Pokemon Cards What Does Shadowless Mean
You've probably heard it or seen the word 'shadowless' when it comes to Pokemon cards and wondered what does that mean?
Shadowless Pokemon cards refer to only one specific set in the Pokemon Card Trading Card Game. The shadowless Pokemon Base set.
The Original Pokemon Base Set
This is one of the most sought after sets by trading card collectors, because it was the first ever English version set to be released in 1999. It also includes the highly valued Base Set Charizard.
This set had three different variants:
- 1st Edition Shadowless
- Shadowless
- Unlimited
The 1st Edition is the most sought after followed by the shadowless and then the unlimited version.
What does shadowless mean in Pokemon cards?
The term "shadowless" refers to a specific type of Pokemon trading cards that were released during the early days of the Pokemon trading card game. These cards were produced without a shadow around the edge of the artwork, which was a design feature that was present on later versions of the cards.
Shadowless cards were produced from the first to the seventh printing of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. During this time period, the Pokemon company was still experimenting with the design and production of the cards, and the shadowless cards were considered a transition phase between the early versions of the cards and the later, more polished versions.
Shadowless cards are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and the historical significance they hold within the Pokemon trading card game. These cards are often considered to be more valuable than later versions of the same cards, and they are highly sought after by both casual collectors and serious collectors alike.
There are a few factors that contribute to the value of shadowless Pokemon cards. Firstly, the rarity of these cards is a significant factor. Because these cards were only produced for a limited time period, they are now much harder to find than later versions of the same cards. Additionally, the demand for shadowless cards has continued to grow over the years, which has further increased their value.
Another factor that contributes to the value of shadowless Pokemon cards is their historical significance. As one of the earliest versions of the Pokemon trading cards, these cards are considered to be a valuable piece of the Pokemon franchise's history. Additionally, many of the early Pokemon characters and creatures were only released as shadowless cards, making these cards especially important to collectors who are interested in completing their collection of all the different Pokemon characters and creatures.
Finally, the condition of shadowless Pokemon cards also plays a role in determining their value. Cards that are in good condition, with no bends, creases, or other damage, are typically worth more than cards that have been damaged. Additionally, cards that have been kept in protective sleeves or other types of storage containers are generally worth more than cards that have been exposed to wear and tear.
In conclusion, shadowless Pokemon cards are considered to be a valuable and highly sought after type of trading card for a variety of reasons. Their rarity, historical significance, and condition all play a role in determining the value of these cards, making them a valuable addition to any Pokemon trading card collection. Whether you are a casual collector or a serious collector, shadowless Pokemon cards are definitely worth considering for your collection.
On the left we have a shadowless Charizard and on the right we have an unlimited version of the same Charizard. You can tell the main differences by looking at the right and the bottom of the image. The one on the left doesn't have a shadow hence the name 'shadowless'.
The price are much different as well. That shadowless Charizard is listed at $5,000 and the one on the right is listed at $700.
What is a 1st Edition Shadowless Pokemon Card?
This one is the holy grail of Pokemon cards. A 1st Edition Shadowless Base set Charizard in good condition can fetch around $50,000.
So start searching through your old Pokemon card collection and keep a look out for this specific card. You never know, you could be sitting on a gold mine.