Can You Still Get 1st Edition Pokémon Cards in Packs in 2024?
No. As of 2023, 1st edition Pokémon card packs are no longer being printed by The Pokémon Company. This coveted variant was discontinued back in 2003 after the 1st edition runs by Wizards of the Coast from 1999-2003.
I‘ve been an avid TCG collector for over 15 years, and 1st edition cards remain the holy grail for fans like myself. Their rarity, history, and nostalgia resonates with the community.
In this article, join me in exploring:
- The history behind 1st edition cards
- Just how rare they‘ve become
- Where you can still find them
- And why these OG cards are so revered
Let‘s dive in fellow trainers! This is the intel you need for your collection.
A Blast to the Past: The History of 1st Edition Prints
As the OG printing partner behind the Pokémon TCG, Wizards of the Coast kicked off the 1st edition run with the English Base Set in January 1999.
| Expansion | 1st Edition Print Run |
|---|---|
| Base Set | Jan 1999 – Feb 1999 |
| Jungle | Apr 1999 – May 1999 |
| Fossil | Aug 1999 – Sept 1999 |
| Team Rocket | Apr 2000 – July 2000 |
| Gym Heroes | Aug 2000 – Sept 2000 |
| Gym Challenge | Sept 2000 – Oct 2000 |
These limited runs gave fans a special 1st edition stamp to denote a card‘s early print status.
After 1st edition allocate sold out, Wizards would print mass market "unlimited" runs of expansions to meet demand.
By 2003, The Pokémon Company took over as publisher and phased out 1st editions altogether.
So outside a 6 year window, no packs have included them since! Crazy to think.
The Rarity of Surviving 1st Edition Cards and Packs
Because those early print runs were limited…
Just how many 1st edition cards survive today in PSA 10 "Gem Mint" Condition? 🤔
According to grading company PSA, only 122 PSA 10 1st Edition Base Set Charizards exist. That‘s out of the estimated 2.8 million 1st Edition Booster Packs printed in 1999!
Yes – those were global production estimates across ALL cards. But it gives you an idea of how few boxes survived the last 20+ years intact.
In 2021, an unopened 1999 1st Edition Base Set Booster Box containing 36 packs sold for $408,000. Only 3000 boxes were made originally!
That price should tell you these sealed 1st Edition packs hardly ever surface for sale.
I also wager thousands of the cards themselves succumbed to damage from improper storage or simple play over the decades. Remember these were intended for enjoyment originally! Not future lottery tickets 😛
And so the few pristine condition survivors command legendary prices today due to extreme rarity.
Where Can You Still Score 1st Edition Cards?
While The Pokémon Company no longer prints these cards, all hope isn‘t lost for collectors:
Limited quantities do resurface periodically for sale by investors and collectors.
Places they popup include:
- Collector Auction Houses
- High End Brick & Mortar Shops
- Reputable Resellers on eBay
- Collector Facebook Groups
- Privately From Connections
| Format | Avg Price in 2024 |
|---|---|
| PSA 10 Charizard Holo | $300,000+ |
| Sealed Booster Box | $250,000+ |
| Raw LP Charizard | $2000+ |
Prices source: Multiple auction sales
Of course you can expect to pay a LEGENDARY premium. Demand drastically outweighs supply for these pieces of history.
But deals can occasionally be found if you hunt diligently!
Why Are 1st Edition Cards So Coveted?
If it isn‘t already obvious trainers, allow me to spell out why Pokémon‘s 1st Edition cards drive so much fervor among collectors:
Extreme Nostalgia – These cards transport many fans back to precious childhood memories. I still remember the thrill of ripping open my first packs!
Historic Significance – As the pioneers of the TCG, they mark an important moment in Pop Culture. Owning a 1st Edition Base Set pack is like owning a piece of history.
Investment Upside – More modern cards get mass printed. But the extreme rarity of 1st Editions makes them attractive holdings due to scarcity.
Ultimate Bragging Rights – Pulling that 1st Edition Charizard from childhood collection to grade? What a flex 💪! Even owning any 1st Edition Holo is badge of honor for collectors.
Beyond rarity, 1st Editions capture the nostalgic magic that makes collecting Pokémon cards so special for my fellow trainers.
The Verdict: Will We See More 1st Edition Runs?
While I‘d never rule anything out, I highly doubt The Pokémon Company resuscitates the 1st Edition concept.
They seem content letting those original Wizards of the Coast runs retaining their sacred status.
However, they HAVE introduced spiritual successors "Special Delivery" runs of rare, one-print cards in newer sets. So a savvy collector always has modern opportunities 😉
But for a true, vintage 1st Edition pack? Unfortunately time has run out trainers…
Those 1999 beauties will go down as some of the most coveted collectibles to ever emerge from 20th century pop culture!
Well my friends, that wraps up the intel on these legendary 1st Edition Pokemon cards! Hopefully you enjoyed this nostalgic trip down memory lane as much as I did.
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