The exact number of **Unlimited Pokémon cards printed in 1999 and 2000** is not publicly disclosed by Wizards of the Coast or The Pokémon Company, but it is widely understood that the Unlimited Base Set was produced in very large quantities during that period. The Unlimited print run followed the First Edition and Shadowless printings and was the most common version of the Base Set cards available to the public in those years.
To clarify the terminology and timeline:
– The **First Edition Base Set** was the initial print run in 1999, marked by a black “First Edition” stamp on the cards.
– The **Shadowless Base Set** came next, printed without the “First Edition” stamp but also without the shadow on the right side of the artwork box.
– The **Unlimited Base Set** followed, printed with the shadowed artwork window and no “First Edition” stamp. This version was printed in the largest quantities and was the standard print for most cards distributed in 1999 and 2000[1][2].
The Unlimited Base Set cards are often referred to as “shadowed” because of the gray drop shadow along the right edge of the artwork box, a design change from the earlier shadowless cards. This design tweak helps collectors distinguish between the print runs.
Regarding the **print quantities**, while no official numbers exist, the Unlimited Base Set is known to have been printed in the millions, making it the most common and widely available set from that era. This is supported by the fact that Unlimited cards are generally less valuable than First Edition or Shadowless cards due to their abundance[1][2].
For example, popular Unlimited cards like Kadabra or Charmander from the Base Set are frequently found in the market, often graded by PSA or other grading companies, indicating large print volumes. Cards graded PSA 9 or 10 from the Unlimited set are common enough to be regularly sold online[3][7].
The booster packs containing Unlimited Base Set cards were also produced in large numbers. These booster packs from 1999-2000 are collectible but not as rare as earlier print runs. Prices for sealed Unlimited booster packs vary but reflect their relative abundance compared to First Edition or Shadowless packs[6].
In summary, the Unlimited Base Set cards printed in 1999 and 2000 represent the largest print run of the original Pokémon TCG Base Set. While exact print numbers are not publicly available, the scale was massive, ensuring widespread availability and lower rarity compared to earlier printings. This print run included all the cards without the First Edition stamp and with the shadowed artwork frame, marking the standard version most players and collectors encountered during that time[1][2].
