Pokémon Blastoise Holo 4/165 — Expedition Base Set (2002)

Released in 2002 as part of Wizards of the Coast’s Expedition Base Set—the first chapter of the landmark e-Card era—this Blastoise Holo stands among the most celebrated depictions of the original Kanto starter trio. The e-Card layout, with its distinctive side scan bar and classic yellow borders, frames a deep, intricate holographic finish that remains a reference point for early-2000s Pokémon foil craftsmanship.

Encapsulated and authenticated by Beckett Grading Services as BGS 9 MINT, the card pairs vintage desirability with condition discipline that collectors increasingly prioritize in today’s market. With subgrades of Centering 9.5, Corners 9, Edges 9, and Surface 9, it presents as a strong museum-grade example of a 20+ year WOTC holo—an era where print sensitivity makes high-end slabs meaningfully scarcer than raw supply suggests. For collectors building a blue-chip starter portfolio, a dedicated WOTC slabbed set, or a focused e-Card trilogy run (Expedition, Aquapolis, Skyridge), this is a historically important, culturally iconic acquisition with enduring demand anchored in character stature, set significance, and verified third-party grading.