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    Kakuna - Base Set (Unlimited) [029/16]

    Kakuna Pokémon card from the Base Set, depicting the Cocoon Pokémon with its 'Stiffen' and 'Poison Powder' attacks.
    Common (2/10)
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    QUICK FACTS

    20

    Categories

    Trading Cards,Memorabilia,Collectibles

    Era

    Late 1990s

    Origin

    🇺🇸 United States

    Brand

    Pokémon

    Artist/Maker

    Keiji Kinabuchi

    Rarity

    Common (2/10)

    Discovered

    Jan 22, 2026

    1 months ago

    DESCRIPTION

    This is a Kakuna, a Stage 1 Grass-type Pokémon card from the iconic Base Set of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It evolves from Weedle. The artwork, by Keiji Kinabuchi, illustrates Kakuna suspended within its hardened, cocoon-like shell, a period of intense internal development before its next evolution. The card features its 'Stiffen' attack, reducing damage, and 'Poison Powder', which can poison the opponent's Active Pokémon.

    CULTURAL ECHOES

    Where This Object Echoes

    Entomology / Insect MetamorphosisNatural history

    The concept of Kakuna as a 'Cocoon Pokémon' directly parallels the pupal stage in insect metamorphosis, specifically the chrysalis or pupa form seen in butterflies and moths, representing a vulnerable yet transformative period.

    Ritual & Ceremonial Use

    • •The 'collecting ritual' of completing a set, where even common cards like Kakuna are crucial for the overall achievement and nostalgic value.
    • •Engaging in friendly battles, using cards like this Kakuna as part of a deck, reflecting the strategic play aspect of the Pokémon TCG.

    Meaning Through Time

    Late 1990s - Early 2000s

    During its initial release, this card was primarily seen as a game piece, a building block for decks, and one of many 'Pocket Monsters' to collect.

    2010s - Present

    As part of the Vintage Pokémon trend, even common cards like Kakuna now carry significant nostalgic and sentimental value for collectors who grew up with the franchise, independent of their game utility.

    HISTORICAL STORY

    The Base Set is foundational to the Pokémon TCG, released in English in 1999, shortly after the game's debut in Japan. It introduced the core mechanics and many of the beloved first 151 Pokémon. As a common card from this set, this Kakuna represents the widespread accessibility of Pokémon cards ...
    The Base Set is foundational to the Pokémon TCG, released in English in 1999, shortly after the game's debut in Japan. It introduced the core mechanics and many of the beloved first 151 Pokémon. As a common card from this set, this Kakuna represents the widespread accessibility of Pokémon cards during the initial boom of the franchise, allowing many to build collections and engage with the game as it grew into a global phenomenon.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    1

    Kakuna, though appearing docile, is undergoing a fierce metamorphosis within its hard shell, becoming more venomous in preparation for its evolution into Beedrill.

    2

    The Base Set of the Pokémon TCG was so immensely popular that it kickstarted the trading card market for decades, profoundly influencing collectible categories worldwide.

    MATERIAL & CONDITION

    Surface

    The card exhibits a smooth, semi-glossy finish typical of early Pokémon cards. The visible surface shows some handling wear and potential light scratching, common for an ungraded, played card from this era.

    Weight & Feel

    As a standard Pokémon trading card, it has a very light, almost insubstantial feel, consistent with thin cardstock material.

    Condition

    The card appears to have moderate play wear. While exact condition cannot be determined without closer inspection of edges, corners, and surface under ideal lighting, there are visible signs of use, including some whitening on edges (though not clearly visible in these images) and possibly minor creasing, indicating a played condition rather than near-mint.

    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 visible elements strongly indicate this is an English Kakuna card from the Base Set, likely Unlimited. My confidence is high regarding the card's identity and general set, but there's a slight reservation due to the OCR's conflicting date information which needs visual verification.

    KEY EVIDENCE

    • 1Card clearly identifies as 'Kakuna' and 'Stage 1 Evolves from Weedle'.
    • 2The text 'NO. 014 Cocoon Pokémon' aligns with Kakuna's Pokedex entry.
    • 3Illustrator credit 'Rua. Keiji Kinabuchi' is visible.
    • 4Copyright '©2016 Pokémon' is atypical for a Base Set card; however, '029/16' (should be 029/102 for Base Set) indicates a potential reprint or promo from later years. The visual style strongly suggests Base Set. Given the OCR for copyright as '02916 Pokemon', this is likely a misread 1999 copyright and card number. Assuming Base Set based on visual style.
    • 5The design, layout, and font match the English Base Set unlimited print run.

    UNCERTAINTIES

    • •The OCR for the copyright '©2016 Pokémon' and card number '029/16' appears inconsistent with the visual style of an original 1999 Base Set card. This could be an OCR error, or the card is a later print/reprint. Based on the visual appearance, it strongly resembles a Base Set card, leading me to believe the OCR is incorrect for the year and total set size.
    • •Image quality prevents precise assessment of centering and minor surface imperfections.

    WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

    • →Macro photos of front and back edges and corners to assess wear and potential whitening.
    • →Clearer image of the copyright line and set symbol/number to confirm exact edition and year.
    • →Angled light inspection of the card surface for scratches and factory print lines.
    • →Measure front and back centering to gauge potential for grading.
    • →Confirm the set symbol (Star for Common) which is partially obscured.

    ESTIMATED VALUE

    Up to $5

    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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