01Card Stats

Stage 2 (evolves from Poliwhirl)

HP 100

TypeWater

RarityRare

IllustratorYuka Morii

WeaknessLightning ×2

Retreat●●

SetExpedition Base Set

Released2002

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
Foiling: Non-holo standard finish. Reverse-holo parallel exists with the holo pattern applied to the background.
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

Non Holo	~$27 raw for the base card; verify current listings.
Reverse Holo	~$37 raw (PriceCharting realized, May 2026)

The reverse-holo parallel is the value driver on this card.

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07Why Collectors Want It

Early-2000s Expedition Base Set printing with vintage collector appeal.
Final evolution of the Poliwag line — its 1999 Base Set holo is a vintage chase.
Required for any complete Poliwrath master set across eras.
Collectors of the Expedition Base Set set need this card to finish it.

08Competitive Playability

Tier: None

Stage 2 Poliwrath with 100 HP; top attack around 40 damage. Functions as an evolution-chain piece rather than a tournament attacker.

09Card Moves and Abilities

Ability: Plunge

Once during your turn (before your attack), if Poliwrath is on your Bench, you may flip a coin. If heads, take all Energy cards attached to your Active Pokémon, if any, and attach them to Poliwrath. Then switch Poliwrath with your Active Pokémon.

Water Punch Cost: Water + Water + Colorless + Colorless · 40+ damage

Flip a number of coins equal to the amount of Water Energy attached to Poliwrath. This attack does 40 damage plus 10 more damage for each heads.

Weakness: Lightning ×2
Retreat cost: 2

10Grading and Population

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

Graded copies command notable premiums over raw, especially for 1st Edition prints.

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

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Poliwrath