Nidoking (Holo) Pokémon Trading Card

Name: Nidoking (Holo) Pokémon Trading Card
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Nidoking holographic Pokémon trading card from a vintage set displayed on a wooden surface.

Average (4/10)

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QUICK FACTS

DESCRIPTION

A single Pokémon trading card depicting Nidoking, a purple, bipedal Pokémon with large spikes. The card is a 'STAGE 2' evolution, indicating it evolves from Nidorino. It's a Level 48 Pokémon with 150 HP, featuring the attacks 'Rumble' and 'Tail Swing'. The card has a holographic main illustration, indicating it's a 'Holo' rare card. The artwork is credited to Ken Sugimori. The card appears to be from one of the early English sets of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese Mythology/FolkloreAncient to Modern Japan

Nidoking, as a 'Drill Pokémon', echoes the fearsome, often horned creatures found in Japanese folklore and mythology, particularly Oni or other types of Yokai, known for their strength and imposing presence.

Kaiju FilmsMid-20th Century to Present

The concept of large, powerful, and sometimes monstrous creatures like Nidoking, with distinct abilities, draws parallels to the 'Kaiju' (giant monster) genre prevalent in Japanese cinema since the mid-20th century.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•The 'collecting' ritual of seeking out specific cards to complete sets or build competitive decks.
•The ritualistic play of the Pokémon TCG, involving strategic decisions, card 'battles', and the social interaction of trading.
•The ritual of 'evolution' within the game, symbolizing growth and transformation for the Pokémon characters.

Meaning Through Time

Late 1990s - Early 2000s

During its release, this card represented a collectible item within a popular children's franchise, used for both play and collecting, symbolizing status among peers for rare pulls.

2010s - Present

Today, this card primarily functions as a nostalgic collectible, valued for its historical significance as an early Pokémon card and its role in many people's childhoods. It's often assessed for grading and long-term investment, or as a display piece.

HISTORICAL STORY

The Pokémon Trading Card Game was first released in 1996 in Japan and 1999 in North America. Cards like this Nidoking were part of the initial sets that launched the global phenomenon of Pokémon, combining strategic gameplay with the popular Pokémon characters. Early holographic cards like this ...

DID YOU KNOW?

Nidoking's design, along with its pre-evolutions, is believed to be inspired by rhinoceroses and possibly kaiju (Japanese giant monsters).

Nidoking was one of the original 150 Pokémon introduced in the very first generation of games (Red and Blue) and quickly became an iconic fan favorite.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

The card has a smooth, laminated paper surface with a glossy finish. The main illustration area features a reflective holographic pattern, likely 'cosmos' style, common in early Pokémon prints.

Weight & Feel

Very lightweight and thin, typical of a standard trading card.

Condition

The card appears to be in played to lightly played condition, with some visible edge wear and possibly minor surface scratches, though the full extent isn't clear from the image. The corners show some softening, and there may be a slight curve to the card.