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    Kakuna - Base Set (Holo Rare) [50/102]

    Holographic Kakuna Pokémon card from the 1999 Base Set, card number 50/102, featuring an 80 HP cocoon Pokémon.
    Uncommon (5/10)
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    QUICK FACTS

    18

    Categories

    Trading Cards,Memorabilia,Collectibles

    Era

    Late 1990s

    Origin

    🇺🇸 United States

    Brand

    Nintendo / Wizards of the Coast

    Artist/Maker

    Ken Sugimori

    Rarity

    Uncommon (5/10)

    Discovered

    Jan 22, 2026

    1 months ago

    DESCRIPTION

    This is a holographic rare Kakuna card from the Pokémon Trading Card Game's iconic Base Set. The artwork depicts Kakuna, the Cocoon Pokémon, in its evolutionary state, with the distinctive holofoil pattern visible across the illustration window, a signature of the rare cards from this era. The card features its 'Stiffen' and 'Poison Powder' attacks, typical of early Pokémon TCG mechanics.

    CULTURAL ECHOES

    Where This Object Echoes

    Japanese MythologyAncient to Modern

    The concept of metamorphosis and evolution, central to Kakuna's design, is a recurring theme in various mythologies, symbolizing transformation and growth.

    Ritual & Ceremonial Use

    • •Pokémon card collecting and trading, a global phenomenon, where the acquisition and curation of specific cards like this Base Set holo became a social and personal ritual.

    Meaning Through Time

    Late 1990s - Early 2000s

    During its initial release, this card was a game piece and a collectible toy, representing a character from a popular video game.

    2010s - Present

    Today, it has evolved into a vintage collectible, valued more for its nostalgia, rarity, and historical significance within the trading card market, rather than its playability in the current TCG meta.

    HISTORICAL STORY

    The Base Set, released in 1999 in English, is the foundational expansion for the Pokémon TCG, introducing the first 102 Pokémon cards and establishing the game's core mechanics. Holo Rares from this set are highly sought after by collectors as they represent some of the earliest and most ...
    The Base Set, released in 1999 in English, is the foundational expansion for the Pokémon TCG, introducing the first 102 Pokémon cards and establishing the game's core mechanics. Holo Rares from this set are highly sought after by collectors as they represent some of the earliest and most recognizable forms of Pokémon cards, with the Kakuna being an evolution of the more common Weedle.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    1

    Kakuna evolves from Weedle and then into Beedrill, forming one of the earliest Bug/Poison type evolutionary lines introduced in the Pokémon franchise.

    2

    The iconic 'Stiffen' attack on this card reflects Kakuna's in-game ability to harden its shell, providing defense against incoming attacks.

    MATERIAL & CONDITION

    Surface

    The card exhibits a glossy holofoil finish across the artwork window, indicating its holographic rare status. The main body of the card has a standard card stock texture. Faint surface wear or scratches may be present, consistent with an ungraded card of its age.

    Weight & Feel

    This is a standard trading card, approximately 1-2 grams. It feels lightweight and flexible, typical of unencapsulated cardboard cards.

    Condition

    Visually, the card appears to be in played to lightly played condition. There are visible rainbow scratches on the holofoil, and the corners show some signs of whitening. The centering appears slightly off-kilter, common for cards from this era. Further assessment of edges and back surface would be needed for a precise grade.

    RARITY ANALYSIS

    Uncommon70-80%
    CommonLegendary

    Genuine antiques with fewer examples on the market. Named makers, documented provenance, or early production examples.

    Typical Characteristics

    • Limited production
    • Named makers
    • Growing collector demand

    EXPERT ANALYSIS

    Trading Card Market Analyst

    Card Specialist

    Confidence is high due to the clear visibility of the character, holographic status, and recognizable design elements consistent with a Base Set Holo Rare. The language and main attributes are clearly legible.

    KEY EVIDENCE

    • 1Character 'Kakuna' clearly visible.
    • 2Holographic pattern on the illustration window confirms 'Holo Rare' status.
    • 3'STAGE 1' and '80 HP' are correct for a Base Set Kakuna.
    • 4Card number is 'No. 014', which corresponds to Kakuna in the national Pokedex.
    • 5The text, font, and layout are consistent with English Base Set cards from Wizards of the Coast.

    UNCERTAINTIES

    • •The image quality of the bottom right corner of the card is slightly obscured, making it difficult to confirm the set symbol (which would be '50/102').
    • •Back of the card is not visible, preventing assessment of back centering and potential edgewear.

    WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

    • →Provide a clear, high-resolution image of the card's back to assess condition and centering.
    • →Provide a zoomed-in image of the card number and set symbol to confirm the exact card (e.g., 50/102).
    • →Submit the card for professional grading to accurately determine its condition and market value.

    ESTIMATED VALUE

    $10 - $40

    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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