Shadowless Pokémon Card Guide

When it comes to the early Pokémon cards it can get confusing to identify what print run your card is. The Pokémon TCG originally had three print runs: 1st Edition, Shadowless, and Unlimited. Shadowless Pokémon cards can be identified from the lack of a shadow on the right side of the Pokémon artwork box.

The “HP” text is also slimmer on the Shadowless cards. Both the 1st Edition and Shadowless cards from the Base Set were Shadowless until the Unlimited printing came. These cards are valuable because the Shadowless feature means they were the first copy, and they hold a high nostalgic value to many.

Here are the top 10 Shadowless Pokémon card values.

1999 Pokémon Game Charizard-Holo Shadowless

For a card with over 5,700 PSA-graded cards, it’s crazy that this card is still worth over $100,000. This card is commonly confused with the 1st Edition Base Set Charizard because they both do not have the drop shadow. However, unlike the 1st Edition printing, this Shadowless card does not have the 1st Edition stamp. This card is easily the most valuable Shadowless due to Charizard’s popularity and nostalgia for this card.

PSA Population Report:

This Shadowless Holo Charizard has a graded PSA population of 5,775. The lowest grade given, with 10 cards, is an Auth. The most common grade, with 1,004 cards, is an EX-MT 6 condition. 56 of these Shadowless Charizard cards have been graded a perfect Mint 10 condition.

1999 Pokémon Game Chansey- Holo Shadowless

This card is the most expensive Chansey card that has been sold so far, with prices reaching upwards of $50,000. Pokémon anime fans will instantly recognize this Pokémon as Nurse Joy’s Pokémon that was always by her side. This card has a very low population for its Mint condition. Prices for this card do significantly vary depending on the demand at that time. Back when this card was first released it was a very popular card that was often played with, possibly leading to the low amount of Mint 10 conditions.

PSA Population Report:

This Shadowless Chansey card has a PSA population of 1,492 cards. The lowest grade given, with 1 card, is an Auth condition. The most common grade, with 359, is an NM-MT 8 grade. 15 of these Shadowless Chansey cards have received a perfect Gem Mint 10 condition.

1999 Pokémon Game Blastoise-Holo Shadowless

This Shadowless Blastoise card is very widely known and can have prices that soar at times. Blastoise is one of the evolved forms of the three original starter Pokémon and has a very intimidating appearance. This Pokémon has gained enormous popularity and is a must-have for Pokémon card collectors. While Blastoise is a very popular Pokémon, this card’s value has decreased some in the last 3 years. This Pokémon card used to be the second most valuable out of the Shadowless cards, but its price has gone down, making this card come in third.

PSA Population Report:

This Shadowless Blastoise card has a PSA population of 2,787 cards. The lowest grade given, with 3 cards, is an Auth grade. The most common grade, with 651 cards, is an NM-MT 8 condition. 41 of these Blastoise cards have received a perfect Mint 10 condition.

1999 Pokémon Game Machamp-Holo 1st Edition-Shadowless

This Shadowless Machamp card is considered to have one of the best artworks for this Pokémon. The Holo of this card makes it appear that Machamp’s four arms are simultaneously moving, showing how this Pokémon can punch extremely quickly. What is unique about this Shadowless card is that it also displays the 1st Edition symbol. The Mint 10 condition cards have an extremely low population, with only 5 cards. The price of this card has fallen some, but it will most likely go up given some more time.

PSA Population Report:

This Shadowless Machamp card has a PSA population of 1,844 cards. The lowest grade given, with 1 card, is an Auth grade. The most common grade, with 395 cards, is an EX 5 condition. 5 of these Machamp cards have been graded a Mint 10 condition.

1999 Pokémon Game Mewtwo-Holo Shadowless

When it comes to Mewtwo cards, they never disappoint. This card is a classic and is very nostalgic for Pokémon fans. The demand for this card went up when the first Pokémon movie came out, everyone wanted this card. This card is very similar to that of the 1996 Japanese #150 Mewtwo card. The Holo on this card shows swirls of Holo confetti and gives it a hypnotizing look for the background. This card has a higher PSA population but still is worth thousands at auction.

PSA Population Account:

This Shadowless Mewtwo card has a PSA population of 2,608 cards. The lowest grade given, with 1 card, is an Auth grade. The most common grade, with 568 cards, is an NM-MT 8 condition. 69 of these cards have a perfect Mint 10 population.

