Wobbuffet

Numbered 16 of 75 in Neo Discovery, released in June 2001, Wobbuffet is a Rare Holo, a Basic Psychic-type carrying 90 HP.

As a Basic Pokémon, Wobbuffet needs no prior evolution to put into play, which made it a practical card in the era's decks.

Illustrated by Hironobu Yoshida.

Printed on the card, the Wobbuffet Pokédex entry reads: "To keep its pitch-black tail hidden, it lives quietly in the darkness. It is never first to attack."

A blue Psychic-type punching bag Pokémon. Famous as Team Rocket's Jessie's signature in the anime. Sentimental anime collector demand.

Wobbuffet is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Neo Discovery'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, Neo Discovery 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.

Neo Discovery produced 1st Edition, Unlimited prints. For Wobbuffet, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.

Expect the holo window to set the grade on Wobbuffet. Print misregistration and fine scratches in the psychic foil are the usual reasons a copy lands at a 9, and edge whitening against the frame is the next thing a grader notes.

For Wobbuffet, variant comes before condition. A 1st Edition and an Unlimited Wobbuffet are different markets for the same art, so settle the print before you negotiate. Demand a clear photo of the Wobbuffet holo for any raw purchase.