Poliwag - Base Set (Common) [59/102]

Name: Poliwag - Base Set (Common) [59/102]
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Vintage Pokémon TCG Poliwag card, Base Set, 59/102, featuring Ken Sugimori artwork.

Estimated value

$1 - $5

Rarity

Common(2/10)

COLLECTOR'S BREAKDOWN: POLIWAG - BASE SET (COMMON) [59/102]

This is a Common Poliwag card, specifically card number 59/102 from the iconic Base Set of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It features the adorable Tadpole Pokémon, Poliwag, at Level 13 with 60 HP. The artwork, by Ken Sugimori, depicts Poliwag with its signature spiral belly and tail, ready to use its single attack, 'Water Gun', which deals 30 damage. As a Water-type Pokémon, it has a weakness to Grass-type Pokémon and resistance to Fighting-type Pokémon, in line with the classic rock-paper-scissors mechanic of the game.

CULTURAL CARD LORE

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese MythologyEdo Period onward

Poliwag's design, a creature with a recognizable spiral pattern, can be loosely linked to 'yokai' or mystical creatures in Japanese folklore, often depicted with unique physical characteristics.

Amphibian BiologyN/A

The concept of a 'tadpole' Pokémon reflects real-world amphibian life cycles, transforming from aquatic larval stages to more complex forms, a common theme in creature design.

Meaning Through Time

Late 1990s - Early 2000s

Poliwag, like many early Pokémon, symbolized the wonder of discovery and the building of a team, essential for young trainers embarking on their journeys.

Present Day

Today, a Base Set Poliwag evokes nostalgia for the early days of Pokémon and represents a foundational piece in the history of the TCG, often sought after for sentimental value rather than high monetary worth.

CARD HISTORY & PRINT RUNS

The Base Set, released in North America in January 1999, was the inaugural set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game outside of Japan. Poliwag, as one of the original 151 Pokémon created for the video games, was a foundational creature in the Pokémon universe, and its inclusion in the very first Western TCG set marks it as a piece of early Pokémon collecting history. This set laid the groundwork for the global phenomenon the TCG became, making even common cards like Poliwag significant heirlooms for many collectors.

COLLECTOR INTEL

Poliwag's spiraled belly is inspired by the intestinal patterns visible through the skin of real-life tadpoles, a subtle biological detail that makes its design quite unique.

Despite its small size, Poliwag, and its evolutions Poliwhirl and Poliwrath, were important staples in early Pokémon video game teams and are fan-favorite 'first generation' Pokémon.

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, non-foil card making it a low target for counterfeiting.
The card's details (artwork, text, set symbol) align with known genuine Base Set Poliwag cards.

How does authenticity detection work?

GRADING EXPERT'S TAKE

Trading Card Market Analyst

Card Specialist

I am confident in identifying this as a Base Set Poliwag common card due to the visible card name, HP, artist credit, set number, and lack of set symbol which is characteristic of Base Set common/uncommon cards. However, the image quality limits a definitive condition assessment.

KEY EVIDENCE

1Card clearly identifies as 'Poliwag' with 'LV.13' and '60 HP'.
2The attack 'Water Gun' with '30' damage is visible, consistent with the Base Set version.
3Copyright information points to 1995, 96, 98, 99 Nintendo, Creatures, GAMEFREAK, Wizards of the Coast, identifying it as an English release.
4The card number '59/102' is visible in the bottom right corner, confirming it as a Base Set common card.
5The specific set symbol (no symbol next to the card number for Base Set Common/Uncommon) is present for a common card from the Base Set.

UNCERTAINTIES

•Image clarity is limited, making precise surface flaw identification challenging.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

→Clearer, well-lit photographs of the card's front and back, especially focusing on edges and corners, to accurately assess condition.
→Angled shots of the card's surface to detect scratches, indentations, or print lines.
→A photograph with a ruler or grading guide to assess centering more precisely.
→Magnified images of the card's text and symbols to check for any print irregularities.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

The card exhibits significant wear, particularly along the borders (whitening) and corners (fraying and rounding), indicating moderate to heavy play/handling. There appears to be a notable crease or indentation on the right side of the card, visible in the close-up crops. These condition issues will significantly impact its collectibility and value.

Surface

The card's surface appears to be a standard glossy finish common for early Pokémon TCG cards. There are visible signs of wear, including edge whitening, creasing, and potential surface scratching, which are typical for cards that have been handled and played with over time. The image quality makes it difficult to ascertain foil presence, but as a common card from the Base Set, it is unlikely to be holographic.