First Edition Pokemon Card Appraisal

Kabuto 1st Edition - Fossil Expansion - Pokémon Trading Card Game

This is a tangible 1st Edition Kabuto card (50/62) from the 1999 Fossil expansion set of the Pokémon Trading Card Game produced by Wizards of the Coast. The card features a standard 2.5 by 3.5-inch rectangular shape with rounded corners. It is printed on light cardstock featuring the classic yellow border synonymous with early English releases. The artwork by Ken Sugimori depicts the prehistoric 'Shellfish' Pokémon submerged in shallow water. A key distinguishing feature is the small black 'Edition 1' stamp located on the left-hand side, just below the artwork frame, indicating its provenance as part of the first print run. The card displays a 'Kabuto Armor' Pokémon Power and a 'Scratch' attack for 10 damage. Regarding condition, the card is currently housed in a plastic binder sleeve. Despite the protection, noticeable wear is present; there is a distinct vertical crease or surface indentation running down the right-center of the card face. The top-right corner shows visible whitening and minor fraying of the card stock layers, suggesting a condition grade of 'Played' or 'Lightly Played' rather than mint. The printed text remains legible, with copyright dates of 1995, 96, 98, and 99 visible at the bottom.