Blastoise (Pokémon)
Not applicable (Pokémon TCG) · Not applicable (Pokémon TCG)
EX FireRed & LeafGreen (Pokémon TCG) #104/112
Year & Era
2004 — EX Era
Card Type
Pokémon-ex Ultra Rare
Grade
6-7 (EX-NM) estimated
Rarity
High / Ultra Rare (Ultra Rare rarity in the EX era was difficult to pull).
Overall Assessment
An iconic piece of mid-2000s Pokémon history. Despite being a TCG card and not a football card, it represents a high-value collectible with significant growth potential.
Condition Grade
6-7 (EX-NM) estimated
Centering Assessment
Front: Slightly bottom-heavy (approx. 40/60). Back: Not visible.
Surface Condition
Visible light scratching on the holo foil and minor silvering on the front bottom edge.
Corner Condition
Corners appear relatively sharp from the front but show slight whitening on the bottom right corner.
Edge Condition
Minor silvering and wear consistent with age, particularly on the bottom edge.
Print Quality
High-resolution artwork by Hikaru Koike with distinct sparkle/holo-foil border.
Estimated Value
$150 - $250 (Raw/Mid-grade) to $1,000+ (PSA 9/10)
Comparison to Known Examples
Centering is average for this set; surface wear appears typical for a light-play card.
Authentication Tips
Verify border foil sparkle effect; check typeface for accuracy particularly in HP and Energy symbols; assess silver border for proper texture.
Grading Recommendation
PSA or CGC. Strongly recommended due to the high value of EX-era holos in high grades.
Red Flags
None visible, but assess the back for peeling or heavy whitening which is common in this set.
Provenance Notes
Distributed in EX FireRed & LeafGreen Booster Packs (2004).
Historical Context
Key card from the 2004 reboot of the original Pokémon games; iconic art representation.
Market Trends
High demand for Kanto starters (Blastoise/Charizard/Venusaur) in the vintage TCG market remains strong.
Investment Potential
High. EX-era ultra rares are becoming increasingly scarce in good condition.
Similar Cards
Charizard ex (FireRed & LeafGreen 105/112), Venusaur ex (FireRed & LeafGreen 112/112).
Display & Preservation
Magnetic One-Touch case or UV-protected slab once graded. Keeping it in the current top-loader with a sleeve is acceptable.
Interesting Facts
This specific art is highly praised for its aggressive stance; it was a dominant card in the 2004-2005 competitive TCG meta.