The original Base Set 1st Edition Pokémon cards consist of **102 unique cards**. This set was the very first Pokémon trading card set released in English, and the 1st Edition print run is distinguished by a special 1st Edition stamp on the card’s left side. This count of 102 cards includes all the Pokémon cards, Trainer cards, and Energy cards that were part of the initial release.
When it comes to grading these Base Set 1st Edition cards, the three major grading companies—**PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)**—all recognize and grade these same 102 cards. There is no difference in the number of Base Set 1st Edition cards that exist or are graded by these companies; they all grade the same original set of 102 cards.
The differences between PSA, BGS, and CGC lie not in the number of cards graded but in their grading processes, grading scales, and market recognition:
– **PSA** is the most widely recognized and trusted grading company in the Pokémon card market. It grades cards on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being Gem Mint condition. PSA slabs are highly sought after, and PSA-graded Base Set 1st Edition cards often command the highest resale values. PSA does not provide subgrades but relies on expert graders to assign an overall grade based on centering, corners, edges, and surface condition[1][2][3].
– **BGS** also grades the same 102 Base Set 1st Edition cards but offers a more detailed grading system with four subgrades: centering, corners, edges, and surface. BGS grades on a 1 to 10 scale but includes half-point increments (e.g., 9.5), which can help differentiate cards with very close conditions. BGS slabs are thicker and have a reputation for grading thick cards and autographs well. BGS-graded cards often sell for slightly less than PSA but still hold strong market value[1][2][3].
– **CGC** is newer to the Pokémon card grading market but also grades the same Base Set 1st Edition cards. CGC offers competitive pricing and has a grading scale similar to PSA and BGS. CGC slabs are known for their ultra-clear cases and distinctive black and white labels. While CGC-graded cards sometimes sell for less than PSA or BGS equivalents, their market presence is growing, and the price gap has been narrowing[2][4][5].
Regarding medical or authoritative sources, since this topic is about collectible card grading and not medical in nature, there are no medical references applicable here. The grading processes involve visual and physical inspection of card condition under magnification and controlled lighting, performed by trained experts, but this does not intersect with medical science.
In summary, the **number of Base Set 1st Edition cards is fixed at 102**, and all three major grading companies—PSA, BGS, and CGC—grade these same cards. The distinctions lie in grading methodology, subgrading detail, slab design, pricing, turnaround times, and market acceptance rather than in the cards themselves. Collectors often choose PSA for maximum resale value and market recognition, BGS for detailed subgrades and thick card grading, and CGC for cost-effective grading with growing market presence.
