Collectables Bank

  In the realm of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectibles, the Pikachu Illustrator card, released in 1998, stands as the most coveted and valuable card among enthusiasts. Its unique origin, limited distribution, and significant market value have solidified its status as the "Holy Grail" of Pokémon cards. Origins of the Pikachu Illustrator Card The Pikachu Illustrator card was awarded to winners of three illustration contests organized by the Japanese magazine CoroCoro Comic between 1997 and 1998. These contests invited fans to submit their own Pokémon artwork, with the top entries receiving this exclusive card as a prize. In total, 39 copies were officially distributed, making it one of the rarest Pokémon cards in existence. Bulbapedia Design and Features Artwork : The card features an illustration by Atsuko Nishida , the original designer of Pikachu. It depicts Pikachu holding a paintbrush and drawing other Pokémon, symbolizing creativity and artistic talent. Unique...

  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...

  In the vast world of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectibles, certain cards stand out due to their rarity, unique origins, and historical significance. One such card is the Snap Pikachu (1999) , a promotional card that has become a coveted item among collectors. Origins of the Snap Pikachu Card In 1999, to celebrate the release of the Pokémon Snap game for the Nintendo 64, CoroCoro Comic magazine in Japan organized the "Best Photo Contest." Participants were encouraged to capture their best in-game photographs and submit them for evaluation. The top entries were awarded exclusive promotional Pokémon cards featuring their winning photographs. One of the most notable prizes was the Snap Pikachu card, awarded to a select few winners. It's estimated that only 20 copies of this card were ever produced, making it one of the rarest Pokémon cards in existence. Pokumon Design and Features The Snap Pikachu card showcases a unique design: Artwork : The card features a snap...

  In the realm of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectibles, certain cards stand out due to their rarity, unique origins, and significant market value. One such card is the Tsunekazu Ishihara Signed Promo (2017) , which has garnered considerable attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike. Origins of the Tsunekazu Ishihara Signed Promo Card In 2017, to commemorate the 60th birthday of Tsunekazu Ishihara , the President and CEO of The Pokémon Company, a special promotional card was created. This exclusive card was distributed to employees and close associates during the celebration, making it an exceptionally rare item. The card features Ishihara's likeness alongside Pokémon such as Rotom and a Master Ball, symbolizing his pivotal role in the franchise's development. Design and Features Artwork : The card showcases a portrait of Tsunekazu Ishihara, accompanied by Rotom and a Master Ball, reflecting his integral connection to the Pokémon universe. Signature : Adding to its...

  In the realm of trading card collectibles, few items are as enigmatic and sought after as the Test Print Blastoise Gold Border (1998) card. This unique artifact represents a fascinating intersection between the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) and Magic: The Gathering (MTG), offering a glimpse into the early development stages of Pokémon cards in the Western market. Origins of the Test Print Blastoise Gold Border Card In the late 1990s, as The Pokémon Company sought to introduce the Pokémon TCG to English-speaking audiences, they enlisted Wizards of the Coast (WotC) —the company behind Magic: The Gathering—to manage the translation and production. During this developmental phase, WotC produced several test prints to finalize card designs and printing techniques. One of the most intriguing outcomes of this process was the Test Print Blastoise Gold Border card. This card features the iconic Blastoise artwork by Ken Sugimori on the front, adorned with a distinctive gold border. Ho...

  In the realm of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectibles, few cards are as coveted and valuable as the Umbreon Gold Star Japanese PLAY Promo (2005) . This card's rarity, unique acquisition method, and escalating market value have solidified its status among enthusiasts and investors alike. Origins of the Umbreon Gold Star PLAY Promo Card Released in 2005 as part of the Japanese Pokémon Players Club, the Umbreon Gold Star card was not available through traditional means. Members of the Players Club were required to accumulate 70,000 experience points (EXP) by participating in various sanctioned events and tournaments. This point threshold was exceptionally high, necessitating participation in approximately 191 events to amass the required EXP, making the card exceedingly rare and a testament to a player's dedication and commitment. Design and Features The card features a striking illustration of Umbreon , a Dark-type Pokémon, distinguished by a unique Gold Star next to ...

  In the expansive world of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectibles, certain cards stand out due to their rarity, unique origins, and historical significance. One such card is the Family Event Trophy Kangaskhan (1998) , a prized possession among collectors that embodies the spirit of family and the early days of Pokémon tournaments. Origins of the Family Event Trophy Kangaskhan Card In May 1998, The Pokémon Company organized the Parent/Child Mega Battle tournament in Japan, aiming to foster family participation in the burgeoning Pokémon TCG scene. This unique event required teams composed of a parent and their child to compete collaboratively against other family duos. Teams that achieved a specific number of victories were awarded the exclusive Kangaskhan promotional card , symbolizing their success and the strong bond between parent and child. Bulbapedia Design and Features The Family Event Trophy Kangaskhan card boasts several distinctive characteristics: Artwork : Illustr...

  In the expansive world of Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectibles, certain cards stand out due to their rarity, unique acquisition methods, and escalating market value. One such card is the Extra Battle Day Lillie (2019) promo, a coveted item among collectors and enthusiasts. Origins of the Extra Battle Day Lillie Card The Extra Battle Day Lillie card was introduced during the Extra Battle Day events held in Japan in October and November 2019. These events were designed to promote competitive play and offered participants the chance to win exclusive promotional cards. To obtain the Lillie promo, players had to excel in tournament matches, with their performance evaluated based on the number of matches won and the difference between prize cards taken and those taken by opponents. The top performers then engaged in a game of rock-paper-scissors, with winners receiving a booster pack containing one of three full-art promo cards, including the sought-after Lillie illustrated b...