Produced by Wizards of the Coast back in 1999, there aren’t many sealed Pokémon First Edition Base Set products left on the market. The majority have either been opened, lost, or ruined over the past two decades.
Factory sealed 1999 Pokémon products always cause a stir when they come up for sale. Whether it’s packs, graded options, or even boxes, it’s tempting to think that there could be a Charizard holo contained inside.
We’ll take you through everything you need to know about sealed 1999 Pokémon products, including key stats, and the best options to look for.
1999 Factory Sealed Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set Booster Blister Packs: Key Stats
Here are key stats and relevant info relating to sealed 1999 Pokémon products:
- Many packs are now weighed on scales before being sold, aiming to judge whether or not there’s a holo inside
- You can now buy graded sealed packs, from reputable companies including the likes of PSA
- 11-card booster packs include random selections from the Pokémon TCG’s first-edition English-language run of 102 cards
- The box set from 1999 sees 36 pristine boxed booster packs (396 cards) in unopened, shrinkwrap-sealed condition
- Cards in sealed pristine packs are expected to be in Gem Mint condition, although there’s no guarantee
- Packs use artwork featuring Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur
The Best 1999 Factory Sealed Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set Booster Blister Packs
What can you expect to find on the market if you’re looking for sealed 1999 Pokémon products in 2022 or beyond?
3. 1999 Factory Sealed Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set Booster Blister Packs (Sealed) (eBay)
You’ll be taking a chance if you plan to open it, but there’s a massive market for sealed 1999 1st Edition Pokémon products, such as the pack seen in the image above. As a rule of thumb, the thicker the pack, the more likely it is to contain a rare holo. (It’s one of the reasons why many sellers will weigh packs beforehand, to give you a better idea of what is contained within.)
In terms of the 1999 base set, anything that weighs over 21 grams should be seen as a ‘Heavy’ pack, and is likely to contain a holo within.
As the pull rates of a holo are 1:3, heavy packs are one of the safest ways to guarantee a hit. You’ll also be able to spot 1st Edition packs easily, as they have a stamp on the front. (In the image above, it’s found next to the ‘Trading Card Game’ logo.)
2. 1999 Factory Sealed Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set Booster Blister Packs (Graded) (eBay)
There’s no better grading company than PSA if you’re looking for slabbed 1999 Pokémon products. Grading services will give packs a numerical rating based on the overall condition, which gives an insight into the quality of the cards contained within. (For example, a PSA 10 graded pack is more likely to contain PSA 10 worthy Pokémon cards.)
Slabbed packs are a great option if you know that you’ll be tempted to rip sealed products, while it’ll ensure that the contents remain safe and secure.
1. 1999 Factory Sealed Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set Booster Box (eBay)
The rare sight of a Pokémon 1st Edition Base Set Booster Box that’s sealed in its original shrinkwrap is the pinnacle of Pokémon box collecting. In November 2020, a sealed box sold for $360,000 via Heritage Auctions. (Boxes are especially tempting as the cards haven’t been handled, so they are more likely to be in Gem Mint condition.)
1st Edition boxes do not have the Wizards of the Coast logo printed on the cellophane wrapping.
Check prices of 1999 Factory Sealed Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set Booster Box on eBay
How to Spot Fake Base Pokemon Set Booster Boxes and Packs
Everything from the colors, to the wrapping can give some indication that a box isn’t legitimate. Take time to get to know the typeset from 1999 packs and boxes, and don’t make the mistake of buying from a seller with no feedback.
If in doubt, trust your gut instincts, and don’t be afraid to miss out on a sealed box or pack if you’re feeling pressured. One of the benefits of buying sealed graded packs is that you won’t have to worry about the legitimacy.
1999 Factory Sealed Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set: Checklist
Here’s a checklist with every card that can be found in 1999 factory sealed Pokémon 1st Edition Base sets:
- Alakazam
- Blastoise
- Chansey
- Charizard
- Clefairy
- Gyrados
- Hitmonchan
- Machamp
- Magneton
- Mewtwo
- Nidoking
- Ninetails
- Poliwrath
- Raichu
- Venusaur
- Zapdos
- Beedrill
- Dragonair
- Dugtrio
- Electabuzz
- Electrode
- Pidgeotto
- Arcanine
- Charmeleon
- Dewgong
- Dratini
- Farfetch’d
- Growlithe
- Haunter
- Ivysaur
- Jynx
- Kadabara
- Kakuna
- Machoke
- Magikarp
- Magmar
- Nidorino
- Poliwhirl
- Porygon
- Raticate
- Seel
- Wartortle
- Abra
- Bulbasaur
- Caterpie
- Charmander
- Diglett
- Doduo
- Drowzee
- Gastly
- Koffing
- Machop
- Magnemite
- Metapod
- Nidoran Male
- Onix
- Pidgey
- Pikachu
- Poliwag
- Ponyta
- Rattata
- Sandshrew
- Squirtle
- Starmie
- Staryu
- Tangela
- Voltorb
- Vulpix
- Weedle
- Clefairy Doll
- Computer Search
- Devolution Spray
- Impostor Professor Oak
- Item Finder
- Lass
- Pokemon Breeder
- Pokemon Trader
- Scoop Up
- Super Energy Removal
- Defender
- Energy Retrieval
- Full Heal
- Maintenance
- PlusPower
- Pokemon Center
- Pokemon Flute
- Pokedex
- Professor Oak
- Revive
- Super Potion
- Bill
- Energy Removal
- Gust of Wind
- Potion
- Switch
- Double Colorless Energy
- Fighting Energy
- Fire Energy
- Grass Energy
- Electric Energy
- Psychic Energy
- Water Energy
1999 Factory Sealed Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set Booster Blister Packs: Buyers Guide
We’ve put together a brief buyer’s guide if you’re interested in picking up either 1999 sealed Pokémon packs or boxes.
Ungraded blister packs are going to be cheaper, especially if you steer clear of 1st Edition versions. (Unlimited packs are the most affordable 1999 options by a wide margin.)
1999 Factory Sealed Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set Booster Boxes
A sealed box will cost more than a house in many cities, but it has to be seen as one of the best long term investment options within the hobby. After all, you can keep it sealed for another decade, or grade the packs contained within. You’ll have 36 pristine boxed booster packs, which can be weighed to see whether there’s a holo inside.
Check prices of 1999 Factory Sealed Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set Booster Box on eBay
Final Thoughts
You can’t go wrong with sealed 1999 Factory Sealed Pokémon products, whether it’s graded packs or boxes. Of course, you’re going to have to pay a premium price to add anything to your personal collection. (In fact, they’re some of the most valuable collectibles within the hobby or any TCG.)
There’s a large market for vintage Pokémon packs and boxes, especially if they’re in mint condition. You can stick with graded options to avoid headaches, or look for packs that weigh over 21 grams if you’re searching for that elusive holo Charizard.