Ninetales · Expedition Base Set, what to know.
About the Ninetales card
Numbered 21 of 165 in Expedition Base Set, released in September 2002, Ninetales is a Rare Holo, a Stage 1 Fire-type carrying 80 HP.
It evolves from Vulpix, so Ninetales is a later-stage card that set-builders usually slot into a full evolution run rather than buy alone.
Illustrated by Atsuko Nishida. Nishida is the original designer of Pikachu and many Gen 1 Pokémon, and her card work has a soft, rounded warmth that suits the friendlier creatures.
About Ninetales in the Pokémon world
The fully evolved Vulpix. Nine tails, mystical Japanese kitsune influence in the design. Base Set holo Ninetales is one of the more aesthetically beloved holos in the set and a steady performer in graded prices.
What is Ninetales worth?
Ninetales is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Expedition Base Set's value. The print variant decides most of it: a 1st Edition copy in high grade commands a large premium over a Shadowless or Unlimited one. In top-grade 1st Edition, Expedition Base Set holos range from the mid hundreds for the lesser cards up to the set's marquee chase; raw and Unlimited copies trade for a fraction of that. The live market price above shows the current figure by grade.
Print variants and how to spot them
Confirm the print and finish on Ninetales before pricing it, since variant and rarity set the market more than the card name alone.
Grading and condition
Expect the holo window to set the grade on Ninetales. Print misregistration and fine scratches in the fire foil are the usual reasons a copy lands at a 9, and edge whitening against the frame is the next thing a grader notes.
If you are collecting Ninetales
For Ninetales, variant comes before condition. A 1st Edition and an Unlimited Ninetales are different markets for the same art, so settle the print before you negotiate. Demand a clear photo of the Ninetales holo for any raw purchase.
