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    Dugtrio (Base Set) Pokémon Trading Card

    Vintage English Pokémon Dugtrio Base Set trading card from the late 1990s, held in hand, showing front art
    Average (4/10)
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    QUICK FACTS

    16

    Categories

    Trading Cards,Memorabilia,Collectibles

    Era

    Late 1990s

    Origin

    🇺🇸 United States

    Brand

    Wizards of the Coast (formerly)

    Artist/Maker

    Ken Sugimori

    Rarity

    Average (4/10)

    Discovered

    Jan 22, 2026

    1 months ago

    DESCRIPTION

    This appears to be a vintage Pokémon Dugtrio card, specifically from the English Base Set. The artwork features three Dugtrio emerging from the ground. Its design aesthetic points to the early days of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, characterized by simple layouts and realistic-style illustrations by Japanese artists.

    CULTURAL ECHOES

    Where This Object Echoes

    Japanese MythologyAncient to Modern

    Dugtrio, like its pre-evolution Diglett, draws inspiration from the Japanese mole ('mogura') or earth spirits, known for their burrowing habits and elusive nature. The multi-headed aspect is a common motif in folklore for creatures with enhanced abilities or wisdom.

    Ritual & Ceremonial Use

    • •Strategic gameplay within the Pokémon TCG, where Dugtrio's 'Earthquake' attack could significantly damage an opponent's benched Pokémon, requiring careful resource management during battles.

    Meaning Through Time

    Late 1990s - Early 2000s

    During the initial Pokémon boom, this card represented a common, accessible creature in the Pokémon universe, offering a sense of completion for collectors striving to 'catch 'em all' by filling out their binders.

    2010s - Present

    For many, this card now serves as a nostalgic artifact of childhood, a tangible link to the beginnings of a global phenomenon, appealing to retro collectors and those seeking to relive early franchise memories.

    HISTORICAL STORY

    The Pokémon Base Set, released in North America in 1999, was the inaugural set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game outside of Japan. It introduced the core mechanics and iconic Pokémon that captivated a generation. Cards like this Dugtrio, while not as highly sought after as Charizard or other rare ...
    The Pokémon Base Set, released in North America in 1999, was the inaugural set for the Pokémon Trading Card Game outside of Japan. It introduced the core mechanics and iconic Pokémon that captivated a generation. Cards like this Dugtrio, while not as highly sought after as Charizard or other rare holographics from the set, represent a piece of that foundational history and are recognizable to collectors who grew up with the franchise. The set code 'Base Set' signifies its place as the original English release.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    1

    Dugtrio's design is inspired by the Japanese mythological creature 'Mogura' or mole, known for burrowing and sometimes having multiple heads.

    2

    The Base Set was so popular that its later print runs (known as '2nd Edition' and 'Shadowless') have subtle differences that collectors distinguish, influencing value without being explicitly '1st Edition' marked.

    MATERIAL & CONDITION

    Surface

    The card's surface appears to be a standard non-foil card stock from the era. The gloss and color saturation are consistent with early Pokémon prints. Without closer inspection, it's difficult to ascertain specific micro-scratches or dings on the print layer.

    Weight & Feel

    Standard card stock weight, lightweight and flexible as expected for a typical trading card.

    Condition

    From the visible image, the card appears to have some light corner wear and possibly minor edge whitening. The centering seems reasonably good, but detailed condition analysis would require clearer close-up images of all edges and surfaces under proper lighting.

    RARITY ANALYSIS

    Average55-70%
    CommonLegendary

    Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

    Typical Characteristics

    • Standard antique shop items
    • Regularly available
    • Moderate collector interest

    EXPERT ANALYSIS

    Trading Card Market Analyst

    Card Specialist

    The visible text, artwork, and copyright information strongly indicate this is an English Base Set Dugtrio card. The image quality, while decent, prevents a precise condition grade, which is crucial for valuation.

    KEY EVIDENCE

    • 1The card clearly shows 'Dugtrio', 'LV.36', and '90 HP', with the 'STAGE 1' evolution marker.
    • 2The attacks 'Slash' (40 damage) and 'Earthquake' (130 damage with a drawback) are visible.
    • 3The copyright year '©1999 Wizards of the Coast' identifies this as an English Base Set print.
    • 4The overall card layout, font, and artwork style are characteristic of the original Pokémon Base Set.

    WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

    • →Clear, well-lit photos of the card's front and back, out of sleeve if applicable.
    • →Close-up photos of all four corners and edges to assess wear more accurately.
    • →An image inspecting the card's surface under angled light to detect any scratches or indentations.
    • →Confirmation of whether the card is 'Shadowless' or an unlimited print, a factor influencing value.

    ESTIMATED VALUE

    $5 - $25

    Updated: Feb 27, 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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