Kakuna - Base Set (Holo Rare) [50/102]

Estimated value
$10 - $40Rarity
Uncommon(5/10)Category
Trading CardsBrand
Nintendo / Wizards of the CoastEra
Late 1990sOrigin
🇺🇸 United StatesArtist / Creator
Ken SugimoriAuthenticity
KAKUNA - BASE SET (HOLO RARE) [50/102]: IDENTIFICATION
This is a holographic rare Kakuna card from the Pokémon Trading Card Game's Base Set. The artwork depicts Kakuna, the Cocoon Pokémon, in its evolutionary state, with the distinctive holofoil pattern visible across the illustration window, a signature of the rare cards from this era. The card features its 'Stiffen' and 'Poison Powder' attacks, typical of early Pokémon TCG mechanics.
Compare with other trading cards in the archive: Alakazam - Expansion Pack (Holo Rare) [No. 065], Arcanine - XY Evolutions (Holo Rare) [18/108], Blastoise - Expansion Pack (Japanese Base Set) Holofoil [No. 009].
SET RELEASE & PRINT RUN
SCARCITY
Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.
Rarity 5/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 76 trading cards items at rarity 5 or higher.
Typical Characteristics
- Limited production
- Named makers
- Growing collector demand
Confidence Factors
- This card type (Base Set Holo Rare) is well-documented and widely recognized.
- No obvious red flags like incorrect fonts, colors, or art styles are visible.
- Reproduction of these specific holofoil patterns is difficult to do convincingly without advanced equipment.
GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE
Trading Card Market Analyst
Confidence is high due to the clear visibility of the character, holographic status, and recognizable design elements consistent with a Base Set Holo Rare. The language and main attributes are clearly legible.
KEY EVIDENCE
- 1Character 'Kakuna' clearly visible.
- 2Holographic pattern on the illustration window confirms 'Holo Rare' status.
- 3'STAGE 1' and '80 HP' are correct for a Base Set Kakuna.
- 4Card number is 'No. 014', which corresponds to Kakuna in the national Pokedex.
- 5The text, font, and layout are consistent with English Base Set cards from Wizards of the Coast.
UNCERTAINTIES
- •The image quality of the bottom right corner of the card is slightly obscured, making it difficult to confirm the set symbol (which would be '50/102').
- •Back of the card is not visible, preventing assessment of back centering and potential edgewear.
WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY
- →Provide a clear, high-resolution image of the card's back to assess condition and centering.
- →Provide a zoomed-in image of the card number and set symbol to confirm the exact card (e.g., 50/102).
- →Submit the card for professional grading to accurately determine its condition and market value.
CONDITION & GRADE
Condition
Visually, the card appears to be in played to lightly played condition. There are visible rainbow scratches on the holofoil, and the corners show some signs of whitening. The centering appears slightly off-kilter, common for cards from this era. Further assessment of edges and back surface would be needed for a precise grade.
TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
- Market comparables from auctions & retail
- Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
- Current collector demand & trends
- Low = quick sale, high = patient seller
For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.
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Mew ex Special Art Rare - Pokémon Card (Japanese)
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M Charizard EX - Flashfire (Secret Rare) [108/106]
MORE BY KEN SUGIMORI
Mewtwo Japanese Promo Collection (CoroCoro & Vending Series)
Blastoise - Expansion Pack (Japanese Base Set) Holofoil [No. 009]
Alakazam - Expansion Pack (Holo Rare) [No. 065]
Hitmonchan - Base Set (Unlimited Holo Rare) [7/102]
Misty's Tears (Kasumi's Tears) - Gym Heroes (Japanese) [PSA 8]
Starmie - Neo Revelations (Holo Rare) [41/64]
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