Pokémon TCG Raticate Shadowless Base Set 40/102
Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) / Nintendo · Collectibles > Trading Card Games
Era / Decade
1999 (Year of release). This is a 'Shadowless' printing, which was the second print run of the US Base Set, occurring between the 1st Edition and the Unlimited printings.
Material
Cardstock with matte finish. Authentic WOTC-era cards feature a specific 'sandwich' construction with a thin black layer of ink in the center to prevent light transparency.
Condition
Good to Very Good (Lightly Played). Visible silvering/whitening on the front edges and light surface scratches. Centering appears slightly heavy on the bottom and right borders.
Demand Level
Moderate. While Raticate is a 'common' card, 'Shadowless' variations have a dedicated niche following among vintage Set Collectors.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$2.00 - $8.00 (Low: Heavily Played, High: Near Mint/Unlabeled)
Estimated Retail Value
$0.05 (Original 1999 MSRP per card in booster packs)
Comparable Sales
Recent non-graded Shadowless Raticate cards in similar condition have sold for $3.50 to $6.00 plus shipping on eBay and TCGPlayer.
Description
This is a vintage 1999 Pokémon Trading Card Game Raticate (40/102) from the original Base Set. This specific card is the highly sought-after 'Shadowless' variant, identifiable by the lack of a drop shadow behind the character illustration box and the '1995, 96, 98, 99' copyright date at the bottom.
Key Features
Shadowless variant; Base Set vintage; Ken Sugimori illustration; highly collectible 'error-adjacent' print run that predates the common Unlimited set.
Authenticity Indicators
Correct font (Gill Sans); thinner 'Shadowless' font style on HP and attacks; correct copyright string including '99'; high-quality print rosette pattern. Confidence Level: High.
Flaws to Note
Visible edge wear (silvering) on the left and right yellow borders; minor surface scuffs; corner softening; not a 1st Edition (missing the stamp).
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for TCG), TCGPlayer (highest volume), or Mercari. Local vintage toy shops or card shops may offer 30-50% of the value in credit.
Selling Tips
Highlight 'SHADOWLESS' in the title. Use a penny sleeve and a top loader for shipping. Use 'eBay Standard Envelope' for cheap tracked shipping under $20. Clear photos of the back are essential for card buyers.