PSA 9 Graded 2006 Pokémon "Tropical Tidal Wave" Promo Card (Italian)

Name: PSA 9 Graded 2006 Pokémon "Tropical Tidal Wave" Promo Card (Italian)
Brand: The Collector
Availability: LimitedAvailability

A PSA 9 MINT graded 2006 Italian Pokémon promo card, Tropical Tidal Wave, showing Pikachu riding a Lapras.

Rare (7/10)

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QUICK FACTS

DESCRIPTION

A 2006 Pokémon "Tropical Tidal Wave" trainer card, graded MINT 9 by PSA. This card is the Italian language version, "Cavallone Tropicale," and was distributed as a promotional item at the 2006 Pokémon World Championships. The artwork by Sumiyoshi Kizuki features Pikachu, Lapras, and Psyduck. The card is encapsulated in a protective PSA slab, which certifies its authenticity and near-perfect condition.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese Pop Culture1990s-Present

Represents the global phenomenon of Pokémon, which transitioned from a video game into a massive multimedia franchise with a competitive international tournament scene.

Olympic MemorabiliaModern Era

Similar to Olympic participant medals, this card serves as a memento for competing at a premier international event, valued for its exclusivity and connection to the competition rather than commercial availability.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•The card is a key artifact in the high-end collecting ritual of 'slab collecting,' where cards are sought in professionally graded, encapsulated form for preservation and value verification.
•Represents the culmination of the competitive Pokémon TCG ritual, where players build decks and compete in tournaments from local to international levels, with this card being a reward at the pinnacle.

Meaning Through Time

2006

A commemorative souvenir for participants of the Pokémon World Championship, symbolizing achievement and participation in a global community event.

2020s

A certified, high-value alternative investment asset and a 'grail' collectible, traded on global marketplaces for significant sums and viewed as a piece of gaming history.

HISTORICAL STORY

This card is part of a highly coveted series of promotional "trophy" cards given to participants and staff at the annual Pokémon World Championships. The "Tropical Tidal Wave" was the specific card for the 2006 event held in Anaheim, California. These cards were not available in commercial packs, ...

DID YOU KNOW?

The 'Tropical' series of promo cards, given out at World Championships, feature unique artwork each year, often with Pikachu on vacation in a new tropical setting.

This card was never intended for public sale; its rarity comes from being an exclusive giveaway to a limited number of competitors and staff at the 2006 global tournament.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

The card has a smooth, glossy finish, typical of Pokémon cards from this era. It is sealed within a hard, transparent plastic slab.

Weight & Feel

Very lightweight on its own; the PSA slab adds some heft, making it feel solid and substantial in hand.

Condition

The card is officially graded as MINT 9 by PSA, indicating it has only minor imperfections, such as a tiny speck of wear or a minor printing flaw, only visible upon close inspection.