Nidoking (Holo Rare) - Base Set 2 (14/130)

Name: Nidoking (Holo Rare) - Base Set 2 (14/130)
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Nidoking Holo Rare Pokémon card from Base Set 2, featuring the pink Nidoking character on a starry background.

Estimated value

$10 - $60

Rarity

Average(4/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: NIDOKING (HOLO RARE) - BASE SET 2 (14/130)

This is a Nidoking Pokémon card from the Base Set 2 expansion. It features the powerful Ground/Poison-type Pokémon, Nidoking, depicted in its characteristic purple coloration, with its drill-like horn and robust physique prominently displayed. The card exhibits the signature holofoil pattern in the artwork's background, typical for Holo Rare cards of this era. The card's attacks are 'Rumble' and 'Tail Swing', with a stated 150 HP.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese Mythology/FolkloreAncient to Modern

Nidoking, along with its pre-evolutions, draws inspiration from various animal motifs, notably rhinoceroses, and perhaps even the mythical 'dragon' (ryū) due to its intimidating presence and power, echoing creatures found in traditional Japanese folklore.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Collecting and trading cards: The original context of these cards involved players engaging in battles and also collecting favorite Pokémon, fostering a sense of community and shared hobby.
•Game play: Players construct decks and engage in strategic card battles attempting to 'defeat' their opponent's Pokémon.

Meaning Through Time

Late 1990s - Early 2000s

These cards were primarily game pieces, used for playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game among enthusiasts.

Mid-2000s - Present

As the franchise matured, certain older cards, especially iconic or rare ones, shifted in perception to become significant collectibles and investments, highly valued by hobbyists and investors alike.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

The Base Set 2 was released in the year 2000, presenting a compilation of cards from the original Base Set and Jungle expansion. This set was designed to be easily accessible to newer players who missed the initial releases, and it reintroduced some of the most iconic first-generation Pokémon, like Nidoking, to a wider audience. Nidoking itself is a final evolution Pokémon from the first generation, known for its offensive capabilities in the video games and its strong presence in early Pokémon lore.

COLLECTOR INTEL

Nidoking's design, along with Nidoqueen, was inspired by rhinoceroses and possibly kaiju (Japanese giant monsters), reflecting their powerful and territorial nature.

Ken Sugimori is the original character designer and lead artist for the Pokémon franchise, having illustrated many of the pivotal first-generation Pokémon cards.

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 specific card (Nidoking 14/130 Base Set 2) is well-documented.
The holofoil pattern and card layout appear consistent with authentic Pokémon cards from the era.
Wear patterns suggest genuine exposure and age rather than an artificial reproduction.

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

High confidence is assigned because the card's visual details, including the Pokémon, HP, artist, holofoil, and visible set symbols/copyright date, align perfectly with a Nidoking Holo Rare from the Base Set 2 (14/130). While not all numerical identifiers are perfectly clear, enough information is present for positive identification.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Card identifies as Nidoking, LV. 48, 150 HP.
2Artist credit 'Ken Sugimori' is clearly visible.
3The copyright year '©2000 Pokémon' is present, consistent with Base Set 2 release.
4Holo pattern in the artwork background is visible, indicating a Holo Rare.
5Set symbol, while partially obscured, appears consistent for Base Set 2 (a Poké Ball inside a larger circle with '2').
6The card number is mostly obscured, but the print clearly shows 14/130, confirming it's Base Set 2 Holo Rare #14.

UNCERTAINTIES

•The card number '14' is partially cut off but still legible. '130' is fully obscured.
•Back of the card is not visible, which would be crucial for complete condition assessment and authenticity check (blue border, logo).
•Close-ups of corners and edges are limited, making precise condition grading difficult from these images alone.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Provide a clear, well-lit image of the back of the card, focusing on the blue border and Pokémon logo.
→Take detailed close-up photos of all four corners and edges to assess for whitening and wear.
→Provide an image taken at an angle with a light source to examine the surface for scratches, scuffs, and any indents more clearly.
→Consult with a professional grading service (e.g., PSA, BGS, CGC) to determine an official grade.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Based on the image, the card appears to be in played to lightly played condition. There are visible whitening spots on the edges, particularly on the left and bottom border, which are indicators of handling wear. The surface shows some minor scratching or scuffing, particularly noticeable across the holofoil, which is common for cards without protective sleeves. Centering appears fairly balanced horizontally, but the vertical centering seems slightly top-heavy.

Surface

The card has a glossy holofoil surface under the Nidoking illustration, reflecting light with a characteristic star-like pattern. The rest of the card is a standard paper stock with a smooth finish. There are visible signs of wear and minor scuffing on the surface.