1998 Pikachu LV.13 – Lightning Pikachu / Quick Starter Gift
This is the Japanese Pikachu LV.13 (No.025) included in the Quick Starter Gift, released in Japan in 1998.
Featuring classic artwork by Ken Sugimori, this distinctive Pikachu is officially identified by PSA as “Lightning Pikachu” in its 1998 Japanese Red/Green Gift Set classification.
The dramatic artwork depicts Pikachu surrounded by powerful flashes of electricity and is one of the distinctive early Japanese Pikachu designs.
Quick Starter Gift Version
This artwork was originally released as part of a special three-card Expansion Sheet sold at the 7th Next Generation World Hobby Fair, together with Mewtwo and Mew.
The original World Hobby Fair version was produced with a glossy finish and a ★ rarity symbol.
The artwork was later reprinted in the 1998 Quick Starter Gift — the version offered in this listing.
The Quick Starter Gift version can be distinguished by its:
These characteristics are important because the two versions share the same Pikachu artwork but differ in their finish and identifying symbol.
PSA identifies this specific Quick Starter Gift variant as “Lightning Pikachu.”
Card Details
Condition: EX- (Excellent Minus)
This card retains a very clean overall appearance with strong color and a remarkably fresh-looking surface for its age.
Both the front and back show very little general rubbing or handling wear, and the edges and corners remain comparatively clean.
However, there are several light surface lines/scratches on both sides. These imperfections are subtle when the card is viewed straight on and become considerably easier to see under angled lighting.
For full transparency, we have included a dedicated “Points to Check” image photographed specifically to make these otherwise difficult-to-see imperfections visible.
No major creases, bends, or heavy overall wear are visible.
Taking these light surface marks into account, the card has been conservatively evaluated as EX- (Excellent Minus).
The condition has been evaluated based on eBay’s official trading card condition guidelines.
Please carefully review all photos, especially the “Points to Check” image, as the card shown is the exact card you will receive.
Packaging
Your card will be carefully protected for international shipping.
Packaging includes:
We take extra care to protect collectible cards from bending, moisture, and impact during international transit.
Please Note
This is a vintage Japanese Pokémon card released in 1998.
Minor surface marks may appear differently depending on lighting and viewing angle, which is why detailed close-up photographs have been provided.
Please review all photos carefully before purchasing.
You will receive the exact card shown in the photos.
A particularly clean-looking example of the 1998 Quick Starter Gift “Lightning Pikachu,” distinguished by its non-glossy finish and symbol-free design.
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