The **Shadowless print run** of Pokémon cards refers to an early variant of the original Base Set released in 1999, notable for lacking the shadow on the right side of the Pokémon image frame that later print runs included. This print run is highly prized by collectors due to its rarity and historical significance. The Shadowless cards were part of the very first print runs before the addition of the shadow effect, and they include both First Edition and Unlimited versions, though not all Shadowless cards are First Edition.
The **Pokémon cards that came in the Shadowless print run** are essentially the entire original Base Set lineup, but with specific visual differences. This includes the most iconic and sought-after cards such as:
– **Charizard (Holographic)**: The Shadowless Charizard is one of the most famous and valuable Pokémon cards. It features the original artwork without the shadow border, making it rarer than later prints. The First Edition Shadowless Charizard, in particular, is extremely valuable, with mint condition copies selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars[6].
– **Blastoise (Holographic)** and **Venusaur (Holographic)**: Alongside Charizard, these starter Pokémon’s final evolutions were also printed in the Shadowless style.
– **Other holographic cards**: Cards like Gyarados, Alakazam, Machamp, and others from the Base Set holographic subset were also printed in Shadowless versions.
– **Non-holographic cards**: The entire Base Set, including common, uncommon, and rare cards, were printed in Shadowless versions. This includes popular Pokémon like Pikachu, Eevee, and others.
The Shadowless cards can be identified by the absence of the shadow on the right side of the Pokémon image box, a slightly different font and color on the card text, and a thinner “Pokémon” logo at the top. The First Edition Shadowless cards also have a “1st Edition” stamp on the left side of the card, but Shadowless cards exist without this stamp as well, known as Unlimited Shadowless cards[3].
The Shadowless print run is distinct from the later Unlimited print run, which added the shadow effect and slightly altered the card design. The Shadowless cards were produced in a relatively small quantity before the printing process was adjusted, making them rarer and more valuable.
In summary, **all Base Set Pokémon cards were printed in the Shadowless style during the earliest print runs**, including the entire roster of 102 cards from the Base Set. This includes the holographic rares like Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur, as well as the non-holographic commons and uncommons. The Shadowless print run is a hallmark of the original Pokémon TCG era and remains a key focus for collectors due to its rarity and the iconic status of the cards involved[3][6][7][8].
