Test Print Blastoise Gold Border (1998) – The Ultra-Rare Pokémon-Magic Hybrid Card

 



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. However, the reverse side showcases a Magic: The Gathering card back, a result of WotC utilizing existing MTG card stock for test printing purposes. This blend of Pokémon and Magic elements makes the card a unique piece of trading card history.

Design and Features

  • Front Artwork: The card displays Blastoise, one of the original and most beloved Pokémon, rendered in a dynamic pose by artist Ken Sugimori. The gold border adds an exclusive touch, differentiating it from standard releases.

  • Back Design: In contrast to the Pokémon-themed front, the back of the card features the classic Magic: The Gathering design, a testament to its test print origins under WotC's production.

  • Card Details: Identified as #009/165R, this test print lacks the traditional gameplay text and statistics, underscoring its purpose as a prototype rather than a playable card.

Rarity and Collectibility

The Test Print Blastoise Gold Border card is exceedingly rare, with only a handful of authenticated copies known to exist. This scarcity, combined with its unique dual-design, has made it a highly coveted item among collectors.

In November 2021, a CGC-graded 6.5 example of this card was auctioned for an impressive $216,000. This sale underscores the card's significant value and desirability within the trading card community.

CGC Comics

Historical Significance

This test print serves as a tangible artifact from a pivotal moment in trading card history. It reflects the collaborative efforts between The Pokémon Company and Wizards of the Coast to bring the Pokémon TCG to a global audience. The card's hybrid design offers insight into the experimental processes involved in localizing and producing a new trading card game for the Western market.

Conclusion

The Test Print Blastoise Gold Border (1998) card stands as a remarkable fusion of two iconic trading card games. Its rarity, unique design, and historical context make it a prized possession for collectors and a symbol of the innovative spirit that propelled the Pokémon TCG to worldwide acclaim.

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