Cyndaquil

Numbered 61 of 113 in Neo Destiny, released in February 2002, Cyndaquil is a Common, a Basic Fire-type carrying 40 HP.

As a Basic Pokémon, Cyndaquil needs no prior evolution to put into play, which made it a practical card in the era's decks.

Illustrated by Yukiko Baba.

Printed on the card, the Cyndaquil Pokédex entry reads: "It is very meek and constantly crouches in a defensive posture. When threatened, it protects itself with the flame on its back."

The Fire starter of Generation 2. A small echidna with flame vents on its back. Cult favorite among Johto-era collectors.

Cyndaquil is a Common, so raw copies trade for very little and most of the print run survives. The only real value is in pristine, high-grade copies, where even a Common can reach low triple digits in 1st Edition PSA 10. See the live price above for the current figure by grade.

Neo Destiny produced 1st Edition, Unlimited, Shining prints. For Cyndaquil, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.

Cyndaquil is the most forgiving tier to grade in the set. Centering on the framed border is the usual cap, and the soft Wizards-era cardstock picks up edge whitening easily, but high print runs keep clean copies affordable.

Raw copies of Cyndaquil are inexpensive enough that grading rarely pays unless you have a clearly pack-fresh example. For set completion, a clean sleeved Cyndaquil is the practical move.