Blastoise

Market outlook

Stable Outlook 7/10

Nostalgia sustains floor price; recent +9.2% raw NM uptick shows collector interest, but reprints and high supply prevent sharp rises.

Next months. Stable to slight rise in graded; raw steady around $120 NM

Long term. Holds value for high-grade; 1st Ed/Shadowless appreciate 5-10% annually

History

Blastoise is the final evolution of Squirtle, the Water-type starter Pokémon from the original Pokémon Red and Green games released in Japan in 1996. As the fully evolved form, Blastoise is iconic for its massive cannon-equipped shell, symbolizing power and defense in the Pokémon universe. It holds significant nostalgia as one of the first 151 Pokémon, frequently featured in anime, merchandise, and competitive play.

First printed in the Pokémon Base Set in January 1999 in the United States by Wizards of the Coast, as part of the English-language TCG launch.

• Blastoise #2/102 is one of the most recognizable holos from the Base Set, often centerpiece in starter decks.
• Features iconic artwork by Keiji Kinebuchi depicting Blastoise firing water cannons.
• Part of the original 102-card Base Set, which kickstarted the global Pokémon TCG phenomenon.

Rarity and print run

Tier

Rare

Print run

Very High

First printed in

Base Set

Demand

High

Supply

High

• 1st Edition and Shadowless prints are scarcest
• High Base Set print runs make Unlimited common
• graded 10 population low (~1% of graded cards)
• 25th Anniversary reprint dilutes raw market

Collector notes

Condition. Check centering ( prone to off-centering top/bottom), sharp corners (edge wear common), surface scratches on holo pattern, print lines on reverse, and whitening on edges. Shadowless prints show faint black lines on reverse; avoid heavy play wear.

Storage. Use semi-rigid holders or top-loaders with sleeves in cool, dry environment; avoid direct light to prevent holo fading; penny sleeves prevent scratches during handling.

Authenticity. Verify Wizards of the Coast copyright (1995-99); check holo pattern consistency (fakes often have blurry stars); shadowless have no drop shadow on artwork; use blacklight for UV-reactive paper; compare to graded population reports.