# Shadowless Blastoise Cards at Auction: A Collector’s Deep Dive
The world of rare Pokémon cards has exploded over the past few years, with collectors spending enormous amounts of money to own pieces of trading card history. Among the most sought-after cards from the original 1999 Base Set is the Shadowless Blastoise, a card that represents both nostalgia and serious investment potential. Understanding how many of these cards have actually sold at auction requires looking at the specific sales data available and understanding what makes this particular card so valuable.
## What Makes Shadowless Blastoise Special
Before diving into auction sales, it’s important to understand why the Shadowless Blastoise matters so much to collectors. The shadowless designation refers to a printing variation that occurred during the very earliest production runs of Pokémon cards. These cards lack the shadow effect that appears on the border of later printings, making them distinctly different from standard Base Set cards. The Shadowless Blastoise, card number 2 from the Base Set, is particularly prized because it combines this rare printing variation with first edition status, meaning it was printed during the initial release window before the set went into unlimited production.
The Blastoise card itself depicts one of the most iconic Pokémon from the original generation. As a water-type evolution of Squirtle, Blastoise holds special significance for many players who grew up with the original games and trading card game. The holographic treatment on these cards creates a shimmering effect that has captivated collectors for decades. The combination of the shadowless printing, first edition status, and the card’s inherent popularity creates a perfect storm of desirability in the collector market.
## Documented Auction Sales of Shadowless Blastoise
When examining the actual auction sales data for Shadowless Blastoise cards, the information becomes quite specific. One particularly notable sale occurred on May 17, 2021, when a 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Shadowless Holo Blastoise card sold for $2,100. This sale represents one of the documented instances where a Shadowless Blastoise reached the auction block and found a buyer willing to pay a substantial premium for the card’s condition and rarity status.
Another significant sale happened on May 21, 2021, when a different Shadowless Blastoise sold for $1,200. This particular card achieved a PSA 10 rating, which represents a perfect or near-perfect condition grade. The PSA grading system uses a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible grade. Achieving a PSA 10 on a card that is over twenty years old is extraordinarily difficult, as these cards were often played with by children during the height of Pokémon’s initial popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
More recently, in December 2023, another Shadowless Blastoise sold at auction for $1,200. This sale demonstrates that the market for these cards remains active and that collectors continue to seek out high-quality examples of this particular card. The consistency in pricing around the $1,200 to $2,100 range for PSA-graded Shadowless Blastoise cards suggests a relatively stable market for these items among serious collectors.
## The Rarity Factor and Grading Impact
The reason these cards command such high prices at auction relates directly to their rarity and condition. When the Pokémon Trading Card Game first launched in 1999, millions of cards were produced. However, the shadowless printing run was relatively brief, lasting only a few weeks before the standard printing with shadows began. This means that shadowless cards represent a much smaller percentage of the total cards produced. Additionally, most cards from this era were played with extensively by children, meaning that finding cards in high condition is exceptionally challenging.
The grading companies, particularly PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and Beckett Grading Services, play a crucial role in the auction market for these cards. When a Shadowless Blastoise receives a high grade like PSA 10, it commands a significant premium over lower-graded copies. A card graded PSA 5, for example, might sell for around $1,350, which is lower than the PSA 10 examples but still represents a substantial investment. The difference in price between a PSA 5 and a PSA 10 can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the specific card and market conditions.
## Auction Platforms and Market Dynamics
The Shadowless Blastoise cards that have sold at auction have typically gone through established auction houses that specialize in collectible trading cards. Fanatics Collect, formerly known as PWCC (Professional Wax Card Collectors), has been a major platform for these sales. eBay has also served as a venue for Shadowless Blastoise sales, though the prices on eBay tend to vary more widely depending on the seller’s pricing strategy and the specific condition of the card.
The auction market for Shadowless Blastoise differs from the general retail market in important ways. When a card goes to auction, it typically means that the seller believes the card has significant value and wants to reach a broad audience of potential buyers. Auction houses attract serious collectors who are willing to bid competitively for rare cards. This competitive bidding environment often drives prices higher than what might be seen in fixed-price sales.
## Understanding the Investment Perspective
For collectors considering purchasing a Shadowless Blastoise at auction, understanding the investment dynamics is essential. The cards that have sold at auction in the $1,200 to $2,100 range represent significant financial commitments. However, these prices also reflect the genuine scarcity of high-quality Shadowless Blastoise cards. With only a limited number of these cards in existence and an even smaller number in excellent condition, the supply is genuinely constrained.
The demand side of the equation is equally important. Pokémon cards have experienced a massive resurgence in popularity over the past five years, driven by both nostalgic collectors who grew up with the game and new collectors entering the market. This increased demand has pushed prices upward across the board, but particularly for the rarest and most iconic cards. The Shadowless Blastoise benefits from this trend because it represents one of the earliest and most desirable variations of a popular Pokémon.
## The Broader Context of Base Set Rarity
To fully appreciate the Shadowless Blastoise’s position in the market, it’s helpful to understand how it compares to other rare Base Set cards. The 1999 Pokémon Game Base Set Charizard Holo 1st Edition, for instance, has sold for significantly
