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
Stage 1 (evolves from Pikachu)
HP
80
TypeLightning
RarityRare Holo
IllustratorKen Sugimori
WeaknessFighting ×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
- 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
| Holo | 1st Edition ~$341 raw · PSA 10 ~$8,935; Shadowless ~$63 · PSA 10 ~$3,937; Unlimited ~$24 · PSA 10 ~$3,028 (PriceCharting realized, May 2026) |
|---|
The 1999 Base Set Raichu holo. Value is edition-driven: 1st Edition ≫ Shadowless ≫ Unlimited.
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07Why Collectors Want It
- One of the 16 holos in the legendary 1999 Base Set, illustrated by Ken Sugimori — the print run that started the entire hobby.
- Three distinct prints command very different prices: 1st Edition (with the bottom-left stamp) ~$341 raw, the no-stamp Shadowless ~$63, and standard Unlimited ~$24.
- A core piece of any Base Set or vintage Raichu collection, and a far more affordable entry into 1st Edition Base holos than Charizard or Blastoise.
- Evolves from the franchise mascot Pikachu, giving it crossover appeal beyond set collectors.
08Competitive Playability
Tier: None
Stage 1 Raichu with 80 HP; top attack around 60 damage. Functions as an evolution-chain piece rather than a tournament attacker.
09Card Moves and Abilities
Agility
Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent's next turn, prevent all effects of attacks, including damage, done to Raichu.
Thunder
Flip a coin. If tails, Raichu does 30 damage to itself.
- Weakness
- Fighting ×2
- Retreat cost
- 1
10Grading and Population
PSA 10 estimate: WotC-era Raichu PSA 10 populations vary; small numbers across most sets.
PSA 10 populations are tiny for the vintage prints and premiums are steep: 1st Edition gem-mint copies have realized roughly $8,935, Shadowless ~$3,937, and Unlimited ~$3,028 (PriceCharting realized, May 2026). Centering and holo scratching are the usual downgrade culprits on WotC holos.
Other graders: BGS and CGC also grade vintage Pokemon; PSA dominates secondary-market liquidity.