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Since the inception of thePokemon TCG, the list of iconic cards released inthe most valuable setscontinues to grow, as the hobby experiences a resurgence that is returning us to 1999 levels of engagement and excitement. However, despite the Pokemon TCG’s incredible popularity, some cards still confuse newcomers, as the origin story ofthe valuable Base Setgrows more distant with each passing day.
However, once you understand the release order of each edition of the Base Set, telling the difference between each type of card will be easy. Given the different values that Unlimited, Shadowless, and First Edition cards carry, the terminology is incredibly important in differentiating what card you’re referring to but can be confusing if you’re not careful.
What Are The Three Types Of Base Set Cards?
There arethree types of cards that you may find in the Base Set,depending on when the cards in question were printed.
First Edition
The earliest printingof cards from the Base Set. It is denotedby an “Edition 1” stampin the bottom left corner of the card’s art.
Shadowless
Early cards from theUnlimited printing,which began after the First Edition and thus do not have a stamp. Thesecondprinting.
Unlimited
The later releasesfrom the Unlimited printing with shadowson the card, as illustrated by the Unlimited Blastoise above. Thethirdprinting.
Shadowlesscards are referred to as such because these cardsdon’t have a drop shadow on the bottom border of the Pokemon’s frame.
The most valuable Charizard cardschange dramatically in value depending on whether they’re just Shadowless, or First Edition copies.
Take a close look at thegold border of the framedirectly surrounding theFirst Edition Blastoise.
Notice that there is no shadow,just a clean gold border.
Now, look at the Unlimited Blastoise card, and scan the bottom of the gold border – you’re able to seea shadow in the space between Blastoise and where it says “Shellfish Pokemon”.
The card design was changed during the Unlimited printing, leading to this unusual set of names.
This border distinctionis what is referenced when a card is calledShadowless.
What Is The Difference Between Shadowless And First Edition?
Shadowless and First Edition cards are often confused, with the terms mistakenly used interchangeably.
Shadowless cardsare visually identical to first edition copies, except theydo not have an “Edition 1” stamp.
In short,all First Edition cards are Shadowless,but the inverse is not true.
Calling a card “First Edition” implies that it is also Shadowless,thus the phrase First Edition Shadowless is redundant.
It’s similar to referring to the Unlimited printing as “Unlimited, with shadows,” which is also repetitive since the latter is implied.
Cards can be Shadowless without being first-edition,given the timing of the change during the beginning of the Unlimited print run.
Remember thatthe quickest way to tell if a card is Shadowless(from the second printing of the Base Set) is to check the gold border, as the lack of a shadow will quickly indicate its status.
