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.

Upon visual examination of the provided image, I can confirm this is a Pikachu trading card. While the description identifies it as a 'Red Cheek Variant' from the Base Set, the card number 60/64 explicitly indicates it is from the Jungle expansion, not Base Set. This is a crucial distinction as the red cheek Pikachu exists in both prints. The 'Red Cheek' characteristic on a Jungle Pikachu is not as significant a rarity driver as it is for the 1st Edition Base Set variant. The card is housed within a protective plastic sleeve, which, unfortunately, obscures a clear view of its surface condition. Visible glare and smudges on the sleeve make it difficult to assess minor surface wear, scratching, or the precise condition of the holographic foil. However, I observe no major creases, tears, or significant edge/corner damage through the sleeve, suggesting it's in at least 'good' to 'excellent' condition. Without removing it from the sleeve, a more precise grade is impossible. Authenticity appears sound based on the typical 'Wizards of the Coast' printing characteristics, card layout by Ken Sugimori, and copyright information. However, full authentication would require in-hand inspection to verify card stock, printing quality, and holographic pattern against known genuine examples. Provenance documentation, though not typically extensive for these cards, could also bolster authenticity. Market demand for 'red cheek' Pikachu remains strong, but the Jungle print run variant does not command the same premium as the Base Set shadowless or 1st edition variants. Comparables for Jungle Pikachu (red cheeks) in similar assumed condition (un-graded, excellent to near-mint) typically range from $50 to $120. Factors impacting value significantly include the ultimate grade it would receive from a professional grading service, which cannot be determined from this image alone, and the specific market fluctuations for vintage Pokémon cards.