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Magikarp - Team Up Set (Common) [38/181]

Pokémon TCG Magikarp card from the Team Up set, artwork depicting Magikarp mid-air, with details on HP, attacks, and set number.
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QUICK FACTS

20

Categories

Trading Cards,Memorabilia,Collectibles

Era

2010s

Origin

🌍 International

Brand

Pokémon

Artist/Maker

Mitsuhiro Arita

Rarity

Common (2/10)

Discovered

Jan 22, 2026

about 2 months ago

DESCRIPTION

This is a non-Holo Magikarp card, specifically from the Pokémon TCG 'Team Up' expansion. The artwork features Magikarp mid-leap, a classic depiction of its signature splash. As a Basic Pokémon, it has 30 HP and a single attack, 'Flail,' which deals damage based on existing damage counters. The card number 38/181 is visible, indicating its position within the set.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese MythologyAncient to present

Magikarp's journey from a weak 'fish' to a powerful 'dragon' (Gyarados) mirrors the ancient Asian legend of the carp leaping over the Dragon Gate to transform into a dragon. This myth emphasizes perseverance and reward for overcoming adversity.

Meaning Through Time

Early Pokémon (1990s-early 2000s)

Magikarp was often seen as a symbol of weakness and a challenge to players who invested time to evolve it into Gyarados, representing potential and delayed gratification.

Modern Pokémon (2010s-present)

While still embodying weakness, Magikarp has also evolved into an internet meme and a beloved underdog, with cards like this one celebrating its iconic 'Splash' move and inherent charm.

HISTORICAL STORY

The 'Team Up' expansion, released in 2019, focused on introducing 'TAG TEAM' Pokémon-GX cards, featuring two Pokémon sharing a card for increased power. This Magikarp, however, is a common-rarity single Pokémon card, representing the more foundational elements of the game. Magikarp consistently ...
The 'Team Up' expansion, released in 2019, focused on introducing 'TAG TEAM' Pokémon-GX cards, featuring two Pokémon sharing a card for increased power. This Magikarp, however, is a common-rarity single Pokémon card, representing the more foundational elements of the game. Magikarp consistently appears in various sets as a base Pokémon known for its potential to evolve into the formidable Gyarados, making it a recognizable and somewhat iconic figure within the franchise despite its low raw power.

DID YOU KNOW?

1

Despite its apparent weakness, Magikarp's ability to evolve into the powerful Gyarados makes it one of the most recognizable and meme-worthy Pokémon in the entire franchise.

2

The artist, Mitsuhiro Arita, is one of the original and most prolific Pokémon card illustrators, responsible for many iconic early cards including the base set Charizard.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

The card exhibits a standard matte finish typical of modern Pokémon TCG cards. There are no visible holographic or reverse holographic treatments, confirming its common rarity. Surface appears relatively clean, but detailed assessment would require magnification.

Weight & Feel

Like most standard trading cards, this Magikarp card would feel lightweight and flexible, made from coated card stock. It would be easy to handle individually or within a deck.

Condition

Visually, the card appears to be in decent condition with no obvious creasing, tears, or major surface abrasions. The corners and edges seem reasonably sharp, though minor wear cannot be ruled out without closer inspection. Centering appears slightly bottom-heavy but within acceptable manufacturing tolerances for a non-graded card.

RARITY ANALYSIS

Common20-40%
CommonLegendary

Older mass-produced items still widely available. Easy to find on eBay, antique malls, and estate sales in large quantities.

Typical Characteristics

  • Mass produced historically
  • High survival rate
  • Readily available everywhere

EXPERT ANALYSIS

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

The card's identity as a Magikarp from the Team Up set (38/181) is strongly supported by visible text, artwork, and set information. Confidence remains high despite minor condition assessment limitations due to image quality.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1The card clearly displays 'Magikarp' as the Pokémon name, 'BASIC' as its stage.
  • 2The set code can be partially identified as 'SM9' (Team Up) from the copyright '©2019 Pokémon' and the set symbol in the bottom left, alongside the card number 38/181.
  • 3The lack of a holographic pattern on the artwork confirms its non-holo, common rarity.
  • 4Artist credit 'Illus. Mitsuhiro Arita' is clearly visible at the bottom left.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The image quality and lighting are sub-optimal for a precise condition assessment, making it difficult to detect subtle surface imperfections or edge wear.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Provide clear, high-resolution images of the front and back of the card, taken in good, even lighting.
  • →Include close-up photos of all four corners and the edges to assess potential wear.
  • →Provide an angled shot to check for any surface scratching or indents.
  • →Measure and photograph the front and back centering for grading accuracy.

ESTIMATED VALUE

Up to $1

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.

FROM THE CABINET OF

MO

Momofthecircus

The Connoisseur•91 items

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