Clefairy - Base Set (Unlimited Edition) [5/102]

    Pokemon TCG Clefairy Base Set card, showing the pink fairy creature and card details against a wood background.
    Average (4/10)
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    QUICK FACTS

    20

    Era

    Late 1990s

    Origin

    🇺🇸 United States

    Artist/Maker

    Ken Sugimori

    Rarity

    Average (4/10)

    Discovered

    Jan 22, 2026

    1 months ago

    DESCRIPTION

    This is a Pokemon Trading Card Game card featuring Clefairy, specifically the Base Set version. The card is a "Basic" Pokémon with 40 HP and LV. 14. It has two attacks: "Sing" and "Metronome." The artwork, created by Ken Sugimori, depicts Clefairy in its classic pink, fairy-like form. Based on the lack of a 1st Edition stamp and the general appearance, this appears to be from the Unlimited print run of the English Base Set.

    CULTURAL ECHOES

    Where This Object Echoes

    Japanese Mythology / FairiesAncient to modern

    Clefairy’s design draws inspiration from mythical fairies and sprites, creatures often associated with moonlight, magic, and hidden realms in folklore across various cultures.

    Kawaii Culture (Japan)1970s - present

    As one of the original 'cute' Pokémon, Clefairy embodies the Japanese aesthetic of 'kawaii,' a cultural fascination with endearing and charming characters that became globally influential.

    Ritual & Ceremonial Use

    • No specific rituals or ceremonies directly tied to Clefairy, but it plays a role in the 'collecting ritual' of identifying and completing sets, and the 'playing ritual' within the TCG.
    • In the anime, Clefairy were depicted gathering and dancing under the full moon, absorbing moonlight, which aligns with folkloric traditions of fae creatures and lunar influence.

    Meaning Through Time

    1990s (Pokémon's debut)

    Clefairy was initially positioned as a key, somewhat mysterious Pokémon, even being considered for the franchise mascot, representing the whimsical and hidden aspects of the Pokémon world.

    2000s onwards

    While still beloved, Clefairy's prominence shifted as new generations introduced a wider array of Pokémon. Its role became more of a classic, nostalgic character rather than a front-liner.

    HISTORICAL STORY

    The Base Set is historically significant as the very first English expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, released by Wizards of the Coast in 1999. It established the core mechanics and set the stage for all subsequent releases. Clefairy, being one of the original 151 Pokémon and a ...
    The Base Set is historically significant as the very first English expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, released by Wizards of the Coast in 1999. It established the core mechanics and set the stage for all subsequent releases. Clefairy, being one of the original 151 Pokémon and a recognizable 'cute' creature, was a popular inclusion and its card reflects the early design principles of the game, emphasizing simple yet effective attacks like 'Sing' to affect status conditions and 'Metronome' for strategic versatility.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    1

    Clefairy was originally intended to be the mascot for the Pokémon franchise, not Pikachu, but Pikachu was ultimately chosen due to its broader appeal to both boys and girls.

    2

    The Base Set Clefairy card is one of the few cards from the early sets that has a visible print line running horizontally across its artwork, a common manufacturing imperfection on these early prints.

    MATERIAL & CONDITION

    Surface

    The card appears to have a standard matte finish typical of early Pokémon cards. The surface shows some visible wear, particularly scuffing around the edges and possibly some light scratching on the face, consistent with a raw card from this era.

    Weight & Feel

    Lightweight, consistent with a standard trading card made of layered paperboard. Its small size makes it easily handled.

    Condition

    The card shows moderate play wear. Edges appear to have some whitening, and corners may be soft. Surface appears to have some minor scratches or scuffs, especially noticeable in the holo area (if this were a holo rare, which it is not). Centering seems off, potentially heavier on the right side.

    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 and artwork clearly identify this as a Clefairy Base Set Unlimited card. The set number is partially visible, aligning with a known card from that set. Confidence is strong but slightly tempered by the inability to view the card's reverse side or assess minute condition details from the provided image.

    KEY EVIDENCE

    • 1Card title 'Clefairy' and "Basic" type.
    • 240 HP, LV.14, and attack descriptions ('Sing', 'Metronome') are consistent with Base Set Clefairy.
    • 3Illustrated by Ken Sugimori, as indicated on the card.
    • 4Lack of '1st Edition' stamp, typical of Unlimited print runs.
    • 5Set number '5/102' partially visible at the bottom right, confirming Base Set identification.

    UNCERTAINTIES

    • The overall image quality and lighting make it difficult to assess detailed surface condition, such as minor scratches or indentations.
    • Only one side of the card is visible, preventing an assessment of back centering and edge wear on the reverse.

    WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

    • Higher resolution images of the front, particularly close-ups of the corners and edges.
    • An image of the back of the card to assess wear, print quality, and centering.
    • Angled lighting to check for subtle surface imperfections or indentations.
    • Use of a transparent ruler or grading tool to measure centering precisely.

    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 Connoisseur91 items

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