Staryu - 1999 Pokemon Base Set 1st Edition - 65/102
Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) / Nintendo · Collectibles > Trading Card Games > Pokemon
Era / Decade
Late 1990s (1999); Dated by the '1st Edition' stamp and the '©1995, 96, 98, 99 Wizards' copyright line.
Material
Cardstock paper with high-quality offset lithography printing.
Condition
Good to Very Good (LP-MP). The front show some edgewear/whitening on the yellow borders and a small imperfection on the top left corner. Surface looks mostly clean but back condition is unknown.
Demand Level
Strong; 1st edition vintage Pokemon cards maintain a steady 'buy-it-now' demand regardless of rarity (Common/Uncommon/Rare).
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$5.00 - $15.00 (Low-Mid-High based on raw condition; graded Mint/Gem Mint copies can exceed $100).
Estimated Retail Value
$0.05 (Original MSRP per card if bought in a 1999 booster pack).
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay 'Sold' listings for raw, 1st Edition Base Set Staryus in Light Play/Excellent condition range from $8.50 to $12.75 plus shipping.
Description
This is a 1st Edition Staryu (65/102) from the original 1999 Pokemon Base Set. It features artwork by Keiji Kinebuchi. The card is a Common rarity, signified by the black circle in the bottom right corner, and carries the highly desirable '1st Edition' black stamp on the left side, mid-card.
Key Features
1st Edition stamp is the primary value driver; Base Set nostalgia; original 1999 copyright date; highly liquid market for vintage Pokemon cards.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. Correct font kerning for 'Slap', accurate 1st Edition stamp placement, and legitimate color saturation in the blue 'Water' energy symbols. The copyright line contains '99' which is correct for 1st Edition.
Flaws to Note
Visible whitening on the top-left and top-right edges; potential micro-scratches on the surface; centering is slightly off toward the left.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay is best for maximum exposure; TCGPlayer is the industry standard for dedicated card collectors; Mercari for quick sales.
Selling Tips
Ship in a penny sleeve and a rigid top-loader to prevent bending. Use 'eBay Standard Envelope' for cheap tracked shipping. Include a clear photo of the back of the card, as condition on the reverse side is critical for collectors.