Brock's Mankey - Glossy CoroCoro Comics (Promo) [#56]

Name: Brock's Mankey - Glossy CoroCoro Comics (Promo) [#56]
Brand: The Collector
Availability: LimitedAvailability

A PSA 7 graded Japanese Brock's Mankey Glossy CoroCoro Comics promo Pokémon trading card from 1998. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$45 - $85

Rarity

Scarce(6/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: BROCK'S MANKEY - GLOSSY COROCORO COMICS (PROMO) [#56]

This is a vintage Japanese Pokémon card featuring Brock's Mankey, originally released as a 'Glossy' promotional insert in CoroCoro Comics. The artwork by Ken Sugimori depicts the Pig Monkey Pokémon in a dynamic, aggressive pose against a forest backdrop. Notably, the card features the old-school 'Pocket Monsters' Japanese card back and includes the Gym Leader Brock's portrait in the lower right, signifying its association with the Gym Leaders of Kanto.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese FolkloreEdo Period

Mankey's design and temperament are inspired by the Japanese Macaque and the concept of 'unbridled rage' found in various simian spirits in folklore.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Magazine-based distribution which was a central social ritual for Japanese youth in the late 90s to acquire exclusive collectibles.

Meaning Through Time

Late 1990s

A playable competitive piece representating a specific Gym Leader's team.

Modern Day

A nostalgic artifact representing the 'Golden Age' of Pokémon's early Japanese history.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

Released in the November 1998 issue of CoroCoro Comics in Japan, this card was part of a series of promotional releases that preceded the 'Leaders' Stadium' (Gym Heroes) expansion. The 'Glossy' finish is a hallmark of early Japanese promos, which were printed on a different card stock than standard expansion cards. In the lore, Mankey is one of Brock's primary battling Pokémon in the Pewter Gym, known for its volatile temper.

COLLECTOR INTEL

CoroCoro promos like this one were the only way to get certain 'Glossy' variants, which have a distinct, highly reflective surface compared to standard matte cards.

This Mankey card features the 'No. 056' Pokédex number, which corresponds to its position in the original 151 Pokémon lineup.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Scarce80-90%

CommonLegendary

Genuinely harder to find. Perhaps only dozens come to market annually. Collectors actively watch for these pieces.

Typical Characteristics

Dozens per year at market
Documented provenance valued
Active collector pursuit

Confidence Factors

Housed in a legitimate PSA slab with a verified certification number (43638462)
Correct 'Glossy' surface texture and vintage 'Pocket Monsters' back design
Label typography and holographic security features on the slab appear authentic

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

High confidence due to the presence of a professional PSA grading slab, which provides independent verification of authenticity, set identification, and condition grade.

KEY EVIDENCE

1PSA Cert #43638462 identifies it correctly as the 1998 Glossy CoroCoro promo.
2The 'Glossy' sheen is visible in the light reflections on the card surface.
3Japanese 'Old Back' design (1996-2001) is present on the reverse.
4Lower right Gym Leader symbol (Brock) is present.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Verify the PSA certification number on the PSA official website database to confirm the registry entry.
→Condition of the acrylic slab should be checked for scratches; a sleeve can prevent further wear to the case.

CONDITION & GRADE

PSA 7

Grading breakdown

The PSA label confirms a Near Mint 7 grade. Centering on the front appears slightly off-ratio (approx 60/40), which is common for this era. Minor edge wear on the reverse likely prevented a higher grade.

Condition

Professionally graded PSA 7 (Near Mint). Visible centering is slightly heavy toward the left on the front. The vintage Japanese card back shows clean edges with minimal whitening.

Surface

Card features the characteristic 'Glossy' coating exclusive to early Japanese CoroCoro promos, providing a smooth, high-sheen finish that is more reflective than standard cards.

Weight & feel

Lightweight cardstock, protected by a sonic-welded plastic PSA slab, providing a rigid and substantial feel compared to a raw card.

TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE

$45 - $85

Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Who buys this

Vintage Pokémon collectors specializing in Japanese promos and enthusiasts of the Gym Leader era.

What increases value

•Professional PSA 7 grade ensures a baseline of quality and authenticity.
•The 'Glossy' CoroCoro variant is more desirable than later matte reprints.
•Nostalgia for early Ken Sugimori artwork.

What lowers value

•PSA 7 is a common grade for this card; premiums only truly skyrocket at PSA 9 or 10.
•Market demand for non-holo promos is lower than for holographic cards.

What makes top-tier examples

•Flawless surface centering
•Absence of 'silvering' on edges
•Pristine glossy finish without micro-scratches

Grade & condition

Surface scratches on the gloss, whitening on the blue back borders, and horizontal/vertical centering.

Rarity & demand

ScarceModerate demandModerate liquidity

Browse similar trading cards objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

YOUR INPUT VS. SCANNER FINDINGS

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

User stated 'Original/Authentic' - confirmed by PSA grading and visual era-accurate markers.
User stated 'Minor wear' - aligns with the PSA 7 (Near Mint) grade, which allows for light surface or edge wear.