Charmander - Wizards of the Coast Black Star Promo #9 (Non-Holo)

Name: Charmander - Wizards of the Coast Black Star Promo #9 (Non-Holo)
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Wizards of the Coast Black Star Promo #9 Charmander non-holographic Pokémon trading card on a wooden surface.

Estimated value

$5 - $30

Rarity

Average(4/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: CHARMANDER - WIZARDS OF THE COAST BLACK STAR PROMO #9 (NON-HOLO)

This is a non-Holo 'Charmander' card, card number 9 from the Wizards of the Coast Black Star Promotional Set. It's a Basic Pokémon, Level 10, with 60 HP. The artwork depicts Charmander, a fire-type lizard Pokémon, standing in a grassy landscape with its iconic flaming tail. The card features the 'Scratch' and 'Ember' attacks, common for early-stage Pokémon. The artist credit appears to be 'Mitsuhiro Arita'.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese Mythology/FolkloreAncient to modern

Charmander, as a fire-lizard, draws upon mythical serpentine or draconic creatures associated with fire and potent energy in various East Asian mythologies.

Modern Fantasy Aesthetics20th-21st Century

The design of Charmander embodies archetypal 'starter' companions in fantasy narratives, providing an accessible entry point to a larger magical world.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•The ritualistic collection and trading of these cards among children and adults, fostering social interaction and a sense of community.
•The act of 'battling' with these cards, simulating a creature fight with specific rules and strategies, mirroring the video game experience.

Meaning Through Time

Late 1990s - Early 2000s

During its initial release, this Charmander card, as a promo, represented an exclusive bonus item, a tangible connection to the burgeoning Pokémon phenomenon for fans.

Present Day

Today, this card serves as a nostalgic artifact for many, representing a childhood memory, and for collectors, an entry-level piece of a comprehensive set of Black Star Promos.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

The Wizards of the Coast Black Star Promos were a significant series distributed during the early days of the Pokémon TCG in the Western world, often given out at events, in magazines, or with other products. This specific Charmander card (#9) was frequently bundled with the official Pokémon Strategy Guide for the Pokémon Yellow Version, which was released in late 1999/early 2000. These promotional cards played a crucial role in expanding the reach and popularity of the game outside of Japan, making them nostalgic pieces for many collectors.

COLLECTOR INTEL

Mitsuhiro Arita, the artist for this Charmander card, is one of the most prolific and beloved Pokémon TCG artists, known for illustrating iconic cards like the original Base Set Charizard.

Charmander is one of the three starter Pokémon from the original Pokémon Red and Blue video games, representing the fire-type option, and eventually evolves into the powerful Charizard.

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

Well-documented and common promotional card.
No apparent errors in text, font, or art that would indicate a counterfeit.
Non-holographic cards are less commonly counterfeited due to lower value.

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

Confidence is high due to the clear identification of the Pokémon, set, and card number. The visible details align perfectly with known authentic copies of this specific promotional card.

KEY EVIDENCE

1The card clearly shows 'Charmander' as a Basic, LV.10, 60 HP Pokémon.
2The 'Wizards of the Coast' copyright and card number '9' (visible in the lower right corner) identify it as a Black Star Promo card.
3The artist credit 'Mitsuhiro Arita' is present, typical for authentic WotC era cards.
4No holographic pattern is visible on the artwork, confirming it as the non-holo version.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Image clarity is moderate; closer, direct overhead shots would allow for a more precise condition assessment of edges and surface.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→High-resolution scan of the front and back for detailed analysis of corners, edges, and surface imperfections.
→Examination of the card under angled light to detect any subtle indentations or scratches not visible in current images.
→Obtain a clear image of the card's back to assess back centering and any whitening on the edges.
→A direct comparison against a known authentic copy for printing details and card stock consistency.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The card shows some noticeable wear, particularly on the edges and corners, suggesting it's been handled and played. The centering appears decent but could be improved. Some minor surface scratching is visible which would impact grading.

Surface

The card appears to have a matte paper finish with bright colors for the artwork. There's no visible holographic pattern, indicating a non-holo common version of this promotional card. The surface seems relatively smooth but showing some minor scuffing.