The exact number of Shadowless Base Set Pokémon booster boxes that were produced with the “short crimp” sealing style is not publicly documented in official production records, making it difficult to state a precise figure. However, the “short crimp” refers to a specific manufacturing variation seen on some sealed Shadowless booster packs, where the silver crimped ends of the pack are noticeably smaller compared to the more common “long crimp” style[1].
Shadowless Base Set booster packs were produced in 1999 by Wizards of the Coast as part of the original Pokémon TCG release in English. The “shadowless” designation refers to the absence of a drop shadow on the right side of the Pokémon image on the card, a feature that distinguishes these early print runs from later ones. Within this Shadowless subset, some booster packs were sealed with the short crimp style, which is considered a rarer variant among collectors.
The short crimp variation is primarily identified by the physical packaging rather than the cards inside. Collectors and sellers often highlight this feature because it can affect the pack’s rarity and value. The short crimp packs are believed to have been part of an early or limited production run, possibly due to a change or experiment in the packaging machinery during manufacturing. However, no official Wizards of the Coast documentation has been released to confirm the exact production numbers or the reason for the short crimp variation.
Because these packs are vintage collectibles, their rarity and value are influenced by factors such as condition, authenticity, and the presence of the short crimp. On secondary markets like eBay, sealed Shadowless short crimp booster packs can command higher prices than standard Shadowless packs, reflecting their scarcity and desirability among collectors[2].
In summary, while the precise quantity of Shadowless booster boxes with short crimp seals is unknown, the short crimp is a recognized and sought-after packaging variant within the Shadowless Base Set booster packs. This variation is a result of manufacturing differences and is considered rare, but no authoritative source provides exact production figures. Collectors rely on visual identification and market availability to assess the rarity and value of these packs.
