Raichu

Market outlook

Stable Outlook 5/10

Consistent pricing for Unlimited fourth print due to high supply; minor fluctuations from nostalgia but no major drivers like grading pops or pop culture events.

Next months. Stable $15-30 ungraded, graded high-end steady absent market shifts.

Long term. Stable to slight decline as supply persists; focus on early prints for growth.

History

Raichu is the evolved form of Pikachu, a famous Electric-type Pokémon from the Pokémon franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori. Debuting in the original 151 Pokémon as #026, Raichu evolves from Pikachu via Thunder Stone and is known for its powerful electric attacks and increased size and power compared to its pre-evolution, playing a significant role in the anime, games, and trading card game as a staple Lightning-type card.

First released in the Pokémon Base Set in January 1999 in the United States by Wizards of the Coast as part of the English TCG launch.

• Raichu #14/102 is a Stage 1 Lightning Pokémon with 80 HP, attacks including Agility (20 damage, coin flip for evasion) and Thunder (60 damage, self-damage on tails flip).[5]
• The 1999-2000 Fourth Print refers to the Unlimited edition's fourth printing run, marked by specific copyright dates and lacking shadowless features of earlier prints.[2]
• Base Set Raichu is iconic for its holofoil artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita, depicting Raichu unleashing electricity.

Rarity and print run

Tier

Rare

Print run

Very High

First printed in

Base Set (Unlimited Edition)

Demand

Medium

Supply

Abundant

• Fourth print Unlimited edition had massive print runs post-initial hype, reducing rarity compared to Shadowless or 1st Edition.
• Holofoil printing defects common, flooding low-grade market.
• No special stamps or errors in standard variants.

Collector notes

Condition. Check for centering on holo pattern (common off-center in Unlimited prints), edge wear from chipping, surface scratches on foil, and print lines or dots typical in fourth print runs; avoid cards with whitening on edges or bite marks.

Storage. Store in penny sleeves and semi-rigid top loaders, keep in cool, dry environment away from sunlight to prevent foil oxidation; use group storage boxes for ungraded cards and climate-controlled safes for high-value graded slabs.

Authenticity. Verify Wizards of the Coast copyright '1995, 96, 98, 99' on fourth print; check for thick black lines around artwork (absent in fakes), accurate holo grid pattern, and weight/thickness matching originals; use blacklight for ink fluorescence and consult graded/graded population reports.