Goldeen · Base Set 2, what to know.
About the Goldeen card
Numbered 76 of 130 in Base Set 2, released in February 2000, Goldeen is a Common, a Basic Water-type carrying 40 HP.
As a Basic Pokémon, Goldeen needs no prior evolution to put into play, which made it a practical card in the era's decks.
Illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno. Himeno is one of the most-recognized vintage illustrators, with a softer, more textured style that shows up across the Jungle and Neo runs.
Goldeen carries this Pokédex flavor text: "Its tail fin billows like an elegant ballroom dress, giving it the nickname "Water Queen.""
About Goldeen in the Pokémon world
A water-type goldfish Pokémon. Misty's signature Pokémon in the anime. Jungle Common with sentimental demand.
What is Goldeen worth?
Goldeen is a Common, so raw copies trade for very little and most of the print run survives. The only real value is in pristine, high-grade copies, where even a Common can reach low triple digits in 1st Edition PSA 10. See the live price above for the current figure by grade.
Print variants and how to spot them
Base Set 2 produced Unlimited prints. For Goldeen, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.
Grading and condition
Goldeen is the most forgiving tier to grade in the set. Centering on the framed border is the usual cap, and the soft Wizards-era cardstock picks up edge whitening easily, but high print runs keep clean copies affordable.
If you are collecting Goldeen
Raw copies of Goldeen are inexpensive enough that grading rarely pays unless you have a clearly pack-fresh example. For set completion, a clean sleeved Goldeen is the practical move.
