Collectables Bank

  In the realm of Pokémon card collecting, the Charizard Topsun Blue Back (1997) holds a special place as one of the earliest and most coveted cards, predating the official Trading Card Game (TCG) releases. Its unique origin, design, and rarity have made it a prized possession among enthusiasts and collectors. Origins of the Charizard Topsun Blue Back Card Released between 1995 and 1997 by the Japanese company Top-Seika , the Topsun series featured Pokémon cards included as bonuses with packs of apple-flavored gum. These cards are among the first Pokémon cards ever produced, preceding the official TCG by several years. The Blue Back variant, identified by its blue-colored reverse side, is particularly rare and was part of the initial print runs. Notably, some early versions of these cards were printed without a card number, adding to their uniqueness and desirability. Public Design and Features Front Artwork : The card showcases a vibrant illustration of Charizard , capturing the...

  In the realm of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectibles, few cards are as legendary and sought after as the First Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard #4 (1999) . This card's unique features, combined with its historical significance, have solidified its status as a holy grail among collectors. Design and Features First Edition Stamp : Located on the left side of the card, just below the artwork, indicating it is from the inaugural print run. Shadowless Layout : These early cards lack the drop shadow found in later versions, giving them a distinct appearance. Holographic Image : The card showcases a striking holographic depiction of Charizard, enhancing its visual appeal. Rarity and Market Value The combination of being a first edition, shadowless, and holographic card makes this Charizard exceptionally rare. Its value has seen significant appreciation over the years. As of recent data, a PSA 10 Gem Mint graded card has been listed for $224,750 . Fanatics Collect Histor...

  In the realm of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectibles, certain cards stand out due to their rarity, historical significance, and the stories they tell. One such card is the Trophy Pikachu No. 2 Trainer Silver (1998) , awarded to second-place winners in early Japanese Pokémon tournaments. Origins of the Trophy Pikachu No. 2 Trainer Silver Card In the late 1990s, The Pokémon Company organized official tournaments to promote the burgeoning TCG. The 1997-1998 Japanese Lizardon (Charizard) Mega Battle tournaments, held from November 1997 through February 1998 across Japan, were among these early competitive events. Participants who secured second place in these tournaments were awarded the prestigious No. 2 Trainer Silver card , featuring Pikachu holding a silver trophy. This exclusive prize not only recognized their achievement but also granted them preferential entry to future events. It's believed that only 14 copies of this card exist, making it an exceptionally rare coll...

  In the realm of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectibles, certain cards stand out not only for their rarity but also for their historical significance. One such card is the Blastoise Commissioned Presentation Galaxy Star Holo (1998) , a prototype that played a pivotal role in introducing Pokémon cards to the Western market. Origins of the Blastoise Commissioned Presentation Card In 1998, as Wizards of the Coast (WotC) sought to bring the Pokémon TCG to English-speaking audiences, they commissioned the Belgium-based company Cartamundi to produce prototype cards. These prototypes were intended to demonstrate the potential design and appeal of English-language Pokémon cards to Nintendo for approval. Among these prototypes, the Blastoise Commissioned Presentation Galaxy Star Holo card is particularly noteworthy. This card features a holographic Blastoise on the front, with a blank back, distinguishing it from standard releases. It is believed that only two such cards were prod...

  Among the rarest and most historically significant Pokémon cards, the 1996 Japanese Base Set Charizard No Rarity Symbol holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. While many are familiar with the English 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard , fewer realize that the earliest printing of Charizard in the Pokémon TCG came from this No Rarity Symbol Japanese Base Set card . With only 8 PSA 10 copies in existence , this card is exceedingly rare. When combined with the signature of Mitsuhiro Arita , the original illustrator of Charizard, its desirability and market value skyrocket, making it one of the most prized possessions in Pokémon TCG history. What is the No Rarity Symbol Charizard? The Japanese Base Set , released in 1996, was the first Pokémon TCG expansion ever printed. Unlike its English counterpart, it did not feature a "1st Edition" stamp to indicate early print runs. Instead, the earliest prints of these cards lacked a rarity symbol , which later became standa...

  In the realm of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectibles, few cards are as rare and historically significant as the Trophy Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Bronze (1997) . Awarded exclusively to third-place winners of the inaugural Pokémon tournament, this card has become a coveted treasure among collectors. Origins of the Trophy Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Bronze Card In June 1997, the First Official Pocket Monsters Tournament was held at the Makuhari Messe Event Hall in Chiba, Japan. This historic event marked the debut of official Pokémon TCG competitions. Participants who secured third place in each of the tournament's four contests were awarded the prestigious No. 3 Trainer Bronze card . This exclusive prize not only recognized their achievement but also granted them preferential entry to the subsequent Lizardon Mega Battle Tournament , considered the first official National Championships for the Pokémon TCG. Dicebreaker Design and Features The Trophy Pikachu No. 3 Trainer Bronze card b...