Pikachu No.025 – 1996 Japanese Base Set No Rarity
An iconic early Japanese Pokémon card featuring Pikachu LV.12, illustrated by legendary Pokémon artist Mitsuhiro Arita.
This card comes from the earliest Japanese Pokémon Card Game Base Set, originally released in Japan on October 20, 1996.
Most notably, this example is the highly collectible No Rarity Symbol version. Unlike later printings, there is no rarity symbol in the lower-right corner, a defining characteristic associated with the earliest Japanese Base Set printing.
One of the Earliest Pikachu Pokémon Cards
For collectors, this card brings together several important pieces of early Pokémon history: the original Japanese Base Set, the famous No Rarity variation, Pikachu, and one of Mitsuhiro Arita’s earliest and most recognizable Pokémon illustrations.
Arita’s artwork captures the famously rounder, fuller-bodied appearance of early Pikachu — often affectionately referred to by collectors as “Chubby Pikachu.”
This early interpretation is dramatically different from Pikachu’s later, slimmer design and has become one of the most recognizable visual signatures of Pokémon’s earliest era.
1996 No Rarity Symbol Version
The Japanese Base Set was the first expansion released for the Pokémon Card Game.
Early examples from the initial production are distinguished by the absence of the rarity symbol found on subsequent printings. These cards are widely known internationally among collectors as “No Rarity” or “No Rarity Symbol” cards.
On this Pikachu, the lower-right area shows only:
No.025
with no rarity symbol beside it.
Combined with Pikachu’s worldwide popularity and the card’s connection to the beginning of the Pokémon TCG, the No Rarity version has become one of the most recognizable early Japanese Pikachu collectibles.
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Condition
Condition: MP (Moderately Played)
The condition has been evaluated conservatively based on eBay’s official trading card condition guidelines.
The card still presents well overall, with no major or heavily distracting surface wear on the front. Light general surface wear is present, but much of it is subtle under normal viewing conditions.
The back shows more noticeable signs of handling and wear than the front, including light surface wear, several visible linear scratches when viewed at an angle, and edge/corner wear with whitening.
There is also a bend/crease line across part of the card, which can be difficult to see in straight-on photos but becomes more apparent under angled lighting. Please refer carefully to the dedicated “Points to Check” image, where this area is shown in detail from both sides.
Because of the combination of surface wear, edge/corner wear, and the bend/crease, the card has been conservatively classified as MP rather than EX-range, despite its still-attractive overall appearance.
A well-presenting 1996 No Rarity Pikachu with its condition points clearly disclosed — a strong display-oriented example for collectors who value overall eye appeal.
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Exact Card Policy
THE EXACT CARD YOU SEE IS THE CARD YOU’LL RECEIVE.
This listing may be restocked if another copy becomes available.
Whenever restocked, we update the photos, condition, condition description, and relevant listing details to accurately represent the exact card currently offered.
Please review all current photos carefully before purchasing.
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