Unlimited
How to spot it: Standard modern card frame; no edition stamp.
All copies share the same Unlimited print frame.
01Card Stats
Stage 1 (evolves from Sandshrew)
HP
70
TypeFighting
RarityRare
IllustratorMasakazu Fukuda
WeaknessGrass ×2
Retreat—
SetTeam Rocket Returns
Released2004
02Editions and Print Runs
Modern print era — no 1st Edition or Shadowless variants exist for cards printed after the WotC era.
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 | ~$9.99 raw for the base card; verify current listings. |
|---|---|
| Reverse Holo | ~$90 raw (PriceCharting realized, May 2026) |
The reverse-holo parallel is the value driver on this card.
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07Why Collectors Want It
- A reverse-holo Sandslash from Team Rocket Returns (2004); the reverse parallel is the value driver, not the common base.
- Verified at ~$90 raw (PriceCharting, May 2026); the reverse parallel is the value driver.
- Reverse-holos of commons have tiny high-grade populations, fueling the premium.
- Reverse-holo surfaces scratch easily, so gem-mint copies are rare.
08Competitive Playability
Tier: None
Stage 1 Sandslash with 70 HP; top attack around 50 damage. Functions as an evolution-chain piece rather than a tournament attacker.
09Card Moves and Abilities
Ability: Poison Payback
If Dark Sandslash is your Active Pokémon and is damaged by an opponent's attack (even if Dark Sandslash is Knocked Out), the Attacking Pokémon is now Poisoned.
Swift
This attack's damage isn't affected by Weakness, Resistance, Poké-Powers, Poké-Bodies, or any other effects on the Defending Pokémon.
- Weakness
- Grass ×2
- Retreat cost
- 0
10Grading and Population
PSA 10 estimate: Reverse-holo verified ~$90 raw (PriceCharting realized, May 2026).
Reverse-holo surfaces scratch and whiten readily, and few were graded, so the gem-mint population is small.
Other graders: PSA leads resale on reverse-holo sleepers; BGS and CGC copies trade beneath an equivalent PSA 10.