Pidgeot · Base Set 2, what to know.
About the Pidgeot card
Numbered 14 of 130 in Base Set 2, released in February 2000, Pidgeot is a Rare Holo, a Stage 2 Colorless-type carrying 80 HP.
It evolves from Pidgeotto, so Pidgeot is a later-stage card that set-builders usually slot into a full evolution run rather than buy alone.
Illustrated by Kagemaru Himeno. Himeno is one of the most-recognized vintage illustrators, with a softer, more textured style that shows up across the Jungle and Neo runs.
Pidgeot carries this Pokédex flavor text: "When hunting, it skims the surface of water at high speed to pick off unwary prey such as Magikarp."
About Pidgeot in the Pokémon world
The fully evolved Pidgey line. A large bird of prey with a colorful crest. The Pokémon Ash famously released in the anime. Jungle holo Pidgeot is one of the more underrated holos of the Wizards era. PSA 10 prices have moved meaningfully in the last two years.
What is Pidgeot worth?
Pidgeot is a holo rare, one of the cards that holds Base Set 2'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, Base Set 2 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
Base Set 2 produced Unlimited prints. For Pidgeot, the print variant can change the price several times over, so identify it before you buy.
Grading and condition
Grading Pidgeot comes down to the holo surface and the borders. The era's foil scratches easily, so even a pack-fresh Pidgeot can drop from a 10 to a 9 on a single hairline. Inspect the window at an angle and the corners against the frame.
If you are collecting Pidgeot
When you go to buy Pidgeot, settle three things in order: the print variant, the condition, and a comp for that exact combination. A blended average across variants will mislead you on Pidgeot, so price the specific copy in front of you.
