2000 Pokemon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia #9 PSA 10 GEM MINT

Only trainers who braved the swirling whirlpools of the Whirl Islands and conquered its twisting maze of caves could stand face-to-face with the Guardian of the Seas. Lugia, the game mascot of Pokémon Silver, is said to reside deep within an oceanic trench, its power so great it voluntarily isolates itself to avoid bringing accidental destruction to the surface world. With a single flap of its wings, Lugia can create winds capable of tearing down houses, and a sustained beat could summon a storm lasting up to 40 days. Yet the Legendary Pokémon can also calm storms, reflecting its peaceful nature. As the master of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, Lugia is the only Pokémon that can calm the Legendary Bird trio during territorial disputes, with this duty being one of its few justifications for leaving its underwater lair. However, it is said that when storms begin at sea, Lugia appears not far behind. Not long after Lugia’s introduction in Pokémon: The Movie 2000 (1999) and Pokémon Gold & Silver, Wizards of the Coast ushered in Pokémon’s Neo era with the release of Neo Genesis. Featuring 60 new Pokémon from the Johto region, Neo Genesis offered the first cards of Gen II’s beloved starters and several series staples. However, with its stunning Cosmos Holofoil, devastating Elemental Blast attack, and reputation as the latest Legendary Pokémon, Lugia’s debut issue quickly became the set’s must-have card. Because children still comprised Pokémon’s primary audience at the set’s release, many Lugia cards suffered wear and tear as kids passed them around on playgrounds or battled in basements with their friends. But with its stunning color, clean surfaces, and whiting-free corners, this PSA 10 example represents one of the few Lugia holos to survive in high grade. So, make sure to have a Silver Wing handy. As with Lugia in the games, collectors may get only one chance to catch this legendary card.