Base Set (1st Edition & Shadowless)

Series: Wizards Era

Set ID: BASE1

Release Date: 9th January 1999

Total Cards: 102

Holo cards (TCGdex): 16

About the Set

The Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition, released by Wizards of the Coast in January 1999, consists of 102 cards and is the most coveted, rare version of the original set. It is identified by a “1st Edition” stamp (a ‘1’ in a circle with “EDITION” above) on the left side of the artwork. These cards are “shadowless,” meaning they lack a drop shadow on the right side of the card’s illustration box.

Key 1st Edition Base Set Details:

Set Size: 102 cards (16 holographic, 53 common/uncommon, 26 trainers, 7 energy).
Signature Cards: Charizard (1st Edition Holo is highly valuable), Blastoise, and Venusaur.
Distinguishing Marks: “1st Edition” stamp (left side) and a “shadowless” border.
Rarity: Very limited print run compared to later Unlimited versions.
Error Note: The 1st Edition Machamp card was included in all 2-player starter sets, making it the only 1st edition card not considered rare by some.