💧 A stunning example of one of the most iconic Water-type Pokémon from the legendary Wizards of the Coast era, Blastoise 4/165 Holo from the 2002 Pokémon Expedition Base Set, professionally graded CGC 8 Near Mint/Mint.
Featuring Kimiya Masago’s powerful Blastoise artwork, a beautiful holographic finish, and the distinctive design of the groundbreaking e-Card series, this remarkable collectible captures an important chapter in Pokémon Trading Card Game history.
Combining one of the original Kanto starter evolutions with the innovative design of Pokémon’s first English e-Card expansion, this Blastoise represents a fantastic addition to any serious vintage Pokémon collection.
💧 An Iconic Pokémon from the Expedition Base Set
Released in 2002, Expedition Base Set marked a significant evolution in the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
As the first English expansion to introduce the e-Card format, Expedition brought a completely redesigned card layout, new gameplay mechanics, and compatibility with Nintendo’s e-Reader technology.
The expansion also revisited many of Pokémon’s most beloved original-generation creatures, presenting them through striking new illustrations and distinctive holographic designs.
Among its most memorable cards stands Blastoise, the final evolution of Squirtle and one of the original three Kanto starter Pokémon.
Numbered 4/165, this holographic Blastoise features the powerful Shellfish Pokémon emerging through crashing water, with its formidable water cannons prominently displayed against a dramatic, shimmering background.
Illustrated by Kimiya Masago, the artwork captures Blastoise’s imposing presence and tremendous strength, creating one of the most memorable interpretations of this classic Pokémon.
🌊 The Distinctive Expedition Holographic Design
What makes this Blastoise particularly appealing is its classic Expedition Holo Rare presentation.
Unlike earlier Wizards of the Coast releases, Expedition introduced a striking card design featuring curved borders, distinctive typography, expanded artwork, and the characteristic e-Card identification strips.
This holographic example showcases several defining features:
- Original Expedition Holographic Finish: A beautiful reflective background enhances Blastoise’s dramatic artwork.
- Classic e-Card Design: The distinctive yellow border, curved illustration frame, and printed identification strips represent Pokémon’s innovative early-2000s design.
- Kimiya Masago Artwork: A powerful depiction of Blastoise surrounded by surging water and atmospheric detail.
- Original Kanto Starter Evolution: Blastoise remains one of Pokémon’s most recognisable creatures, alongside Charizard and Venusaur.
- Wizards of the Coast Heritage: Produced during the final years of the original English Pokémon TCG publishing era.
The combination of nostalgic artwork, innovative design, and traditional holographic presentation makes Expedition Blastoise a memorable example of the e-Card generation.
🏆 Professionally Graded – CGC 8 Near Mint/Mint
This beautiful Blastoise has been independently authenticated and graded by Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), receiving a desirable CGC 8 Near Mint/Mint designation.
A CGC 8 represents a well-preserved collectible with attractive overall presentation, allowing for minor signs of wear consistent with its assigned grade.
Professional grading provides collectors with:
- Independent authentication and condition assessment.
- Protection within a secure, tamper-evident holder.
- A recognised numerical grade for enhanced buying confidence.
- Convenient long-term preservation and display.
- Clear identification of the original Expedition holographic variant.
CGC Certification Number: 6091678008
The card photographed is the exact example you will receive, allowing you to assess its artwork, holographic presentation, and overall appearance before purchasing.
📈 Historical Significance & Collector Appeal
Expedition Base Set occupies an important position within the history of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Released during the transition into Nintendo’s e-Reader era, the expansion introduced a bold new visual identity while maintaining the familiar Pokémon and collectible appeal of earlier Wizards of the Coast sets.
Its holographic cards remain particularly memorable for their distinctive artwork, striking card layouts, and connection to the earliest generation of e-Card releases.
Blastoise further enhances this appeal through its status as one of Pokémon’s original starter evolutions.
Alongside Charizard and Venusaur, Blastoise helped define the early Pokémon experience and remains an enduring favourite among collectors.
For enthusiasts building complete holographic Expedition collections, acquiring graded examples of the original Kanto starter evolutions represents an especially rewarding collecting objective.
While future market values cannot be guaranteed, the combination of nostalgic significance, classic artwork, and professionally verified condition makes this Blastoise an attractive vintage collectible.
🌍 A Standout Addition to Any Wizards of the Coast Collection
Whether completing an Expedition holographic set, collecting the original Kanto starter evolutions, or building a display of graded Wizards of the Coast Pokémon cards, this CGC 8 Near Mint/Mint Blastoise is an excellent choice.
Its striking holographic artwork, distinctive e-Card design, and recognised professional grade make it an impressive display piece.
For collectors who appreciate the transition from the traditional Wizards of the Coast era into the innovative e-Card generation, this Blastoise offers a tangible connection to one of Pokémon’s most interesting historical periods.
✨ Key Features
- Pokémon: Blastoise
- Card Number: 4/165
- Expansion: Expedition Base Set
- Release Year: 2002
- Language: English
- Rarity: Holo Rare
- Variant: Holo
- Card Type: Water
- Illustrator: Kimiya Masago
- Era: Wizards of the Coast / e-Card
- Grading Company: CGC
- Grade: 8 Near Mint/Mint
- Certification Number: 6091678008
- Authenticity: Professionally authenticated and encapsulated
- Condition: As professionally graded and photographed
💎 Own a Piece of Pokémon History
The Expedition Base Set remains one of the most distinctive expansions of the Wizards of the Coast era, celebrated for its beautiful illustrations, innovative e-Card format, and memorable holographic Pokémon.
This CGC 8 Near Mint/Mint Blastoise 4/165 Holo combines iconic Kanto nostalgia, striking artwork, and professionally verified condition, making it a fantastic addition to any vintage Pokémon collection.
At Holotrove, we specialise in exceptional vintage Pokémon cards, helping collectors acquire authentic pieces of Pokémon history with confidence.
📦 Shipping & Insurance Notice
Your purchase will be carefully packaged to protect the graded holder during transit.
Fully insured UK postage is included, covering the complete value of the card. International shipping is available worldwide, with an additional £10 insurance charge applicable.
The exact graded card pictured is the card you will receive.
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