Pokémon Base Set Dugtrio Trading Card

Name: Pokémon Base Set Dugtrio Trading Card
Brand: Momofthecircus
Availability: LimitedAvailability

Close-up of a hand holding a vintage Pokémon Dugtrio Base Set trading card.

Average (4/10)

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QUICK FACTS

DESCRIPTION

A vintage Pokémon trading card featuring the Pokémon Dugtrio (No. 051 Mole Pokémon) from the original Base Set. The card shows Dugtrio with 90 HP, Lv. 36, and has two attacks: Slash (40 damage) and Earthquake (130 damage, with a drawback). The card has a yellow border and original card artwork.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese MythologyTraditional to contemporary Japan

Dugtrio, like many Pokémon, draws inspiration from Japanese folklore (specifically Yōkai) and natural elements. Its design evokes images of ground-dwelling creatures or earth spirits.

Mid-20th Century Pop Culture (Japan)1960s-1990s

The aesthetic of early Pokémon card art, including Dugtrio's illustration, resonates with the distinct visual style of Japanese animation and character design that gained global popularity.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•Collecting and trading cards as a social activity among children and enthusiasts.
•The ritualistic aspect of playing the Pokémon Trading Card Game, involving strategic deck building and battling.
•Displaying prized cards, often in protective sleeves or binders, to preserve their condition and showcase collections.

Meaning Through Time

Late 1990s - Early 2000s

During its initial release, this card and others like it represented a new craze in children's entertainment, combining collectible cards with a strategic game and popular media franchise. It symbolized childhood wonder and competitive play.

2010s - Present

Today, these early cards evoke strong nostalgia for adults who grew up with Pokémon. They are viewed as valuable collector's items, with rare cards fetching significant prices, and symbolize a foundational piece of modern pop culture and collecting history.

HISTORICAL STORY

The Pokémon Trading Card Game was first released in Japan in 1996 and then internationally in 1999 by Wizards of the Coast. The Base Set is the very first official English release of the Pokémon TCG, making cards from this set highly iconic and recognizable to fans and collectors, representing the beginning of the global Pokémon phenomenon.

DID YOU KNOW?

Dugtrio is the evolved form of Diglett and is known for its three distinct heads, mimicking a group of moles that live together.

The 'Base Set' of the Pokémon TCG is famous for being the first set ever released outside of Japan, introducing the game to a global audience.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

The card has a smooth, glossy surface typical of early Pokémon trading cards, with a matte back. The edges appear slightly worn, consistent with handling.

Weight & Feel

Extremely lightweight and thin, as expected for a standard trading card.

Condition

The visible card shows some wear on the edges and corners, indicating it has been handled. The surface appears to have some minor scuffs or scratches, though it is not heavily creased or torn. Specific grade cannot be determined without clearer images.