The number of **Shadowless Blastoise cards graded PSA 10** is extremely limited, making them some of the rarest and most valuable Pokémon cards in existence. According to the most recent population reports from PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), the **PSA 10 Shadowless Blastoise 1st Edition from the 1999 Base Set** has a very small population count, typically in the low hundreds worldwide. This scarcity is reflected in its high market value, often exceeding $20,000 per card in PSA 10 condition[1].
To understand why so few Shadowless Blastoise cards exist in PSA 10, it’s important to consider the card’s history and grading criteria:
1. **Shadowless Variant**: The Shadowless Base Set cards were printed early in the 1999 Pokémon TCG Base Set run. Unlike the later “shadowed” versions, these cards lack the drop shadow around the Pokémon image, making them visually distinct and more desirable to collectors. The Shadowless print run was relatively short, so fewer cards were produced compared to the shadowed versions.
2. **1st Edition Rarity**: The 1st Edition stamp on the card further limits the number of available copies. Only a fraction of the Shadowless cards were 1st Edition, and among those, only a subset survived in near-perfect condition.
3. **PSA 10 Grading Standards**: PSA 10, or Gem Mint, is the highest grade a card can receive. To achieve this, the card must be virtually flawless, with perfect centering, sharp corners, no surface scratches, and pristine edges. Given the card’s age (over 25 years), it is exceedingly difficult for many Shadowless Blastoise cards to meet these strict standards.
4. **Population Reports**: PSA’s population report, which tracks how many cards have been graded at each level, shows that only a small number of Shadowless Blastoise 1st Edition cards have been graded PSA 10. While exact numbers fluctuate as new cards are graded, the population is generally under 200 copies worldwide, making it a very rare find[1].
5. **Market Activity**: Sales data from platforms like eBay and PriceCharting confirm the rarity and value of PSA 10 Shadowless Blastoise cards. They typically sell for tens of thousands of dollars, with only a few transactions occurring each year due to their scarcity and high price point[1].
In summary, the **Shadowless Blastoise PSA 10 population is very limited, with fewer than a few hundred known copies globally**. This rarity is driven by the card’s early print run, 1st Edition status, and the stringent grading requirements for PSA 10. Collectors prize these cards highly, and their scarcity ensures they remain among the most valuable Pokémon cards ever produced.
Regarding medical or health-related authoritative sources, this topic does not involve medical information, so no medical citations are applicable here. The information is based on authoritative grading and collectible market data from PSA and reputable trading card marketplaces.
