Some Pokémon Base Set trading cards have “1999” printed on them, while others say “1999-2000”. This difference comes from how Wizards of the Coast, the company that first brought Pokémon cards to the English-speaking world, printed and released the cards over time. The Base Set was the very first Pokémon Trading Card Game expansion, launched in January 1999 in the United States. Wizards printed huge numbers of these cards starting that year to meet massive demand from kids and collectors excited about the Pokémon craze. Early print runs, especially the very first ones marked as “1st Edition,” put just “©1999 Wizards of the Coast” on the cards because production kicked off in late 1998 for a 1999 release. Those are the cards you see labeled simply 1999.[1]
As 1999 went on, sales exploded. Pokémon was everywhere—on TV, in stores, in schoolyards. Wizards had to keep the printers running non-stop through the end of the year and into early 2000. They started new print runs that crossed into the new year. To cover both years of production, later cards got updated copyright notices saying “©1999-2000 Wizards of the Coast.” This was a simple way to legally note that the cards were made during a period spanning two calendar years. It did not mean the cards were from a different set or edition—just a later batch from the same Base Set. Collectors call these “Unlimited” prints, as opposed to the scarcer “1st Edition” or “Shadowless” versions from the earliest runs.[1][2]
Think of it like this: Imagine a book printed in big waves. The first wave in 1999 says 1999 on the back. But if the publisher keeps printing into 2000 because the book is a hit, they update the copyright to 1999-2000 to be accurate. Same thing here. Wizards did not change the card designs, artwork, or rules. Every Base Set card—whether Charizard, Blastoise, or a common like Caterpie—stayed identical in gameplay and look. The only differences were tiny print indicators like the copyright year, a drop shadow on the art (Shadowless prints lack it), or the “1st Edition” stamp in the bottom corner for the absolute first wave.[1]
Why does this matter so much today? Value. Early 1999-only cards, especially 1st Edition holos like Charizard #4 or Blastoise #2, are way rarer because fewer were made before demand surged. A PSA Gem Mint 10 grade 1st Edition Charizard from 1999 sold for $43,200 at auction. Another Blastoise hit $49,250. Shadowless versions from mid-1999, still saying 1999, are also prized. But 1999-2000 Unlimited cards? They are common and cheaper—a near-mint Charizard #4 goes for around $226 ungraded right now.[1][2]
Digging deeper into the print runs helps explain it. Wizards of the Coast partnered with Carta Mundi, a Belgian printing company, to mass-produce the cards. The first Base Set booster boxes hit shelves January 9, 1999. Those packs had cards with 1999 copyright. By spring 1999, they shifted to Shadowless prints (no shadow under the artwork) to fix a manufacturing tweak, still 1999-dated. Then, as 1999 ended, they rolled out Unlimited prints with the 1999-2000 mark. Sealed booster boxes from 1999 fetch $49,200, while uncut sheets labeled 1999-2000 show the later production.[1]
One fun detail: Not all 1999-2000 cards are equal. Some early Unlimited prints mimic Shadowless traits, making them semi-rare. Collectors hunt these “transitional” cards. German or UK versions also show 1999-2000 on Base Set uncut sheets, proving it was a global print update.[1]
How do you tell them apart easily? Flip the card over. Look at the fine print near the bottom, next to the Wizards logo and expansion symbol. “©1999” means early print. “©1999-2000” means later. No medical angle here—no doctors or health claims involved in printing cards. But if you’re handling old cards, wash your hands after to avoid any germs from storage; the CDC notes basic hygiene prevents most issues, per their handwashing guidelines (cdc.gov/handwashing).
The Pokémon boom fueled this. In 1999 alone, Wizards sold over a billion cards worldwide. They could not predict the frenzy—Pokémon episodes aired daily, Game Boy games sold millions. Print runs stretched to meet toy stores, card shops, and Walmart shelves. By 2000, Wizards handed the license to Nintendo, but Base Set kept printing under 1999-2000 until Jungle set took over.
Errors and variants add layers. Some 1999 cards have misprints, like reversed holos (rare flips). But the year stamp is reliable. Price guides track it obsessively—PriceCharting shows PSA 10 Charizard at $13,253, mostly 1999 1st Ed. Ungraded 1999-2000? Under $300.[2]
For new collectors, start with 1999-2000 cards—they’re affordable entry points. Sleeve them in penny sleeves and top loaders to protect. Store in cool, dry spots away from sun. Humidity warps cardboard; aim for 40-50% relative humidity.
History ties back to Pokémon’s roots. Created by Satoshi Tajiri in Japan as Pocket Monsters in 1996, it hit the US via Nintendo. Wizards got TCG rights in 1998. Base Set launched with 102 cards: 16 commons, 16 uncommons, 32 rares (11 holo), 9 basic energy, 16 trainers, 12 basic Pokémon. Icons like Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise defined it.
Reprints happened fast. First Edition: limited to initial run, marked with a 1st Ed stamp. Shadowless: next, cleaner art. Unlimited: endless supply, 1999-2000. Auction records prove rarity—German 1st Ed booster box at $38,400, all 1999.[1]
Modern impact? Nostalgia drives prices. A full 1st Ed Base Set sold for $40,800 graded. Even single Chansey holos hit high marks. But 1999-2000 cards let kids today play without breaking banks.
Counterfeits mimic this. Fakes often botch copyright—too crisp fonts or wrong spacing. Real 1999-2000 have slight print lines, aged paper feel. Buy from trusted sellers; Heritage Auctions verifies.[1]
Globally, English Base Set stuck to this pattern. Japanese Base Set (1996) predates, no year spans. Wizards’ English version defined the dual-year print.
Preservation tips: Avoid bending. Light fades holos—store dark. Temperature swings crack. For long-term, acrylic cases.
Community lore grows. Forums debate “heavy stock” vs “light stock
