Capture the Charm of Squirtle Stellar Crown Illustration Rare

The Squirtle #148/142 from the Scarlet & Violet: Stellar Crown expansion is a masterpiece of modern Pokémon TCG artistry. This Illustration Rare highlights the beloved Kanto starter in a serene, sun-drenched "slice-of-life" moment, making it one of the most coveted additions for any serious trading card collector.

Key Features:

• Game: Pokémon Trading Card Game
• Set: Stellar Crown
• Card Number: 148/142
• Rarity: Holo Illustration Rare
• Artist: Saboteri
• Type: Water
• HP: 60
• Foil Treatment: Full Art textured foil
• Authenticity: Genuine Pokémon Trading Card
• Centering: 10.0/10 (53/47 L/R, 47/53 T/B)

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What's Included

• 1x Squirtle #148/142 - Stellar Crown - Illustration rare - Pokémon Trading Card - TCG Single - Near Mint
  This card is professionally sleeved and housed in a crystal-clear, rigid toploader for maximum protection during transit.

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Condition

This specimen is graded as Near Mint and has undergone a rigorous multi-point inspection to ensure quality. The front is pristine, free from print lines, scratches, or factory defects. The surface retains a high-gloss finish with no visible wear on the textured foil. The back is exceptionally clean, featuring only the most minimal, faint whitening on the top-right corner, which is common for modern English print runs. The centering is essentially perfect, providing excellent eye appeal for collectors.

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Why Collectors & Players Love It

Squirtle has been a cultural icon for nearly three decades, and this card represents a peak in the character's TCG history. Moving away from traditional high-action battle poses, Saboteri’s artwork captures a peaceful domestic setting where Squirtle enjoys a small backyard pool alongside a group of Pidgey. This "lifestyle" art style is a massive draw for enthusiasts of Generation 1 Pokémon. In gameplay, Squirtle remains a reliable Basic Pokémon with the "Withdraw" move, allowing players to potentially negate incoming damage during the early game, providing utility before evolving into the powerhouse Blastoise.

Collectibility:

• Secret Rare Status: As an Illustration Rare numbered 148/142, this card sits outside the main set numbering, marking it as a highly sought-after Secret Rare.
• Market Trend: Illustration Rares featuring original 151 Pokémon, particularly the original Kanto starters, are currently seeing significant demand from both modern collectors and long-time fans 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 ensure your card arrives in the condition described, it is shipped in a protective penny sleeve inside a rigid toploader, then further reinforced with bubble cushioning. Orders are processed and dispatched within 1-2 business days via tracked shipping services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this item authentic?

Yes, this is a genuine, verified authentic print of the Squirtle #148/142 card released by The Pokémon Company International.

What condition is it in?

This card is in Near Mint condition, having been inspected for surface quality, centering, and corner integrity.

Does it come with a protective case?

Yes, this card arrives secured in a high-quality penny sleeve inside a rigid toploader to ensure it remains protected from environmental elements and handling wear.

Is this card a Secret Rare?

Yes, because the card number (148) exceeds the base set count of the Stellar Crown expansion (142), it is classified as a Secret Rare Illustration Rare.

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Keywords: Squirtle, Stellar Crown, 148/142, Illustration Rare, Pokemon TCG, Near Mint, Pokemon Single, Saboteri, Kanto Starter, Secret Rare, Full Art, Trading Card, Collectible, NicestFinds, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet