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Giovanni's Nidoking

Card 7/132

Giovanni's Nidoking — a holo from the 2000 Gym Challenge set, part of the Gym-leader subseries.

Gym ChallengeSet
2000Released
Rare HoloRarity
Ken SugimoriIllustrator

01Card Stats

Stage 2 (evolves from Giovanni's Nidorino)
HP 120
TypeGrass
RarityRare Holo
IllustratorKen Sugimori
WeaknessPsychic ×2
Retreat●●●
SetGym Challenge
Released2000

02Editions and Print Runs

Printed in the WotC era when 1st Edition and Unlimited distinctions still applied.

1st Edition

How to spot it: 1st Edition stamp in the bottom-left of the artwork frame.

First print window; smaller run than Unlimited.

Unlimited

How to spot it: No 1st Edition stamp; standard print frame.

Most common version of this card.

04Variants and Foiling

Rarity tiers
Rare Holo
Foiling
Holo version with the holo pattern applied to the artwork.
Alt art / specials
No full-art, secret rare, or alternate-art version documented for this print.

05Language and Regional Versions

English
Standard English release.
Japanese
Released in the equivalent Japanese set.
European
Localized European prints exist with translated text.
Other
No documented language-exclusive errors or major regional variants.

06Current Market Value

Holo1st Edition ~$135 · Unlimited ~$52 raw (PriceCharting realized, May 2026)

Vintage WotC holo with edition variants; the 1st Edition print is the chase.

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07Why Collectors Want It

  • From Gym Challenge (2000), the WotC subset built around Kanto Gym Leaders' Pokemon — here, Team Rocket boss Giovanni's Nidoking.
  • The 1st Edition holo realized around $135 versus ~$52 for Unlimited (PriceCharting, May 2026).
  • A favorite of Gym Heroes / Gym Challenge-era collectors and Giovanni-themed decks.

08Competitive Playability

Tier: None

Stage 2 Nidoking with 120 HP; top attack around 40 damage. Functions as an evolution-chain piece rather than a tournament attacker.

09Card Moves and Abilities

Intimidate Cost: Grass

If the Defending Pokémon's maximum HP is 50 or less, it can't attack Giovanni's Nidoking during your opponent's next turn. (Benching or evolving either Pokémon ends this effect.)

Tumbling Attack Cost: Grass + Grass + Grass + Colorless · 40+ damage

Flip a coin. If heads, this attack does 40 damage plus 30 more damage; if tails, this attack does 40 damage.

Weakness
Psychic ×2
Retreat cost
3

10Grading and Population

PSA 10 estimate: WotC-era Nidoking PSA 10 populations vary; small numbers across most sets.

Gym-era holos commonly show edge wear; 1st Edition stamped copies in high grade carry a meaningful premium.

Other graders: BGS and CGC also grade vintage Pokemon; PSA dominates secondary-market liquidity.

More Nidoking cards

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