The Origin of the Trading Cards Hobby and the Search for Heavy Packs
Base Set 1st Edition Pokémon Packs – The Origin of the TCG and the Heavy Pack Chase
The 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition is where it all began. Printed by Wizards of the Coast, these were the first official English Pokémon cards ever released, and they started a multi-billion-dollar franchise. Today, these packs are among the rarest and most expensive sealed Pokémon products in existence. And if you know how to identify a “heavy pack,” your odds of pulling a holographic rare card dramatically increase.
This article covers everything you need to know about Base Set 1st Edition packs, including the history of the set, the chase cards, how to weigh packs, what counts as heavy vs. light, and where collectors buy and sell them.
What Is the Base Set 1st Edition?
The Base Set 1st Edition was the first print run of Pokémon cards released in English. Each card features a black “1st Edition” stamp on the left side of the artwork. These cards were released before the Shadowless and Unlimited print runs, making them the most valuable among early sets.
- Year Released: 1999
- Printed By: Wizards of the Coast
- Total Cards: 102
- Pack Contents: 11 cards (including 1 rare)
There are four pack artworks in the Base Set:
- Charizard
- Blastoise
- Venusaur
- Raichu
Top Holographic Chase Cards
These 16 holographic rares are what drive the value in this set:
- Charizard #4/102
- Blastoise #2/102
- Venusaur #15/102
- Chansey #3/102
- Alakazam #1/102
- Hitmonchan #7/102
- Gyarados #6/102
- Magneton #9/102
- Clefairy #5/102
- Machamp (stamped separately in starter decks)
- Mewtwo #10/102
- Nidoking #11/102
- Ninetales #12/102
- Poliwrath #13/102
- Zapdos #16/102
A PSA 10 Charizard alone can sell for over $300,000, with others like Blastoise and Chansey reaching high five figures.
Weighing Packs: Heavy vs. Light
Pokémon packs contain 11 cards: 1 rare, 3 uncommons, and 7 commons. If the rare card is a holographic foil, the pack will weigh slightly more than if the rare is a non-holo.
Collectors use precision scales to weigh sealed booster packs to estimate whether the pack is heavy or light.
Approximate weight ranges:
- Heavy pack: 21.1g to 21.4g (higher chance of holo)
- Light pack: 20.5g to 20.8g (likely no holo)
Factors that can affect pack weight:
- Humidity
- Packaging glue
- Printing batch
- Scale calibration
Even small weight differences can impact results. A 0.3g variance can mean the difference between a Charizard and a Dugtrio.
Pull Rates from Sealed Booster Boxes
A 1st Edition Base Set booster box contains 36 packs. Historically:
- 12 packs will contain holographic rares
- 24 packs will contain non-holo rares
That means about 1 in 3 packs is a “heavy.” That’s why heavy packs command much higher prices — because there’s a statistically increased chance of pulling a high-value card.
Tips for Buying Base Set 1st Edition Packs
- Buy from trusted sources with a proven track record
- Look for packs graded by PSA or CGC for authenticity
- If buying loose packs, request weight verification
- Ask about provenance: was the pack pulled from a sealed box?
Should You Open a Heavy Pack?
It depends. Sealed heavy packs are investment-grade collectibles, especially if authenticated and slabbed. But if you’re chasing the thrill of pulling a Charizard live, opening one may be worth the risk. Just know that condition and centering can still impact card grade even if a holo is inside.
The Legacy Lives On
The 1st Edition Base Set is more than cardboard — it’s history. Whether you’re collecting sealed product, hunting for heavy packs, or just admiring the roots of the Pokémon franchise, this set will always be the gold standard of the TCG. If you’re ever lucky enough to hold one, treat it like the treasure it is.
If you’re looking to add one to your collection, stay tuned to PokemonTCGCardPacks.com for authenticated listings, educational guides, and sealed inventory drops.