The total number of print runs for the Pokémon Base Set is generally understood to be three main versions: the 1st Edition, the Shadowless, and the Unlimited print runs. These represent the primary distinctions in the original Base Set released in 1999 (Japan) and 1999-2000 (internationally). Each print run has unique characteristics and varying quantities produced, which affects their rarity and value today.
1. **1st Edition Base Set**
This is the very first print run of the Base Set cards, identifiable by the “1st Edition” stamp on the left side of the card. It was released in limited quantities and is the rarest and most sought-after among collectors. The 1st Edition print run was relatively small compared to later printings, making these cards highly valuable. For example, 1st Edition Charizard cards are among the most iconic and expensive Pokémon cards ever printed. The exact number of 1st Edition cards printed is not officially disclosed by The Pokémon Company, but estimates suggest it was in the low millions globally, with far fewer copies surviving in mint condition today.
2. **Shadowless Base Set**
Following the 1st Edition print run, the Shadowless version was produced. These cards lack the “1st Edition” stamp but also do not have the shadow around the card image that later Unlimited cards have. Shadowless cards were printed in larger quantities than the 1st Edition but still far fewer than the Unlimited run. They are considered a transitional print run and are rarer than Unlimited cards but more common than 1st Edition cards. Shadowless cards are often valued highly, especially for popular cards like Charizard.
3. **Unlimited Base Set**
The Unlimited print run is the largest and most common version of the Base Set. These cards have the shadow around the image and no 1st Edition stamp. They were printed after the 1st Edition and Shadowless runs to meet the high demand for Pokémon cards. Because of their large print volume, Unlimited cards are the most accessible and least rare among the Base Set cards.
**Print Run Quantities and Rarity**
While exact print run numbers are not officially published, industry estimates and collector research provide some guidance:
– The 1st Edition Base Set print run is estimated to be around 2.5 million booster packs worldwide, but this includes all cards in the set, not individual cards. Individual card print numbers vary, with some cards like Charizard being printed in fewer quantities relative to others, increasing their rarity.
– Shadowless cards were printed in quantities roughly double or more than the 1st Edition but still significantly less than Unlimited.
– Unlimited print runs were the largest, with millions of cards produced to satisfy the growing market.
**Additional Notes on Related Print Runs**
There are also special promotional cards and unique print runs related to the Base Set era, such as the Masaki promos in Japan, which featured unique artwork and were distributed in very limited quantities. These promos are not part of the main Base Set print runs but are highly collectible due to their rarity.
**Medical or Authoritative Sources**
Regarding anything medical, there is no direct medical relevance to Pokémon card print runs. However, authoritative sources on print runs and card rarity come from industry experts, grading companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), and historical data from The Pokémon Company and licensed distributors. PSA population reports and auction records provide empirical data on card rarity and survival rates, which indirectly reflect print run sizes.
In summary, the Pokémon Base Set had three primary print runs: 1st Edition, Shadowless, and Unlimited. The 1st Edition is the rarest and smallest print run, followed by Shadowless, then Unlimited as the largest. Exact print numbers are not officially disclosed but are estimated through collector data and grading populations.
