1st Edition
How to spot it: 1st Edition stamp in the bottom-left of the artwork frame.
First print window; smaller run than Unlimited.
01Card Stats
Basic
HP
40
TypeWater
RarityCommon
IllustratorKen Sugimori
WeaknessGrass ×2
Retreat●
SetBase Set
Released1999
02Editions and Print Runs
Printed in the WotC era when 1st Edition, Shadowless, and Unlimited distinctions still applied.
Shadowless
How to spot it: No drop shadow on the right and bottom of the artwork box; thinner, lighter frame.
Early Unlimited sub-print between 1st Edition and Unlimited; scarcer than standard Unlimited.
Unlimited
How to spot it: No 1st Edition stamp; standard print frame.
Most common version of this card.
04Variants and Foiling
- Rarity tiers
- Common
- Foiling
- Non-holo standard finish.
- 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
| Holo | 1st Edition ~$20 · Shadowless ~$2.69 · Unlimited ~$1.60 raw (PriceCharting realized, May 2026) |
|---|
Vintage WotC holo with edition variants; the 1st Edition print is the chase.
Looking to buy this card?
These links may earn HoloHaul a small commission at no extra cost to you.
07Why Collectors Want It
- Original WotC-era printing from the Base Set set — foundational vintage Poliwag.
- First stage of the Poliwag → Poliwhirl → Poliwrath line.
- Required for any complete Poliwag master set across eras.
- Collectors of the Base Set set need this card to finish it.
08Competitive Playability
Tier: None
Basic Poliwag with 40 HP; top attack around 10 damage. Functions as an evolution-chain piece rather than a tournament attacker.
09Card Moves and Abilities
Water Gun
Does 10 damage plus 10 more damage for each Water Energy attached to Poliwag but not used to pay for this attack's Energy cost. Extra Water Energy after the 2nd don't count.
- Weakness
- Grass ×2
- Retreat cost
- 1
10Grading and Population
PSA 10 estimate: WotC-era Poliwag 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.