Pichu · Expedition Base Set, what to know.
About the Pichu card
Pichu is card 22 of 165 in Expedition Base Set, released in September 2002, a Rare Holo. It is a Basic Lightning-type with 30 HP.
As a Basic Pokémon, Pichu needs no prior evolution to put into play, which made it a practical card in the era's decks.
Illustrated by Atsuko Nishida. Nishida is the original designer of Pikachu and many Gen 1 Pokémon, and her card work has a soft, rounded warmth that suits the friendlier creatures.
About Pichu in the Pokémon world
A baby Pokémon that pre-evolves into Pikachu. Generation 2 introduced baby Pokémon as a mechanic. Neo Discovery Pichu is the first TCG appearance. Sentimental demand from Pikachu collectors who want the line origin.
What is Pichu worth?
Pichu is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Expedition Base Set'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, Expedition Base Set 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
Confirm the print and finish on Pichu before pricing it, since variant and rarity set the market more than the card name alone.
Grading and condition
On a holo like Pichu, surface is the grade cap. The lightning foil shows hairlines under raking light, and the print reveals scratches that flat scans miss. Centering on the left and right borders is the second thing to check.
If you are collecting Pichu
Buying Pichu well means pricing the exact print and grade, not the card name. The 1st Edition Pichu trades above the Unlimited copy, so confirm the stamp before you agree a number. Always see the holo surface in good light first.
