

The first edition symbol used on Japanese cards is different from the English-language version. As opposed to the English issues, the first edition releases of Japanese sets are often far more common than their unlimited counterparts. The practice of printing first edition Japanese-language Pokémon cards continued until the release of the 20th Anniversary set in 2016. However, in 2001 when the Pokémon VS set was released, first edition symbols were added to the first print runs of Japanese-language cards.

In the 20 years that followed the Neo Destiny set, Pokémon has not issued English-language cards with first edition stamps. The only set during that three-year period that did not include cards carrying the first edition symbol was Base Set 2, which was composed of reprints from the Base Set and Jungle sets. During that time, 10 Pokémon sets were issued, ending with the Neo Destiny set. Pokémon continued to use the first edition symbol to identify first print runs for approximately the next three years. These cards also frequently appear lighter than the earlier print runs. This final print run changed the copyright date to “1999-2000” to ensure copyright protections. A later print run of Base Set cards, which included the same updates done to the unlimited cards, was released in 2000 in the UK.
SHADOW ERA TCG UPDATE
The most notable update was the addition of a drop shadow to the right side of the art box on the cards. Known today as “unlimited” cards, those issued as part of the third print run had design updates intended to make the cards easier to read. When the second print run sold out, a third print run appeared. Cards issued as a part of that print run are commonly known as “shadowless” cards because they do not include a drop shadow that was added to cards for future print runs. While the second print run included all of the same cards, the First Edition symbol was removed. Pokémon cards quickly became popular, prompting a second print run of the Base Set. The symbol is the number “1” on a solid black circle with the word “EDITION” in all capital letters arching around the top of the circle. On Trainer cards, it is in the bottom left corner. On Energy cards, it is in the top right corner. On cards featuring Pokémon, the symbol is found on the left side of the card midway between the card’s top and bottom. When the Pokémon trading card game was introduced in the US in 1999, the first print run of the first set, which is known as the Base Set, included a “First Edition” symbol on every card. Identifying first editions of Pokémon Base Set cards
