Meowth - XY Steam Siege (Common) [88/114]

Name: Meowth - XY Steam Siege (Common) [88/114]
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: InStock

Pokémon TCG card featuring Basic Meowth from the XY Steam Siege set, number 88/114, illustrated by Masakazu Fukuda.

Estimated value

Up to $1

Rarity

Common(2/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: MEOWTH - XY STEAM SIEGE (COMMON) [88/114]

This is a Basic Meowth Pokémon Trading Card. The artwork, illustrated by Masakazu Fukada, depicts Meowth in a dynamic pose, seemingly running through an alleyway, scattering objects. It has 60 HP and features two attacks: 'Stall', which allows discarding an Energy from an opponent's Pokémon, and 'Scratch', dealing 20 damage. The card indicates a weakness to Fighting-type Pokémon (x2) and a retreat cost of one Colorless energy.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese FolkloreEdo period to present

Meowth's design draws heavily from the Maneki-neko (beckoning cat), a common Japanese figurine believed to bring good luck to the owner. This is referenced in Meowth's Pokédex entry about adoring round objects and seeking loose change.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•The ritual of 'collecting' and 'trading' these cards among players and fans is a significant social and economic aspect of the Pokémon franchise.
•The strategic play of the Pokémon Trading Card Game involves building decks and battling, a modern ritual of competitive and social interaction.

Meaning Through Time

1990s-early 2000s

Early Pokémon cards were primarily seen as collectibles for children and a gateway to the video game universe.

Mid-2000s-present

The Pokémon TCG evolved into a serious competitive game with a dedicated player base, while also maintaining its status as a significant collectible for adults.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

This particular Meowth card is from the XY Steam Siege set, released in 2016. The XY era of the Pokémon TCG marked a significant period with the introduction of Mega Evolution Pokémon and refined game mechanics. Steam Siege, specifically, focused on the theme of Gear and Steam Pokémon, exploring a conflict between traditional and mechanized forces within the Pokémon world, though this Meowth card is a common basic Pokémon rather than one of the set's focal points.

COLLECTOR INTEL

Meowth is one of the few Pokémon to be able to speak human language, famously seen with Team Rocket in the Pokémon anime.

Meowth's design is heavily inspired by the Japanese 'Maneki-neko' or 'beckoning cat' good luck charm, often depicted with a coin.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

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

Confidence Factors

This is a common card, making counterfeiting unprofitable.
All text and artwork align with genuine Pokémon TCG cards.
Standard set code and numbering found on authentic cards.

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

High confidence is assigned due to the clear visibility of the card's name, set number, copyright information, and artist credit, all of which are consistent with a legitimate English Meowth card from the XY Steam Siege set.

KEY EVIDENCE

1The card clearly displays 'Meowth' and 'Basic' with an HP of 60.
2The set identification '88/114' and the ©2016 Pokémon copyright confirms it's an English card from the XY Steam Siege set.
3The illustrator is credited as Masakazu Fukuda, typical for authentic Pokémon cards.
4The rarity symbol (a circle) indicates this is a Common card.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Examine the card's reverse side for any wear, whitening on the edges, or surface imperfections.
→Check the card's texture and thickness compared to known authentic cards to rule out common fakes.
→Utilize a loupe to inspect the print quality and holographic patterns (if any) for authenticity.
→Measure the card's centering from front and back for grading potential.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Visually, the card appears to be in decent, played condition. While the front shows clear print with no major creases or tears discernable from the image, closer inspection for edge wear and surface scratches would be necessary. Professional grading would require evaluating centering, corners, edges, and surface imperfections.

Surface

The card appears to have a standard glossy finish typical of Pokémon TCG cards from this era. Based on the reflections, it's a non-holographic finish.