The Charmander Card Was the Very First Pokémon Card Ever Released

If you were to ask most fans which Pokémon debuted first when the popular franchise exploded onto the scene in 1996, they’d probably guess Pikachu. But it was actually the classic fire-type Charmander who led the pack as the #001 card when the Pokémon Trading Card Game launched in Japan that year.

As an avid Pokémon card collector myself from the very beginning, I still remember the thrill of opening those first decks and booster packs as a kid. So let’s relive those early days of Pokémania and explore the origins of the trading card game, including facts on those highly coveted first edition cards now worth big money!

Launching “Pocket Monsters” Cards in Japan

The Pokémon empire was built on the success of the original Pokémon Red and Green video games that came out for the Game Boy in February 1996. The games were an instant hit, spawning the broader media franchise including an anime series.

To capitalize on the success, Japanese game maker Media Factory collaborated with Nintendo to release the Pokémon Trading Card Game later that year. The first Japanese sets were branded under the name “Pocket Monsters” and released in October and December 1996.

The First “Legend” Set – 102 Cards Starring Charmander

That premiere set was called “Legend” and included 102 total cards. The very first card, numbered #001, was Charmander. This iconic fire lizard Pokémon was one of the original starter Pokémon from the video games, making it a fitting choice to lead off the new TCG.

Holographic cards were extra rare treasures in those early sets. Out of those original 102 cards, only 16 were holographic. This included each of the starter Pokémon: Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Pikachu.

According to official production estimates, there were about 16 holographic Charizard cards printed for every 6,000 booster packs. This extremely limited supply makes any 1st edition Charizard valuable today. A mint condition, PSA 10-graded Charizard recently sold at auction for over $300,000!

Pokémania Goes Global with the 1999 North American “Base Set”

After taking Japan by storm, the Pokémon TCG made its way to North America in 1999. The cards were translated into English and renamed the “Base Set” but otherwise mirrored those original Japanese sets closely.

As a middle schooler at the time, I have fond memories of rushing to the store to grab up the latest packs featuring my favorite Pokémon. Building out that first deck with classic cards like Charizard, Blastoise, and Vensaur felt like catching Pokémon in real life.

The Top 25 Most Valuable Pokémon Cards of All Time

Decades later, those vintage cards I collected as a kid are now prized collector’s items, especially if kept in pristine condition. Here’s a look at the top 25 most expensive Pokemon cards ever sold at auction:

As you can see, those earliest cards from the 1999 and late 90s era dominate the highest sale prices. Nostalgia for the original 151 Pokémon coupled with limited supply puts vintage holographic cards from those first sets in extremely high demand.

Be Careful of Counterfeit Cards Flooding the Marketplace

With vintage Pokémon decks now worth small fortunes, the black market is flooded with high-quality counterfeits. As both a collector and online seller, I’ve handled thousands of cards over the years and learned how to watch for fakes:

• Inspect the Edges: Real cards have a thin black ink line printed between the layers. Fakes often lack this.

• Check the Text: Counterfeits may have spelling errors, wrong fonts, or blurry text when you look closely.

• See the Shine: On holographic cards, the sheen should appear across the entire image, not just certain parts.

• Watch the Colors: The vivid colors on a fake can appear washed out compared to a real card’s coloring.

• Weigh Packs: Genuine unopened booster packs weigh roughly the same. Fake packs often feel lighter in your hand.

Trading card grading services like PSA and Beckett provide professional authentication and quality ratings if you’re investing big money in rare vintage cards. Graded 10 mint cards command the highest market values.

Tips for Beginner Collectors Just Getting Started

As Pokémon cards continue surging in popularity, here’s my advice for new collectors looking to tap into the addicting hobby:

• Learn, Learn, Learn: Study up on sets, history, card conditions, and market values. Knowledge is key!

• Find a Focus: Pick a niche like certain Pokémon, sets, or card types to zero in on. Master one area first before expanding.

• Search Local Listings: You can unearth great deals buying from collectors in your area on Craigslist, at garage sales, etc.

• Go to Auctions: Carefully bid on rare cards at reputable live and online auctions, which often have bargains.

• Cherish Your Cards: Gently handle cards and consider getting valuable ones professionally graded and encased for protection.

Thanks for joining me on this nostalgic trip down Pokémon memory lane! As a lifelong fan, I’ll never tire of collecting these classic cards full of childhood memories. Let me know if you have any other tips or questions in the comments!