The number of Base Set Shadowless Pokémon cards with a red text misprint is extremely limited and considered a rare printing anomaly within the Pokémon card collecting community. Specifically, the most well-known example of a red text misprint in the Base Set Shadowless series is the Pikachu card with the “Red Cheeks” variant, which features a distinct red coloration on Pikachu’s cheeks and sometimes exhibits slight red text misprints or color variations. However, the exact count of how many such cards exist is not publicly documented by official sources, as these misprints were unintentional and not part of a controlled print run.
Base Set Shadowless cards were printed in 1999 and are characterized by the absence of a shadow around the Pokémon image, making them distinct from the Unlimited Base Set. The printing process at the time was less precise than modern standards, leading to occasional misprints, including color errors such as red text appearing where it normally should not. These misprints are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and uniqueness.
Among these, the Pikachu Shadowless Red Cheeks card is the most famous and valuable example. It is known to have sold for prices ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on condition and grading, with graded PSA 10 copies fetching upwards of $1,200. This card sometimes shows red text misprints or color anomalies, which further increase its rarity and value[1].
The exact number of Base Set Shadowless cards with red text misprints is not officially recorded, but such errors are considered extremely rare. Most collectors and experts agree that only a small fraction of the total Shadowless print run exhibits these red text misprints. The rarity is compounded by the fact that the Shadowless print run itself was limited compared to the Unlimited Base Set.
In terms of identifying these cards, collectors look for:
– The absence of the shadow around the Pokémon image (defining Shadowless cards).
– Slightly bolder and less refined font on the Pokémon name and HP compared to Unlimited cards.
– Visible color anomalies, such as red text where it should normally be black or another color[2].
Because these misprints were not intentional, they are considered printing errors rather than official variants. The Pokémon Company and Wizards of the Coast, the original publishers, have never released official counts or statements about the number of red text misprint cards.
From a medical or authoritative perspective, there is no direct relevance or authoritative medical source applicable to the topic of Pokémon card misprints. The discussion of misprints is strictly related to printing technology, collectible card market dynamics, and hobbyist documentation rather than any medical or health-related field.
In summary, while the exact number of Base Set Shadowless cards with red text misprints is unknown, they are extremely rare and highly prized by collectors, with the Pikachu Shadowless Red Cheeks card being the most notable example. These misprints are a result of early printing imperfections and are not officially quantified by the publishers.
