Pikachu Red Cheek Variant Pokemon Base Set Trading Card Appraisal

Pikachu (Red Cheek Variant) Pokémon Base Set Trading Card

This item is a vintage Pokémon trading card featuring the character Pikachu, specifically the 'Red Cheek' variant from the original Base Set. The card is a standard rectangular TCG card, made of cardstock with a holographic finish in the character illustration area. The dominant colors are yellow for Pikachu, brown and green for the background art, and a gold-yellow border with white text and brown accents. It belongs to the 'Basic Pokémon' type, has 50 HP (Hit Points), and its attack, 'Spark,' deals 20 damage for two Lightning Energy. The card text describes Pikachu as the 'Mouse Pokémon' with a length of 1'4" and a weight of 13 lbs. The flavor text notes, 'When several of these Pokémon gather, their electricity can build and cause lightning storms.' It is identified as LV. 14 #25, and the bottom right corner shows the card number 60/64, indicating it is from the Jungle expansion, not Base Set as initially assumed by the red cheeks (there are red cheek Pikachu cards in both print runs). The copyright information reads '©1995, 96, 98 Nintendo, Creatures, GAMEFREAK, ©1999 Wizards.' The artist is credited as 'Ken Sugimori.' The card is housed within a clear plastic sleeve or binder page, which shows some visible wear and smudges on its surface, although the card itself appears to be in relatively good condition with no major creases or tears visible through the protective layer. The holographic effect, if present, is obscured by the glare. The 'red cheek' detail in Pikachu's design is a distinguishing feature, indicating an earlier print run variant often considered more collectible by enthusiasts. The card's craftsmanship is typical of Wizards of the Coast production during this era, with clear printing and vibrant colors.