Pokémon Blastoise Base Set

Blastoise (2/102) is one of the three iconic holographic rare cards from the 1999 Pokémon Base Set, alongside Charizard and Venusaur. As the final evolution of Squirtle — one of the original starter Pokémon — Blastoise holds a special place in every 90s kid's collection. The Ken Sugimori artwork of the water cannon-wielding turtle is instantly recognisable.

While not as expensive as Charizard, Blastoise Base Set holos are steadily climbing in value. The 1st Edition Shadowless version commands the highest prices, followed by the standard Shadowless and Unlimited printings. European language variants (Italian, Dutch, German, French, Spanish) are commonly traded on Vinted and Marktplaats. Graded copies in PSA 8+ condition carry significant premiums.

When buying secondhand, check for holo scratching by tilting the card under light — the holographic surface shows wear easily. Look at the card edges and corners for whitening, which indicates handling. Verify it's not a proxy or reproduction by checking the blue core visible from the card edge. The card should feel slightly textured, not smooth like a reprint. Centering matters for grading potential — check if the borders are even on all sides.