1999 Pokémon Game Raichu-Holo Shadowless

Pikachu’s second evolution, Raichu, may not be as popular but can still be worth some cash. Pikachu is seen as the mascot for the Pokémon franchise by many, so because Raichu is related to it, it automatically makes this card popular. Because the Pokémon anime often didn’t show trainers evolving their Pokémon, you hardly ever seen Raichu, unless it was in the card game. This card is very popular, not just because of its Shadowless features, but the artwork is amazing as well. The Holofoil background adds a shine to this card that greatly compliments Raichu’s picture.

PSA Population Account:

This Raichu Shadowless card has a PSA population of 1,458 cards. The lowest grade given, with 2 cards, is an Auth grade. The most common grade, with 372 cards, is an NM-MT 8 condition. 25 of these Raichu cards have a perfect Mint 10 condition.

1999 Pokémon Game Venusaur-Holo Shadowless

Venusaur is the cheapest of the trio starter Pokémon that appear in the Base Set, mainly because it’s the least popular of the three Pokémon. Just because it’s not as popular, doesn’t make this card worthless. Venusaur still has a very big fan base, it’s automatically worth more than a regular card due to it being Shadowless and a part of the starter trio evolutions. This card does have a higher PSA population, but it’s still going for thousands on auction sites.

PSA Population Account:

This Shadowless Venusaur card has a PSA population of 2,659 cards. The lowest grade, with 3 cards, is an Auth condition. The most common grade, with 599 cards, is a mint 9 grade. 92 of these Venusaur cards have a perfect Gem Mint 10 condition.

1999 Pokémon Game Gyarados-Holo Shadowless

This Shadowless Gyarados card should be at the top of any Gyarados fans’ list. This Water-type Pokémon may not be as popular as Squirtle, but it is still one of the most popular Water-type Pokémon from the Kanto region. This Pokémon’s popularity rose when Misty adopted this Pokémon after its rampage in the Cerulean Gym. Gyarados cards are also known for their amazing artwork, and this card certainly has great artwork. The PSA population for this card is quite high, but since it’s Shadowless, this card still goes for thousands.

PSA Population Account:

This Shadowless Gyarados has a PSA population of 2,516 cards. The lowest grade given, with 4 cards, is an Auth condition. The most common grade, with 560 cards, is a Mint 9 grade. 60 of these Gyarados cards have a perfect Mint 10 grade.

1999 Pokémon Game Ninetales-Holo Shadowless

This Fire-type Pokémon is an evolution of Vulpix when exposed to a Fire Stone. This Pokémon is most famous for being able to live for 1,000 years, from the energy within its nine tails. Each of the nine tales is said to hold a different mystical power. The artwork for this card makes Ninetales look very majestic. This card does have a higher PSA pop, which lowers the value of this card some, but it’s still worth a lot since it’s Shadowless.

PSA Population Account:

This Shadowless Ninetales card has a PSA population of 2,219 cards. The lowest grade given, with 7 cards, is an Auth condition. The most common grade, with 535 cards, is an NM-MT 8 condition. 46 of these cards have a Mint 10 grade.

1999 Pokémon Game Poliwrath-Holo Shadowless

Poliwrath is known for its strength and stamina and is a cool Fighting/Water-type Pokémon. Poliwrath is a great swimmer and can run on the water’s surface. This Pokémon has a lot of appearances in the anime as well as the manga. When the Base Set was first released, this Pokémon was widely sought out due to its cool artwork and strong attack. Though this card does have a higher population, this card still sells for over $2,000 at auction.

PSA Population Account:

This Shadowless Poliwrath card has a PSA population of 1,488 cards. The lowest grade given, with 2 cards, is an Auth condition. The most common grade, with 406 cards, is a Mint 9 grade. 46 of these cards are a perfect Mint 10 condition.

What is the difference between shadow and Shadowless Pokémon cards?

Shadowless cards do not have the shadow effect to the right of the Pokémon artwork box.

What are the most expensive Shadowless Pokémon cards?

Charizard, Chansey, and Blastoise.

Is 1st Edition Shadowless more valuable than regular Shadowless cards?

Typically, Shadowless is more valuable.

What is the rarest Shadowless Pokémon?

Shadowless Charizard.

Are Shadowless cards an error?

No, these are a style of cards that were available for a short run.

Why are Shadowless cards worth more?

They signify that they were the first original cards before Pokémon changed their look with the Unlimited run to include shadows.

Are all Shadowless cards 1st Edition?

No, not all Shadowless cards are 1st Edition.

Are all 1st Edition cards Shadowless?

Yes.