Pokémon Kakuna Shadowless Unlimited Base Set 33/102
Wizards of the Coast (WotC) · Collectibles > Trading Card Games > Pokémon
Era / Decade
Late 1990s (1999). Specifically, this is a 'Shadowless' print run, which occurred between the 1st Edition and the standard Unlimited print.
Material
Cardstock with standard semi-gloss finish. Standard TCG dimensions (2.5 x 3.5 inches).
Condition
Good to Very Good (LP/MP). The card shows noticeable edge wear and corner whitening on the front yellow border. There is a visible crease/indentation on the left border midway down. Surface scratches may be present.
Demand Level
Moderate. While Kakuna is a 'Common' card, the Shadowless printing is a specific niche sought by set-completers and vintage collectors.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$2.00 - $8.00 USD (Low: $1-2 for heavy wear; Mid: $4-6 in current seen state; High: $10+ for near-mint).
Estimated Retail Value
$0.05 - $0.10 (Original 1999 booster pack price equivalent)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay 'Sold' listings for Shadowless Kakuna (non-1st edition) range from $3.50 for Moderately Played to $12.00 for Near Mint. This specific copy's condition likely places it at the $4-5 mark.
Description
A rare 'Shadowless' version of the Kakuna card from the original 1999 Pokémon Base Set. Unlike common unlimited prints, this card lacks the drop shadow behind the illustration frame and features thinner HP text, marking it as an early production run. Card number 33/102, illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi.
Key Features
Shadowless variant (highly collectible compared to standard unlimited), Base Set nostalgia, 'Stiffen' and 'Poisonpowder' moves, original 1999 copyright date including '99' at the end of the string.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. Correct font thickness for Shadowless HP (80 HP), correct copyright year string (95, 96, 98, 99), and standard rosette printing pattern. No signs of reproduction 'bleeding' found in fakes.
Flaws to Note
Visible edge whitening and corner fraying. Crease/dent on the middle-left edge. These physical defects significantly disqualify it from professional grading (PSA/BGS) for high-profit returns.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for reaching global collectors), TCGPlayer (standard for card sales), or Mercari. Local sale via Facebook Marketplace is possible but harder for individual low-value cards.
Selling Tips
Highlight 'SHADOWLESS' in the title. Use clear, high-resolution photos of both front and back against a dark background to show edge wear. Ship in a soft sleeve and a rigid 'top loader' to prevent further creasing during transit.