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Curiosa

Pikachu LV.14 - Intro Pack Bulbasaur Deck [No. 025]

Japanese 1999 Pokemon Intro Pack Bulbasaur Deck Pikachu card front and back - view 1
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Estimated value

$15 - $35

Rarity

Uncommon(5/10)

Category

Trading Cards

Brand

Pokémon

Era

1999

Origin

Japan

Artist / Creator

Ken Sugimori

Authenticity

Very High(85%)
2

PIKACHU LV.14 - INTRO PACK BULBASAUR DECK [NO. 025]: IDENTIFICATION

Japanese non-holo trading card depicting Pikachu LV.14 with 50 HP, illustrated by Ken Sugimori. The card features the 'Spark' attack (20 damage for two Lightning energy) and displays the Bulbasaur silhouette expansion mark positioned directly to the right of the Pokédex measurement banner (0.4 m, 6 kg). The classic Pocket Monsters Japanese card back features the blue swirl pattern and original Japanese logo with copyright 1996 Nintendo/GameFreak/Creatures.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese Pop Culture & Character MerchandisingLate 1990s

Pikachu's design was created by Atsuko Nishida and refined by Ken Sugimori, transitioning from a round rodent sprite in 1996 into the central corporate mascot of the franchise by 1998.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Competitive master-set collecting where specialists assemble every cataloged non-standard print and promotional variation of Pikachu No. 025.

Meaning Through Time

1999

Mass-produced instructional game piece intended for young players learning basic energy attachments.

2020s

Niche vintage Japanese species-collector target due to the set-specific Bulbasaur silhouette mark.

SET RELEASE & PRINT RUN

Released in Japan on July 30, 1999, by Media Factory, the Intro Pack (イントロパック) was a beginner starter box designed to accompany the VHS introductory training video. It contained two fixed 30-card half-decks designated by Bulbasaur and Squirtle deck icons, marking one of the earliest occurrences of ...
Released in Japan on July 30, 1999, by Media Factory, the Intro Pack (イントロパック) was a beginner starter box designed to accompany the VHS introductory training video. It contained two fixed 30-card half-decks designated by Bulbasaur and Squirtle deck icons, marking one of the earliest occurrences of deck-specific symbol variants in the Japanese Pokémon TCG.

COLLECTOR INTEL

1

The 1999 Intro Pack included an instructional VHS tape featuring character instruction on damage counters, status effects, and prize card mechanics.

SCARCITY

Uncommon70-80%
CommonLegendary

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

Typical Characteristics

  • Limited production
  • Named makers
  • Growing collector demand

Confidence Factors

  • Authentic 1996 Japanese pocket monster reverse cardstock hue and border registration
How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

High confidence supported by clear visibility of the Bulbasaur deck icon, Ken Sugimori credit line, and authentic vintage Japanese cardback printing.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Bulbasaur silhouette symbol situated beside the Pokédex dimensions confirms Intro Pack (Bulbasaur Deck) distribution from July 1999.
  • 2Reverse cardback exhibits the original Japanese 1996 Pocket Monsters blue spiral pattern rather than international card backing.
  • 3Visible edge wear along top reverse boundary caps raw condition at Excellent to Near Mint minus.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Reverse top edge chipping lowers suitability for strict PSA 9 or PSA 10 gem-mint grading submissions.

CONDITION & GRADE

PSA 6-7

Grading breakdown

Visual grade limited by distinct white edge fraying on the top reverse border and minor corner touch, while the obverse surface retains clean gloss without visible print lines or creasing.

Condition

Moderate edge chipping and whitening are visible along the upper reverse border, concentrated toward the top-right corner. Front centering measures approximately 45/55 left-to-right, while the reverse displays minor border asymmetry favoring the right side.

TRADING CARD MARKET VALUE

$15 - $35

Updated: Oct 28, 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.

FROM THE CABINET OF

TH

The Collector

Wonderseeker•0 items

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