Own a Piece of Gaming History: Poliwhirl Base Set

Step back into the origins of the phenomenon with the iconic Poliwhirl #38/102 from the original 1999 Pokémon Base Set. As a foundational Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon, this card captures the nostalgic aesthetic of Ken Sugimori’s early artwork and the legendary Wizards of the Coast era.

Key Features:

• Card Game: Pokémon TCG
• Set: Base Set
• Card Number: 38/102
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Type: Water
• HP: 60
• Artist: Ken Sugimori
• Foil Treatment: Normal (Non-Holo)
• Language: English
• Strategic Moves: Amnesia and Doubleslap

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What's Included

• 1x Poliwhirl #38/102 - Base Set - Uncommon - Pokémon Trading Card - TCG Single - Near Mint
  This individual trading card arrives securely protected in a high-clarity penny sleeve and a rigid toploader to ensure its safety during transit.

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Condition

This Poliwhirl card is in Near Mint condition, having been meticulously inspected to meet high standards for collectors. The card surface is pristine with no visible scratches, and the edges and corners show no signs of whitening. With a centering grade of 9.0/10 (L/R 48/52, T/B 45/55), this specimen exhibits exceptional alignment consistent with a high-grade, original 1999 print.

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Why Collectors & Players Love It

Poliwhirl remains a standout character from the first generation, famously favored by Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri. For veteran players, this card brings back memories of the schoolyard meta, where the "Amnesia" move provided a brilliant tactical edge by locking opponents out of their primary attacks. Its inclusion in the Base Set marks the start of the global Pokémon explosion, making it a must-have for anyone curating a "Golden Age" collection.

Collectibility:

• Iconic Design: Features the classic yellow border and original watercolor-style art that defined the early TCG aesthetic.
• Market Appreciation: Base Set cards continue to show consistent value growth, particularly for high-grade specimens that capture the infancy of the franchise.

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About NicestFinds

NicestFinds is your trusted source for retro gaming, trading cards and pop culture collectibles. Every item is hand-inspected, securely packaged and shipped with care. We're passionate collectors ourselves — shop with confidence.

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Shipping & Packaging

To preserve its Near Mint condition, your card is placed in a protective penny sleeve and sealed inside a rigid toploader to prevent bending or impact damage. We dispatch all orders within 1-2 business days via tracked shipping to ensure your collectibles arrive safely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this item authentic?

Yes, this Poliwhirl #38/102 is a genuine, authentic trading card from the original 1999 Base Set printing.

What condition is it in?

The card is in Near Mint condition, featuring crisp corners, clean edges, and excellent centering (9.0/10).

Is this a holographic card?

No, this is the standard non-foil (Normal) variant of the Uncommon Poliwhirl from the Base Set.

How is the card protected during shipping?

We place the card inside a high-clarity penny sleeve, followed by a rigid toploader, and pack it securely to ensure no damage occurs during transit.

Is this suitable for a professional grading service?

Given its high-grade centering and lack of surface wear, many collectors consider this specific Near Mint specimen to be a strong candidate for professional grading.

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