1996 Pokemon Japanese Alpha Playtest Mounted On Card Mewtwo #150 CGC 10 GEM MINT

Created just months after 1995 Prototype issues, before the 1996 Media Factory Japanese Base Set became the first Pokémon TCG set ever manufactured, Playtests are the second iteration of Pokémon cards. That status as a building block of the now-beloved game has made any example coveted by Pokémon collectors and historians looking to add early TCG artifacts to their collections. While their place in the Pokémon card chronology was only recently confirmed, enthusiasts and historians have known about the existence of these cards for a while. CGC Cards graded and authenticated their first Playtest cards in May 2023. They used a variety of tools, including high-tech infrared and X-ray imaging techniques to determine the inks and dyes used to make the cards to comparing them to photographs and even interviewing somebody close to the cards’ creation. Playtest cards were the first cards to include the evolution box in the top left corner of the card and give illustrator credit on the bottom of the card. They were also the first Pokémon cards ever printed in color. However, there’s a key bit of color missing. Playtest cards have white borders. These were later shaded yellow for the ‘96 Media Factory Japanese Base Set. Doing away with the pixelated sprite depictions used on the Prototypes, Playtest cards mainly showcase artwork by legendary Pokémon illustrator Ken Sugimori. While that artwork would be replaced by the now-iconic work of Mitsuhiro Arita, it’s unsurprising that TCG titan Sugimori was heavily involved in the cards’ creation. Playtest cards were made on paper and then affixed to firmer cardstock. As such, graded and authenticated versions of these cards will often include the word “Mounted” on the label. This is one of only two Alpha Playtest Mewtwo examples graded by CGC Cards, and the only one to earn a CGC 10 grade. It doesn’t take a psychic type to know plenty of Pokémon collectors will be targeting this beauty with bids during the September Premier Auction. The certification number on this card has been checked against the third-party grader's online database and is active as of 09/04/2024.