Nidoqueen · Base Set 2, what to know.
About the Nidoqueen card
Numbered 12 of 130 in Base Set 2, released in February 2000, Nidoqueen is a Rare Holo, a Stage 2 Grass-type carrying 90 HP.
It evolves from Nidorina, so Nidoqueen is a later-stage card that set-builders usually slot into a full evolution run rather than buy alone.
Illustrated by Ken Sugimori. Sugimori is the lead character designer of Pokémon itself, so his card art carries the tight, on-model look that defined how the creatures appear in the games.
Printed on the card, the Nidoqueen Pokédex entry reads: "Its hard scales provide strong protection. It uses its hefty bulk to execute powerful moves."
About Nidoqueen in the Pokémon world
The Ground-Poison final form of the Nidoran♀ line. One of the rare "queen" Pokémon. Jungle holo Nidoqueen is a quiet collector favorite. Centered PSA 10 examples are harder to find than expected for the print run.
What is Nidoqueen worth?
Nidoqueen is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Base Set 2's value. The print variant decides most of it: a 1st Edition copy in high grade commands a large premium over a Shadowless or Unlimited one. In top-grade 1st Edition, Base Set 2 holos range from the mid hundreds for the lesser cards up to the set's marquee chase; raw and Unlimited copies trade for a fraction of that. The live market price above shows the current figure by grade.
Print variants and how to spot them
Base Set 2 produced Unlimited prints. For Nidoqueen, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.
Grading and condition
For graded buyers, the holo window on Nidoqueen is where most points are won or lost. Surface scratches and foil misregistration are common on Wizards-era cards, and centering was inconsistent enough that clean PSA 10s stay scarce. Read the grass foil at a 45-degree angle under strong light before committing.
If you are collecting Nidoqueen
For Nidoqueen, variant comes before condition. A 1st Edition and an Unlimited Nidoqueen are different markets for the same art, so settle the print before you negotiate. Demand a clear photo of the Nidoqueen holo for any raw purchase.
