Nidoking - Japanese Base Set (Holo Rare) [No. 034]

Name: Nidoking - Japanese Base Set (Holo Rare) [No. 034]
Brand: The Collector
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Japanese 1996 Base Set Nidoking Holo Rare trading card in a clear plastic top-loader sleeve. - view 1

1/3

Estimated value

$15 - $45

Rarity

Uncommon(5/10)

NIDOKING - JAPANESE BASE SET (HOLO RARE) [NO. 034]: IDENTIFICATION

A Japanese Holo Rare card featuring Nidoking from the original 1996 Base Set expansion. The artwork by Ken Sugimori depicts the Stage 2 evolvement of Nidorino, featuring a cosmos-style holofoil pattern in the background. The card displays the character's typical 90 HP and Grass-type (Poison) classification used in the early TCG. This is the 'No Rarity' symbol variant equivalent from the early Japanese print runs, though standard for early Japanese sets.

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

Released in October 1996 as part of the Expansion Pack (Base Set) in Japan, this card predates the English release by over two years. The Japanese version features the 'Pocket Monsters Card Game' backing, distinct from the blue Pokémon back used internationally. This specific variant displays the ...

SCARCITY

Uncommon70-80%

CommonLegendary

Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.

Rarity 5/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 74 trading cards items at rarity 5 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

Limited production
Named makers
Growing collector demand

Confidence Factors

Correct text font and spacing for 1996 Japanese prints
Correct cosmos holofoil pattern for the era
Authentic 'Pocket Monsters' reverse side graphics

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

Clear images of both front and back allow for identification of the specific set, variant, and a realistic assessment of surface/edge condition.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Japanese text correctly identifies attacks 'Thrash' (あばれる) and 'Toxic' (どくどく)
2Set number 034 corresponds with the Japanese Pokedex-ordered Base Set
3Presence of the star rarity symbol in the bottom right corner confirms print run
4Authentic 1996 Nintendo/GameFreak copyright text at the bottom footer

UNCERTAINTIES

•Visible edge wear on the reverse side significantly impacts potential grading value

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Inspect holofoil under a single-point light source for 'print lines' or vertical scratches
→Measurement of top/bottom centering on the front face
→Check for any indentation or 'creasing' not visible in current lighting

CONDITION & GRADE

PSA 5-6

Grading breakdown

Moderate silvering visible on the front borders and significant whitening on the reverse blue borders/corners prevent a higher grade. Centering appears slightly shifted toward the bottom.

Condition

The card shows visible whitening on the rear edges, particularly at the corners. The front holofoil surface appears relatively clean in photos but likely contains micro-scratching typical of unslabbed vintage cards.