Shining Pokemon as secret rares.

The second Generation II set (June 2001), continuing the Neo era with a wave of new Johto Pokemon.

A 2001 special collection of 18 tropical-themed cards sold as two nine-card sets, prized for its exclusive panoramic artwork. A single print run with no 1st Edition.

The French-language cards from the 2001-02 Tropical Mega Battle invitational, including the corrected Clair's Mantine.

A nine-card promotional set distributed through Pokemon League events, with Winner-stamped versions of cards including Rocket's Mewtwo and Dark Venusaur.

Cards from the 2001-02 Tropical Mega Battle invitational in Hawaii, including the Tropical Breeze stadium.

The fourth and final Japanese neo Era expansion (April 2001), home to the Light and Dark Pokemon and the eight Shining Pokemon led by Shining Charizard. Its English release was Neo Destiny.

The third Japanese neo Era expansion (2000), introducing Shining Pokemon and bringing Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Ho-Oh, and Celebi together in one 57-card release.

The first Japanese Neo expansion (1999), introducing the Johto generation and landmark cards such as Lugia, Typhlosion, Feraligatr, Meganium, and the first Baby Pokemon.

The second Japanese Neo expansion (2000), known as Crossing the Ruins. Its 57-card roster explores the Ruins of Alph with six Unown forms, Umbreon, Espeon, Tyranitar, and secret Dark Raichu.

The 2001 Japanese-only VS set built around Gym Leader and Elite Four ownership, pairing Johto trainers with their signature Pokemon. Released only in Japan and never given an English counterpart.

The second Japanese e-Card expansion, released March 2002 and led by the Eeveelution holos. Its cards were split across the English Aquapolis release.

The December 2001 set that opened Japan's e-Card era, adding the dot-code strip readable by the Nintendo e-Reader. The English Expedition Base Set drew from it the following year.

The 2000 Japanese promotional cards, including the No. 1 Trainer trophies from Champion Road, Secret Super Battle and Tropical Mega Battle.

The 2001 Japanese promotional cards, including the Neo Spring and Summer Battle No. 1 Trainer trophies.

Promotional cards from the time of Japan's third neo expansion in 2000, led by the Shining Magikarp redeemed for 600 Pokemon Fan Club points, alongside Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh and Celebi.

The numbered 008/P Tropical Wind stadium from the 2001 Tropical Mega Battle.

The November 2004 set reviving Team Rocket's Dark Pokemon and the debut of the gold-star chase rarity. Chase cards are the holo-rare line, the Rocket's Pokemon-ex and the gold-star cards (Pikachu, Mewtwo).

The May 2006 EX-era set continuing the Holon research storyline with a large Delta Species roster. Chase cards are the holo-rare line, the Pokemon-ex and the Gold Star cards (Gyarados, Mewtwo, Pikachu).

The February 2005 EX-era set built around Deoxys forms and the Destiny Deoxys tie-in. Chase cards are the holo-rare line, Pokemon-ex and the Gold Star cards (Latias, Latios, Rayquaza).

The November 2006 EX-era set built almost entirely from Delta Species Dragon-type Pokemon. Its Gold Star Charizard is the most sought-after card of the whole EX run, alongside Gold Star Mew and the Delta Species Pokemon-ex.

The August 2005 EX-era set pairing Johto favorites with a large Unown subset and a Pokeball reverse-holo pattern. Chase cards are the Pokemon-ex line and the Gold Star legendary beasts (Entei, Raikou, Suicune).

The October 2005 EX-era set introducing Delta Species Pokemon with alternate typing. Chase cards are the holo-rare line, Eeveelution Pokemon-ex and the Gold Star cards (Groudon, Kyogre, Metagross).

The September 2004 Kanto-themed set tied to the FireRed and LeafGreen games. Chase cards are the holo-rare line, the Pokemon-ex (Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur ex) and the secret-rare cards.

The August 2006 EX-era set pairing the Hoenn starters with Delta Species reprints of the Kanto starter lines. Chase cards are the holo-rare line, the Pokemon-ex and the Gold Star cards (Alakazam, Celebi).

