Squirtle #148/142 - Stellar Crown Expansion

Squirtle #148/142 from the Stellar Crown expansion is a breathtaking example of modern Pokémon TCG artistry. It captures the beloved Kanto starter in a charming, "slice-of-life" scene that has made Illustration Rares the most sought-after cards of the Scarlet & Violet era.

Key Features:

• Set: Stellar Crown
• Card Number: 148/142
• Rarity: Illustration rare
• Type: Water
• HP: 60
• Illustrator: Saboteri
• Year: 2024

Stunning Artwork & Design

This Illustration Rare card features a gorgeous full-bleed artwork that extends to the very edges of the card, replacing the traditional border with an immersive, painted environment.

• Finished with a sophisticated, fine-grained textured foil across the entire surface.
• Creates a shimmering effect that enhances the vibrant colors of the backyard pool scene when tilted under light.

What's Included:

• 1x Squirtle #148/142 - Stellar Crown - Illustration rare - Pokémon Trading Card - TCG Single - Near Mint
  • Shipped in a protective penny sleeve inside a rigid toploader.
  • Arrives in the condition described.

Condition:

This specimen is graded as Near Mint. A multi-point inspection ensures this card meets the high standards of serious collectors.

• Front: Pristine, showing no signs of print lines, scratches, or factory defects.
• Back: Exceptionally clean, with only very minimal whitening noted on the top-right corner, common for modern English print runs.
• Surface: Excellent, with high-gloss retention and no visible scratching on the textured foil.
• Centering: 10.0/10 (highly symmetrical alignment with a left/right ratio of 53/47 and a top/bottom ratio of 47/53).

This card is a verified authentic print from the Pokémon Company International. It arrives professionally sleeved and housed in a crystal-clear rigid toploader, ensuring protection against environmental wear and handling.

Why Collectors & Players Love This Card

Squirtle has remained a cultural icon for nearly three decades, and this specific card represents a peak in the character's TCG history.

• Artwork by Saboteri: Moves away from high-action battle poses to a serene, domestic setting.
  • Depicts Squirtle enjoying a small plastic pool on a sun-drenched balcony, accompanied by several Pidgey.
  • This "lifestyle" art style has become a major driver for the modern "waifu" and "starter" collector markets, making it a centerpiece for any Gen 1 enthusiast.

Gameplay Highlights:

• Withdraw: For a single Water energy, flip a coin. If heads, prevent all damage done to Squirtle during your opponent's next turn, making it a surprisingly durable Basic Pokémon for stalling in the early game.
• Skull Bash: A classic move that deals a reliable 20 damage for two Water energy, providing a simple offensive option before evolving into Wartortle or Blastoise.

Investment & Collectibility

As an Illustration Rare numbered beyond the base set (148/142), this Squirtle is classified as a Secret Rare.

• Illustration Rares featuring original 151 Pokémon—especially starters—have shown strong price resilience and long-term growth potential.
• Appeals to competitive players, "Master Set" collectors, and those who appreciate the high-art direction of the Stellar Crown expansion.
• Unique Perspective: The storytelling in Saboteri’s illustration makes this one of the most Instagrammable and display-worthy cards in recent memory.

About NicestFinds

NicestFinds is your trusted source for retro gaming, Pokémon 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.

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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