Machop #52/102 — Base Set Common Card Details

This original 1999 Base Set Machop stands as a foundational piece of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, representing the raw power of Fighting-type Pokémon from the Kanto region.

Key Features:

• Set: Base Set
• Card Number: 52/102
• Rarity: Common
• Type: Fighting
• HP: 50
• Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
• Year: 1999

As a standard Common rarity card from the inaugural English expansion, this Machop features the classic non-foil matte finish that defined the early era of the TCG. The card displays the iconic yellow border and the distinct 1990s color palette that retro collectors immediately recognize.

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What's Included

• 1x Machop #52/102 - Base Set - Common - Pokémon Trading Card - TCG Single - Near Mint
  This individual trading card is shipped in a protective penny sleeve inside a rigid toploader. It arrives in the condition described.

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Condition

This card is graded at Near Mint condition, representing a high-quality specimen for both binder collections and competitive play. This specific card has been verified as a genuine authentic print through a multi-point physical inspection, ensuring its legitimacy for your collection.

• Surface: The surface is exceptionally clean, maintaining its original luster with no significant scratching or clouding.
• Edges: There is extremely minor white specking visible on the back edges, which is typical for vintage cards of this era, but otherwise, the card remains sharp and crisp.
• Centering: This copy features excellent centering, graded at 9.0/10 (Left/Right: 53/47, Top/Bottom: 55/45), making it a superior candidate for collectors who value visual balance.

To preserve this high-grade state, the card arrives professionally sleeved in a clear acid-free penny sleeve and is housed inside a rigid toploader to prevent bending or impact damage during transit.

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Why Collectors & Players Love This Card

The Machop from the Base Set is a pure hit of 1990s nostalgia, taking fans back to the very beginning of the Pokémon craze. As one of the original 102 cards, it represents the early gameplay mechanics where Fighting-type decks relied on efficient, low-energy attackers to pressure opponents early in the match.

Gameplay Highlights:

• Low Kick: For a single Fighting Energy, this attack deals a consistent 20 damage. In the early meta, this was a highly efficient "energy-to-damage" ratio for a Basic Pokémon, allowing Machop to knock out low-HP targets like Rattata or Abra with ease.
• Evolution Potential: As the first stage in one of the most powerful evolution lines in the game, Machop served as the essential building block for reaching the heavy-hitting Machoke and the legendary Machamp.

Investment & Collectibility:

While Common in rarity, Base Set singles in Near Mint condition are becoming increasingly difficult to source as the supply of unplayed vintage cards continues to dwindle. This card is a must-have for anyone attempting to complete a "Master Set" of the original 1999 release.

• Legendary Artwork: This card features artwork by the legendary Mitsuhiro Arita, the same artist responsible for the iconic Base Set Charizard. Arita’s depiction of Machop hoisting a massive boulder captures the essence of the "Superpower Pokémon" perfectly.

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About NicestFinds

NicestFinds is your trusted source for retro gaming, Pokemon TCG singles, and pop culture collectibles. Every card in our store is hand-inspected, professionally sleeved, and packaged with care to arrive in the condition described. We're passionate collectors ourselves - so we treat every order the way we'd want our own packages treated. Shop with confidence backed by our 5-star seller reputation.

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Shipping & Packaging

Cards are shipped in a protective penny sleeve inside a rigid toploader, secured in a padded bubble mailer. Orders are dispatched within 1-2 business days. Tracked shipping options are available at checkout.

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