First Edition Charmeleon Appraisal

Charmeleon Holographic (Holo) Base Set Pokémon Trading Card

The item is a Charmeleon Pokémon trading card, specifically a holographic (holo) variant from the Base Set. The card features a vibrant illustration of Charmeleon in the center, rendered in shades of red, orange, and yellow, set against a blue and green background with a depiction of flame. The holographic effect is visible across the illustration area, showing a shimmering, reflective quality that shifts with light, which is typical of rarer 'holo' cards from this era. The card's borders are a solid yellow, consistent with the design of early Pokémon TCG releases. Text elements include 'Charmeleon' as the Pokémon's name, 'LV.32' for its level, and '80 HP' for its hit points, prominently displayed at the top right. Below the illustration, the card lists its evolution stage ('Evolves from Charmander'), its number ('NO.005'), and its type ('Flame Pokémon'). The attacks 'Slash' and 'Flamethrower' are listed with their respective damage values (50 and 90) and energy costs, represented by various energy symbols (colorless and fire). The card exhibits some signs of wear typical of handling and age, including minor edge wear visible on the yellow border, particularly along the top and corners. The surface appears relatively clean, but the holographic area might show minor surface scratches or scuffs upon closer inspection, though none are overtly visible in the provided image. The overall condition appears to be 'played' but not heavily damaged. The card does not appear to have any major creases, bends, or significant discoloration. Its construction is standard for trading cards, consisting of multiple layers of paper or cardstock. This card is identifiable as a first-generation Pokémon card, placing its estimated age in the late 1990s (specifically 1999 for the English Base Set). No specific manufacturing errors or unique markings are discernible from the provided image, but the holo effect confirms its intended quality as a premium card within the set.