The November 2003 set built around Dragon-type Pokemon. Chase cards are the holo-rare line and the Pokemon-ex (Flygon, Salamence, Latias ex, Latios ex).

The February 2007 set that closed the EX era, reprinting earlier Hoenn cards to keep them tournament legal. Chase cards are the holo-rare line, the Pokemon-ex and the Gold Star Eeveelutions (Flareon, Jolteon, Vaporeon).

The February 2006 EX-era set built on the Legendary Pokemon of Hoenn, closing the Delta Species arc. Chase cards are the holo-rare line, the Pokemon-ex and the Gold Star Regi trio (Regice, Regirock, Registeel).

The May 2005 EX-era set centered on Generation III Pokemon and holographic Basic Energy cards. Chase cards are the holo-rare line and the Pokemon-ex, including Milotic ex and the Regi trio.

The July 2003 set that launched the EX era, the first English expansion built around powerful Pokemon-ex (with a knockout drawback) and the debut of reverse-holo parallels across the set. Chase cards are the holo-rare line (Blaziken, Gardevoir, Kabutops) and the Pokemon-ex.

The March 2004 set splitting cards between the villainous Team Magma and Team Aqua factions. Chase cards are the holo-rare line and the Team Magma's / Team Aqua's Pokemon-ex.

The second EX-era set (September 2003), themed around Ground, Rock and Water Pokemon. Chase cards are the holo-rare line and the Pokemon-ex (Aggron, Gardevoir, Wailord ex).

The June 2004 set featuring the legendary golems and Wish-era mechanics. Chase cards are the holo-rare line and the Pokemon-ex (Metagross, Regice, Regirock, Registeel ex).

Collection-owned Italian Ninetales ex #96 only. Unowned cards are excluded; the collection slab label discrepancy remains a separate review item.

The fifth 17-card Pokemon Organized Play promotional series, home to Umbreon Gold Star, Espeon Gold Star, Lugia, Ho-Oh and Mew.

The 40 Nintendo Black Star promotional cards released from 2003 through 2006, spanning the EX era from Kyogre ex and Groudon ex through Mew.

Cards from the 2006 Pokemon World Championships: the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 Trainer trophy cards and the four World Championships deck lists.

The fourth 17-card Pokemon Organized Play promotional series, featuring Mew, Deoxys and Flygon.

The third 17-card Pokemon Organized Play promotional series, featuring Blastoise and the original Eeveelutions.

The second 17-card Pokemon Organized Play promotional series, featuring Entei, Raikou, Suicune and Venusaur.

The first 17-card Pokemon Organized Play promotional series, led by Blaziken, Metagross, Rayquaza and Tyranitar ex.

Cards from the 2005 Pokemon World Championships: the Tropical Tidal Wave stadium in its Finalist, placing and Staff versions.

The July 2004 Japanese expansion headlined by Deoxys ex, with the Latias, Latios and Rayquaza Gold Stars.

The June 2006 Japanese expansion of delta species Dragon Pokemon, with the Mew and Charizard delta Gold Stars. Its English counterpart is EX Dragon Frontiers.

The October 2005 Japanese expansion that introduced delta species Pokemon, with the Kyogre, Groudon and Metagross Gold Stars.

The January 2006 Japanese delta species expansion, with the Gyarados Gold Star.

Team Rocket's October 2004 return to the Japanese card game, with Rocket's Pokemon-ex and the Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip Gold Stars.

The March 2006 Japanese expansion with the Celebi and Alakazam Gold Stars.

The April 2005 Japanese expansion headlined by Ho-Oh ex, with the Entei, Raikou and Suicune Gold Stars.

The June 2005 Japanese expansion featuring Mew ex, with the Regirock, Regice and Registeel Gold Stars.

The 2005 prizes of Japan's Pokemon Card Game Players club, redeemed with points earned at official events: Vaporeon, Jolteon and Flareon, then the Espeon and Umbreon Gold Stars at 40,000 and 70,000 points.

The 2005 Japanese promotional cards, including the Victory Orb, Victory Ring and Gym Challenge Victory Medals.

The No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 Trainer trophy cards from Japan's 2002 Spring Battle Road.

The 2002 Japanese promotional cards, including the Battle Road No. 1 Trainer trophies.

