Hippowdon Lv.45 - Diamond & Pearl Base Set (Rare Holo) [29/130]

Name: Hippowdon Lv.45 - Diamond & Pearl Base Set (Rare Holo) [29/130]
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Pokémon TCG Hippowdon Lv.45 Holo Rare card from the Diamond & Pearl set.

Estimated value

$2 - $10

Rarity

Average(4/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: HIPPOWDON LV.45 - DIAMOND & PEARL BASE SET (RARE HOLO) [29/130]

This is a Pokémon trading card featuring Hippowdon, a Ground-type Pokémon, in its Lv. 45 form. The artwork depicts Hippowdon with its mouth wide open, surrounded by its signature sand-like features. It indicates 110 HP and two attacks: 'Vacuum Up' and 'Sand Eject'. The card displays the evolution stage (Stage 1 from Hippopotas), its weight and height, and flavor text about its attack methods. The set symbol suggests it's from the Diamond & Pearl era.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

African FolkloreAncient to Modern

Hippowdon's primary inspiration comes from the hippopotamus, an animal revered and sometimes feared in various African cultures for its strength, territorial nature, and association with water bodies.

Japanese FolkloreFeudal Japan to Edo Period

While based on a real animal, its ability to generate sand storms from its body echoes creatures and yokai in Japanese folklore associated with natural phenomena and elemental powers.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Competitive play and deck building: Players meticulously craft decks around Pokémon's types, abilities, and attacks, engaging in strategic 'battles' with their trading cards.
•Collecting and display: Many enthusiasts collect cards based on specific Pokémon, artists, or sets, often protecting them in binders or display cases.

Meaning Through Time

1990s-Early 2000s

Initial perception of Pokémon cards as children's toys or simple game pieces.

Mid-2000s to present

Shift towards recognition as a legitimate collectible asset class, particularly for rare and vintage cards, with a growing adult collector base.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

The Pokémon TCG Diamond & Pearl Base Set was released in 2007, marking the introduction of Generation IV Pokémon into the card game. Hippowdon is a prominent Pokémon from the Sinnoh region, known for its powerful sand-based abilities. Cards from this era, particularly Holo Rares, represent a nostalgic period for many collectors and players who grew up with the Nintendo DS games and anime. This particular card was among the first appearances of many Sinnoh Pokémon in the TCG.

COLLECTOR INTEL

Hippowdon's design is inspired by hippopotamuses, which are powerful and territorial animals, combined with elements of deserts and sandstorms, reflecting its Ground-type nature.

The 'Diamond & Pearl' era introduced the Pokémon 'Lv.X' mechanic, where a Pokémon at a certain level could evolve into a more powerful Lv.X version, adding a new strategic layer to the game.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Average55-70%

CommonLegendary

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

Typical Characteristics

Standard antique shop items
Regularly available
Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

This is a common card, making counterfeiting less profitable.
The card shows typical print characteristics of an official Pokémon card.
The overall design and text match known authentic cards from the Diamond & Pearl era.

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

Confidence is high based on clear identification of card name, HP, set symbol, card number, and artist. High-resolution images of the back and closer views of the surface would further solidify the condition assessment.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Character: Hippowdon Lv.45
2HP: 110
3Set Code and Card Number: 29/130 (visible in bottom right)
4Set Symbol: Diamond & Pearl era symbol (visible next to 'HP110' and under card art)
5Rarity: Implied Holo Rare by card number and shine, and confirmed by set list (29/130 is a Holo Rare)
6Language: English (based on text)

UNCERTAINTIES

•The overall image resolution is not high enough to thoroughly inspect surface scratches or minor edge wear.
•Without a clear view of the card's back, centering on all sides and potential whitening cannot be accurately assessed.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Provide clear, high-resolution images of the front, back, and close-ups of all four corners and edges.
→Take images under direct, angled light to reveal any surface indentations or scratches.
→Measure the card's centering to assess its grade potential more accurately.
→Submit the card to a professional grading service for authentication and a precise condition grade.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The card appears to be in reasonably good condition from the visible angle. Edge wear and corner damage are not immediately apparent, but without closer inspection of the back and all edges, a precise condition cannot be determined. The centering appears slightly off, with the left border being thinner than the right, a common manufacturing variance.

Surface

The card has a glossy, reflective surface typical of Pokémon Holo Rare cards from this era. The card borders appear to be in the standard yellow, common for English-language Pokémon cards.