Grimer - Team Rocket (1st Edition) [57/82]

Name: Grimer - Team Rocket (1st Edition) [57/82]
Brand: The Collector
Availability: LimitedAvailability

PSA 9 Mint graded 2000 Pokémon Team Rocket Grimer 1st Edition card 57/82 in a protective plastic slab. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$25 - $45

Rarity

Average(4/10)

GRIMER - TEAM ROCKET (1ST EDITION) [57/82]: IDENTIFICATION

This 1st Edition Grimer features narrative-style artwork by Kagemaru Himeno, depicting the Sludge Pokémon emerging from a manhole assembly. The card bears the '1st EDITION' stamp on the left center and the stylized 'R' symbol for the Team Rocket expansion on the right. This English-language version was printed by Wizards of the Coast and includes the 'Poison Gas' and 'Sticky Hands' attacks.

Compare with other trading cards in the archive: Dark Gyarados - Team Rocket (Prerelease Holo) [8/82], Larvitar - Neo Discovery (Common), Raichu LV.45 - Temple of Anger (1st Edition Holo) [025/092].

SET RELEASE & PRINT RUN

Released in April 2000, the Team Rocket expansion was the fourth main set of the Pokémon TCG and the first to introduce 'Dark' Pokémon variants. This specific Grimer card is part of the original print run identified by the circular 1st Edition stamp. The artwork on this English release was slightly adjusted from its Japanese counterpart (Rocket Gang set) for cultural sensitivity considerations regarding Grimer's eye positioning relative to the human subjects in the frame.

COLLECTOR INTEL

The Japanese version of this card, released in 1997, is one of the most famous examples of art censorship in the franchise because Grimer's gaze appeared to be directed up the skirt of the girl in the background.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 121 trading cards items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

Verification of PSA certificate 52847189 confirms the record in the official database
Security features on the PSA lighthouse label align with 2021-era encapsulation standards

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

High confidence due to clear images of the PSA slab and certification number which allows for direct database verification.

KEY EVIDENCE

1PSA Cert #52847189 is clearly visible and verifiable
21st Edition stamp is correctly positioned and font-consistent with WotC 2000 era
3Set logo 'R' denotes the Team Rocket expansion correctly
4Card number 57/82 matches the Common rarity slot for this character in the set

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Verify holographic PSA logo on the bottom right of the front label under UV light
→Check PSA population report to see how many 1st Edition Grimers exist in a grade of 9 versus 10

CONDITION & GRADE

PSA 9

Grading breakdown

Official PSA Mint 9 designation. Front centering is slightly weighted toward the left; rear centering shows a minor bias toward the bottom right. Edges appear sharp with no visible whitening on the reverse corners.

Condition

The card is encapsulated in a Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) holder. Visual inspection through the slab confirms a clean surface and well-preserved borders consistent with the assigned grade.