Base Set 2 Appraisal

Pikachu (50 HP) Base Set 2 Pokémon Trading Card

This item is a vintage Pokémon trading card featuring the character Pikachu, identified as a 'Basic Pokémon' with 50 HP. The card's artwork depicts a full-color illustration of Pikachu set against a natural, green, and somewhat rustic background, suggesting an outdoor scene. Pikachu itself is rendered in its classic yellow with brown stripes on its back and red cheeks. The card's borders are a golden-yellow, typical of early Pokémon sets. Notable features include the attack 'Spark,' which deals 10 damage and specifically targets benched Pokémon, and a flavor text describing Pikachu's ability to 'build and cause lightning storms' when gathered. The card is marked 'LV. 14 #25' and '50/64', indicating its level, Pokedex number, and set rarity or numbering within its specific set, which appears to be Base Set 2 (indicated by the copyright information that includes 'GAMEFREAK' and 'Wizards' and the '50/64' numbering commonly found in that set). The illustrator is credited as 'Illus. Ken Sugimori'. Copyright information reads '©1995, 96, 98 Nintendo, Creatures, GAMEFREAK. ©1999 Wizards.' This date range places its estimated age around the late 1990s. The card is housed within a clear plastic sleeve, which is visible in the image, suggesting an effort at preservation. Visible condition issues are minimal from the provided image, though some very slight edge wear or minor surface imperfections might be present upon closer inspection outside the sleeve. The overall craftsmanship is consistent with officially licensed trading cards from this era.