The question of how many Shadowless Blastoise cards exist worldwide is one that fascinates Pokémon collectors and historians alike. To answer it, we need to look closely at the history of Pokémon cards, the specifics of the Shadowless print run, and the realities of card collecting over the past 25 years. This article will break down the facts in plain language, explain why exact numbers are impossible to know, and explore what experts and collectors believe about the population of this iconic card.
Pokémon cards first arrived in North America in 1999, published by Wizards of the Coast. The very first English-language sets are now called the “Base Set.” Within this set, there are several print variations, and one of the most famous is the “Shadowless” print. Shadowless cards are easily identified because the illustration box lacks the drop shadow found on later prints. This makes them visually distinct and, because they were only produced for a short time, much rarer than the regular “Unlimited” prints that followed.
Blastoise, as one of the original three fully evolved starter Pokémon, was a holo rare in the Base Set. The Shadowless version of Blastoise is especially sought after because it represents the earliest stage of Pokémon’s English release. But how many of these Shadowless Blastoise cards are out there in the world today? The truth is, nobody knows the exact number. There are several reasons for this.
First, Wizards of the Coast never released official print run numbers for individual cards, let alone for specific variants like Shadowless. The company printed cards in sheets, and those sheets were cut and packaged randomly. This means that, while we know roughly how many Base Set booster packs were produced, we don’t know how many Shadowless Blastoise cards were included in those packs. Collectors and experts have tried to estimate print runs based on pack production, but these are just educated guesses.
Second, the Shadowless print run was very short. It is widely believed that Shadowless cards were only printed for a few weeks at most, before the printers added the shadow to the illustration box. This means the total number of Shadowless cards of any kind—Charizard, Venusaur, Blastoise, etc.—is much smaller than the later Unlimited print runs. However, even within the Shadowless run, some cards are rarer than others. Holo rares like Blastoise were already less common than commons or uncommons, simply because of how the rarity system worked.
Third, the condition of these cards matters a great deal. Many Shadowless Blastoise cards were played with, damaged, or lost over the years. Cards that survived in near-mint or mint condition are far fewer than the total number originally printed. Professional grading companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) have graded thousands of Pokémon cards, including Shadowless Blastoise. By looking at their population reports, we can get a rough idea of how many high-grade examples exist today. For example, as of 2025, PSA has graded a few hundred Shadowless Blastoise cards, with only a small fraction earning the highest grades (PSA 9 or PSA 10). But these numbers only reflect cards that have been submitted for grading—many more exist in private collections, ungraded, or even undiscovered.
Fourth, the market for Pokémon cards has seen massive growth in recent years, with prices for rare cards like Shadowless Blastoise reaching thousands of dollars. This has led more collectors to dig through old collections, sell cards online, and submit them for grading. As a result, the known population of Shadowless Blastoise cards has likely increased over time, but again, we can only track the ones that surface publicly.
It’s also important to note that not all Blastoise cards are Shadowless. The vast majority of Base Set Blastoise cards are from the Unlimited print run, which has the shadow on the illustration box. These are much more common and less valuable. Only the earliest packs contained Shadowless cards, and even then, not every pack had a Blastoise. This further limits the total number of Shadowless Blastoise cards in existence.
Some collectors and experts have tried to estimate the total print run of Shadowless cards. One common estimate is that the Shadowless print run was about 10% the size of the Unlimited run. If true, and if we accept rough estimates for the total Base Set print run (often cited in the tens of millions of packs), then the number of Shadowless Blastoise cards originally printed might be in the low thousands. But again, this is just an estimate—no one knows for sure.
The reality is that the exact number of Shadowless Blastoise cards worldwide will never be known. The cards were not serialized or tracked by Wizards of the Coast. Many have been lost, damaged, or remain in collections where their owners may not even realize what they have. The best we can do is look at grading company population reports, auction records, and collector forums to get a sense of how many are known to exist today. Even then, new examples can and do surface regularly, especially as older collections are rediscovered.
In the world of Pokémon collecting, rarity and condition are everything. A Shadowless Blastoise in pristine condition is one of the most desirable cards from the original Base Set. Its value is driven not just by nostalgia, but by the simple fact that there just aren’t that many of them left in the world. For collectors, the hunt for a high-grade Shadowless Blastoise is a lifelong pursuit, and the mystery of how many truly exist only adds to the card’s legendary status.
If you’re interested in the medical aspects of collecting—such as the potential for repetitive strain injuries from handling cards, or the psychological benefits and risks of collecting as a hobby—it’s important to rely on authoritative sources. For example, the American Psychological Association has discussed how hobbies like collecting can provide stress relief and a sense of community, but also how obsessive collecting can sometimes be linked to compulsive behaviors. Always consult reputable medical organizations or peer-reviewed studies when considering the health implications of any hobby.
In the end, the Shadowless Blastoise remains a symbol of Pokémon’s early days in the West. Its exact population is a mystery, but its place in the hearts of collectors is undeniable. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious about Pokémon history, the story of the Shadowless Blastoise is a reminder of how a simple piece of cardboard can become a treasure hunted by fans around the world.
