# Understanding Shadowless Pokemon Cards in PSA 9 Condition: A Comprehensive Look at Sales Data
Shadowless Pokemon cards represent one of the most sought-after categories in the trading card collecting world. These cards, which come from the earliest printings of the Pokemon Trading Card Game Base Set, are distinguished by the absence of a shadow on the right side of the card image—a feature that appeared in later printings. When collectors talk about shadowless cards in PSA 9 condition, they’re referring to cards that have been professionally graded by Professional Sports Authenticator and received a score of 9, which indicates a mint condition card with only minor imperfections visible under close inspection.
The question of how many shadowless cards have sold in PSA 9 condition is one that requires careful examination of available market data. Based on the information available from price tracking services that monitor Pokemon card sales, we can see patterns emerging across different shadowless cards from the Base Set.
Looking at specific examples, the Zapdos shadowless card number 16 from the Pokemon Base Set shows that PSA 9 graded copies have a sales volume of approximately one sale per week. This means that in any given week, roughly one PSA 9 Zapdos shadowless card is being sold on the secondary market. The price point for these cards in PSA 9 condition sits around $378.40, making them accessible to serious collectors while still commanding significant value due to their age and condition.
The Squirtle shadowless card number 63 demonstrates even more robust sales activity. According to graded population reports, there are 1,813 copies of Squirtle shadowless number 63 that have been graded as PSA 9 by Professional Sports Authenticator. This represents a substantial number of cards in this particular grade, suggesting that Squirtle has been a popular card for collectors to submit for grading. The sales volume for Squirtle shadowless in PSA 9 condition shows approximately two sales per week, indicating steady market demand for this particular card in this grade.
The difference in sales volume between Zapdos and Squirtle is noteworthy. While both are shadowless Base Set cards, Squirtle appears to move more frequently in PSA 9 condition. This could be attributed to several factors, including the popularity of the Squirtle character, the relative availability of the card, and collector preferences. Zapdos, being a legendary Pokemon, might appeal to a more specialized collector base, which could explain the lower sales frequency despite still maintaining consistent weekly sales.
When examining the broader market for shadowless cards, it becomes clear that PSA 9 represents a sweet spot for many collectors. This grade indicates a card that is genuinely mint or near-mint in condition, with only the most minor wear that would be difficult to detect without careful examination. Cards in this condition command prices that are substantially higher than lower grades but significantly lower than the astronomical prices commanded by PSA 10 cards, which are considered perfect or near-perfect specimens.
The Magneton shadowless card number 9 from the 1995 Base Set shows that even Stage 1 evolution cards in shadowless form have market value, with used copies available in the $50 range. This demonstrates that the shadowless market extends beyond just the most popular or rarest cards in the set.
The Pokedex shadowless card number 87 represents trainer cards within the shadowless category, showing that the market for shadowless cards encompasses the entire Base Set, not just Pokemon cards themselves.
One important consideration when discussing shadowless card sales is the distinction between different grading companies. While PSA is the most commonly referenced grading service for Pokemon cards, other companies like Beckett Grading Services and CGC also grade Pokemon cards. The search data shows that some sales involve CGC graded cards, which may command different prices than PSA graded equivalents of the same card and condition.
The sales volume data becomes particularly interesting when you consider what it means for the overall market. If Squirtle shadowless in PSA 9 is selling at a rate of two sales per week, that translates to roughly 100 sales per year for that single card in that single grade. Multiply this across the entire Base Set, which contains 102 cards, and you begin to understand the scale of the shadowless card market. Not every card sells at the same rate as Squirtle, but the data suggests that there is consistent, ongoing demand for shadowless cards in PSA 9 condition.
The pricing for shadowless cards in PSA 9 condition varies considerably depending on the specific card. Common cards and trainer cards command lower prices, while rare holos and popular Pokemon command significantly higher prices. The $378.40 price point for Zapdos shadowless PSA 9 represents a mid-to-high range price for the grade, reflecting both the rarity of the card and the desirability of the legendary Pokemon.
It’s worth noting that the sales data available through price tracking services represents only a portion of the total market. Private sales, sales through local card shops, and sales on platforms that don’t report to these tracking services are not captured in these numbers. Therefore, the actual number of shadowless cards sold in PSA 9 condition is likely higher than what the tracking data suggests.
The graded population data for Squirtle shadowless provides insight into how many cards have been submitted for grading at each level. With 1,813 copies graded as PSA 9, this represents a significant portion of the total population of this card that has been professionally graded. The fact that 722 copies have been graded as PSA 10 shows that while perfect or near-perfect copies exist, they are considerably rarer than PSA 9 copies.
For collectors interested in acquiring shadowless cards in PSA 9 condition, the market appears to be relatively active and accessible. The consistent sales volume suggests that these cards are available for purchase on a regular basis, though prices can fluctuate based on market conditions and the specific card in question.
The historical context of shadowless cards adds to their appeal and value. These cards were printed in 1999 and represent the very beginning of the Pokemon Trading Card Game in English. The fact that they have survived in PSA 9 condition for over two decades speaks to the durability of the cards and the care taken by collectors who have preserved them.
Understanding the sales data for shadowless cards in PSA 9 condition requires looking at multiple data points and recognizing that different cards within the shadowless category have different market dynamics. While some cards like Squirtle show robust sales activity, others may have lower sales volume but still maintain strong prices due to rarity or desirability. The PSA 9 grade represents a meaningful milestone in card collecting, offering a balance between condition quality and affordability that appeals to a broad range of collectors.
