While nearly every iteration of Pikachu in card form is prized by collectors, the 1999 1st Edition Jungle Black Star Promo Pikachu remains one of the most unique cards in the TCG’s history. Casual Pokéfans might confuse this card with the standard “Ivy Pikachu,” which Wizards of the Coast released through the Pokémon League in 1999 as one of the first Black Star Promos. While both cards feature Keiji Kinebuchi’s iconic artwork, the Jungle print is considerably rarer. Scattered throughout 1st Edition Jungle packs, this Ivy Pikachu appeared sporadically and featured the Black Star Promo symbol, leading collectors to believe it had been included in error. However, after discovering a prototype Jungle booster pack and preliminary images of the English Jungle expansion years later, the Pokémon community revised its stance on the card. The prototype pack and preliminary images featured the text, “Capture the rare Pikachu card! Look on inside wrapper!” Therefore, Ivy Pikachu’s inclusion appeared to be intentional. As a result, collectors now believe the 1st Edition Jungle Black Star Promo Pikachu was WOTC’s first attempt at a Secret Rare Pokémon card. With a PSA 10 population of only nine, this is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of this coveted card on the market. Bidders will not want to miss their chance to add this unique piece of Pokémon TCG history to their collection.