Japan's 2005 Pokemon Card Game Gift Box: the Pikachu and Mewtwo Gold Stars, Mew ex, and the Lucario, Crawdaunt and Mightyena Quarter Decks.

The February 2011 standalone set closing the HGSS era. Its eleven Shiny Legendary cards, led by Lugia, Rayquaza and Suicune, lead the staged launch.

The November 2010 finale of the HeartGold & SoulSilver block. Gengar, Mew and the two LEGEND pairs lead the staged launch.

The August 2010 HeartGold & SoulSilver expansion. Umbreon, Espeon, Rayquaza & Deoxys LEGEND and Kyogre & Groudon LEGEND lead the staged launch.

The August 2009 Platinum expansion with an unusually deep secret-rare and shiny roster. Charizard G LV.X, the legendary birds and Rayquaza lead the staged launch.

The November 2007 Diamond & Pearl set, the largest of the early Generation IV run. Chase cards are the Pokemon LV.X pair (Gardevoir, Honchkrow) and the holo-rare line including Ho-Oh and Mew.

The May 2009 Platinum expansion built around Gym Leaders and Elite Four Pokemon SP. Snorlax, Luxray and Infernape LV.X plus the Pikachu secret rares lead the staged launch.

The May 2008 Diamond & Pearl set that brought Leafeon and Glaceon into the trading card game, led by their prints and the LV.X run that closes the checklist.

The November 2009 finale of the Platinum block, centered on the nine Arceus subset cards. Gengar, Salamence and the shiny Pokemon lead the staged launch.

The February 2008 Diamond & Pearl set tied to the Sinnoh legendary trio. It carries the densest LV.X run of the era (Cresselia, Darkrai, Dialga, Palkia), which are its chase cards alongside the holo-rare line.

The November 2008 finale of the Diamond & Pearl block, featuring retro-styled secret rares and major LV.X cards. Charizard and its evolution line lead the staged launch.

The February 2010 base set for the HeartGold & SoulSilver block. Lugia LEGEND, Ho-Oh LEGEND, the Pokemon Prime cards and the secret Gyarados lead the staged launch.

The August 2008 Diamond & Pearl expansion led by legendary Pokemon and a deep LV.X roster. The staged launch prioritizes its most valuable LV.X, holo and Ditto cards.

The May 2007 set that opened the Diamond & Pearl era and introduced Generation IV Pokemon to the TCG. It debuts the Pokemon LV.X chase rarity (Empoleon, Infernape, Torterra) and makes reverse holo a standard parallel for every non-holo card.

The February 2009 base set for the Platinum block, introducing Pokemon SP and a new LV.X lineup. Giratina, Dialga, Palkia, Shaymin and shiny Vulpix lead the staged launch.

The August 2007 Diamond & Pearl set expanding the Sinnoh roster with Johto reprints. Chase cards are the Pokemon LV.X line (Electivire, Lucario, Magmortar) and the secret rare Time-Space Distortion trainer.

The May 2010 HeartGold & SoulSilver expansion. The three LEGEND pairs, Tyranitar Prime, Steelix Prime and the remaining Pokemon Prime cards lead the staged launch.

The 25 HGSS Black Star promotional cards released in 2010 alongside HeartGold & SoulSilver, led by the Ho-Oh and Lugia holos.

The ninth and final 17-card Pokemon Organized Play promotional series, featuring Garchomp, Manaphy, Raichu and Regigigas.

The sixth 17-card Pokemon Organized Play promotional series, featuring Lucario, Manaphy and Pikachu.

The Spring and Autumn Battle Road Victory Medals PSA files under its 2010 Pokemon Promo heading.

The seventh 17-card Pokemon Organized Play promotional series, featuring Ampharos, Gallade, Latias and Latios.

The Victory Medal awarded to winners of the Autumn 2007 Pokemon Battle Road tournaments.

The eighth 17-card Pokemon Organized Play promotional series, featuring Heatran, Lucario, Luxray and Yanmega.

The Victory Medal awarded to winners of the Autumn 2008 Pokemon Battle Road tournaments.

A Battle Road Victory Medal PSA files under its own undated heading (101686).