Voltorb · Base Set 2, what to know.
About the Voltorb card
Numbered 98 of 130 in Base Set 2, released in February 2000, Voltorb is a Common, a Basic Lightning-type carrying 40 HP.
As a Basic Pokémon, Voltorb needs no prior evolution to put into play, which made it a practical card in the era's decks.
Illustrated by Keiji Kinebuchi. Kinebuchi contributed a smaller body of Wizards-era cards but is responsible for several memorable holos, with a warm, heavily textured style.
Printed on the card, the Voltorb Pokédex entry reads: "Usually found in power plants. Easily mistaken for a Poké Ball, it has zapped many people."
About Voltorb in the Pokémon world
A Poké Ball-shaped electric Pokémon. Famous for being mistaken for items in the games. Base Set Common. Cheap and sentimental.
What is Voltorb worth?
Voltorb 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 Voltorb, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.
Grading and condition
Voltorb 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 Voltorb
Raw copies of Voltorb are inexpensive enough that grading rarely pays unless you have a clearly pack-fresh example. For set completion, a clean sleeved Voltorb is the practical move.
