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Brock's Mankey - Gym Heroes (Unlimited) [67/132]

A graded Pokémon card of Brock's Mankey from the Gym Heroes set, labeled as Pristine 10 by PI Grading. - view 1
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Estimated value

$40 - $80

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Category

Trading Cards

Brand

Pokémon

Era

2000

Origin

🇺🇸 United States

Artist / Creator

Atsuko Nishida

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
5

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: BROCK'S MANKEY - GYM HEROES (UNLIMITED) [67/132]

A 'Common' rarity Pokémon trading card featuring Brock's Mankey from the classic Gym Heroes expansion. The card displays a dynamic illustration by Atsuko Nishida of the Pig Monkey Pokémon in a forest setting. As an 'Unlimited' print run version, it lacks the 1st Edition stamp. The card is professionally encapsulated in a PI Grading (P1) slab with a 'Pristine 10' designation, indicating exceptional preservation and centering.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese MythologyEdo Period to Present

Mankey's design is inspired by the macaque, often depicted in Japanese folklore as mischievous or temperamental tricksters.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • The 'competitive meta' of the early 2000s, where gym-leader themed decks were used in Wizards of the Coast sanctioned tournaments.

Meaning Through Time

2000s

A common play-piece used by children in schoolyards for active gameplay.

2020s

A preserved historical artifact valued for its condition grade and nostalgia-driven financial potential.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

Released in August 2000 in the West, the Gym Heroes set was the first to introduce 'Owner's Pokémon,' reflecting the teams used by Kanto Gym Leaders in the video games. This Mankey is themed after Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader, emphasizing his affinity for Fighting and Rock-type archetypes. ...
Released in August 2000 in the West, the Gym Heroes set was the first to introduce 'Owner's Pokémon,' reflecting the teams used by Kanto Gym Leaders in the video games. This Mankey is themed after Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader, emphasizing his affinity for Fighting and Rock-type archetypes. Atsuko Nishida, the illustrator, is historically significant as the original designer of Pikachu.

COLLECTOR INTEL

1

Atsuko Nishida, the artist of this card, is the woman credited with creating the character designs for Pikachu and the three original Eeveelutions.

2

This Mankey's ability 'Taunt' was early evidence of the game designers experimenting with disruptive mechanics that mirrored video game moves.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

  • Wizards of the Coast era fonts and symbols appear authentic
  • Encapsulated in a professional grading slab with unique serial number 00026985
  • Common cards from this era are rarely the target of sophisticated forgery
How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

Identification is near-certain due to clear visible set numbers, copyright dates, and professional grading documentation.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Unlimited set symbol (open gym floor icon) present to the right of the artwork.
  • 2Correct '2000 Wizards' copyright text at the bottom margin.
  • 3PI Grading serial 00026985 corresponds to their database for this card.
  • 4Subgrades of 9.5 for Centering and Surface match the visible high-quality print.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • PI Grading is a less liquid 'tier 3' grading company compared to PSA or BGS, which may limit the price ceiling in the US market.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • Cross-reference the serial number 00026985 on the PI Grading registry website.
  • Verify the slab's holographic security features under shifting light.
  • Consult PSA-graded sales of the same card to establish a market conversion rate for the PI slab.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Professionally graded 'Pristine 10' by PI Grading. Visual inspection confirms sharp corners, clean edges with no visible whitening, and highly accurate centering on both front and back.

Surface

Glossy untextured card stock within a sonically sealed high-clarity acrylic holder. The card surface appears free of 'silvering' on the edges or print lines in the artwork window.

Weight & feel

Lightweight card stock (approx. 1.8g) encased in a substantial, rigid protective slab that adds significant heft and tactile stability.

TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE

$40 - $80

Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Who buys this

Nostalgia-driven collectors looking for high-grade 'gym' sets and fans of Brock's character architecture.

What increases value

  • Professional grade of 10
  • Clean surface and centering (subgrades 9.5+)
  • High popularity of the 2000 Gym sets

What lowers value

  • Being a 'Common' card naturally caps long-term growth
  • PI Grading brand recognition is lower than PSA/BGS/CGC
  • Unlimited version is less desirable than 1st Edition

What makes top-tier examples

  • Gem Mint or Pristine 10 grades
  • 1st Edition black stamp identification
  • Flawless surface centering

Grade & condition

Centering (9.5 visible), lack of whitening on the card back, and scratch-free surface clarity.

Rarity & demand

OrdinaryModerate demandModerate liquidity
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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's '2000' time period matches the copyright and release date of Gym Heroes.
  • User's 'Mint' condition assessment is validated by the professional 'Pristine 10' grade.

What Conflicted

  • User categorized as 'Original/Authentic'—while true, the card is specifically 'Unlimited' rather than '1st Edition', which impacts potential peak value.

FROM THE CABINET OF

The Collector

The Collector

Relic Hunter107 items

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