The exact number of Pokémon cards printed by Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) in 1999 versus 2000 is not publicly disclosed in precise figures, but some context and estimates can be provided based on available information about the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) print runs during those years.
Wizards of the Coast began printing Pokémon cards for the English market starting in 1998, with the Base Set released in 1999. The initial print runs for the Base Set in 1999 were substantial, as Pokémon quickly became a massive phenomenon. The 1st Edition Base Set cards, printed primarily in 1999, are among the most sought-after and valuable cards today, indicating a large but still limited print run compared to later mass production[1].
By 2000, Wizards of the Coast had expanded the Pokémon TCG with additional sets such as Jungle, Fossil, and Team Rocket. These sets were printed in larger quantities to meet growing demand, as the Pokémon craze was at its peak. The print runs in 2000 were generally higher than in 1999 because the game had expanded internationally and the player base had grown significantly[1].
Some key points to understand the scale:
– The **1999 print run** primarily consisted of the Base Set, including the famous 1st Edition cards and Shadowless cards. These were printed in multiple waves, with the 1st Edition being the smallest and most limited print run, followed by Shadowless and Unlimited editions. The 1st Edition Base Set is estimated to have had a print run in the low millions, but exact numbers are not officially confirmed[1][2].
– The **2000 print run** included multiple expansions beyond the Base Set, such as Jungle and Fossil, which were printed in larger quantities. The print runs for these sets were likely several million cards each, reflecting the increased popularity and distribution channels[1].
– Special promotional cards and tournament-exclusive cards, such as the Tropical Mega Battle cards from 1999, were printed in very limited quantities (sometimes only a few dozen or hundreds), making them extremely rare and valuable today[3].
– Booster packs from the Base Set era (1999-2000) have varying print runs depending on the print wave, with later prints generally more abundant. The 4th print of Base Set booster packs, for example, is known to be more common than the 1st Edition print[5].
In summary, while exact print numbers are not publicly available, it is clear that Wizards of the Coast printed **fewer Pokémon cards in 1999**, focusing mainly on the Base Set with limited 1st Edition runs, and **significantly more cards in 2000**, as the game expanded with multiple new sets and a larger player base. The 1999 cards, especially the 1st Edition Base Set, remain the most collectible due to their relative scarcity compared to the larger print runs of 2000.
No authoritative medical sources are relevant to this topic, as it concerns collectible card print runs and market history rather than health or medical information. The information here is based on collectible card market data and historical records from reputable Pokémon collecting communities and auction results[1][3][5].
