1996 Pokemon Machamp Japanese Base Set Rare Holo #68 PSA 10 GEM MINT
1996 Pokemon Machamp Japanese Base Set Rare Holo #68 PSA 10 GEM MINT
Price: $3,239.00
Machamp from the Japanese Base Set, holo rare, locked in a PSA 10 slab. This one’s got that classic beefy pose, arms flexed like it’s about to crush a mountain, with those four fists ready for action. Ken Sugimori nailed the intensity here—Machamp looks unstoppable, veins popping, eyes locked on whatever’s dumb enough to challenge it.
On the card text, it’s a Fighting-type Stage 2 evolution from Machoke, clocking in at 100 HP. No Ability, but the Attacks hit solid: Strikes Back for some counter damage if it takes a hit, and Seismic Toss dealing 60 straight up, no fuss. Simple mechanics from the early days, when the game was all about raw power without the fancy extras.
This printing dropped in 1996 as part of the original Japanese Base Set, the very first Pokémon TCG release that kicked off the whole phenomenon. What makes this one stand out? It’s the OG Japanese version, predating the English sets by a couple years, with that crisp holo pattern that’s subtler than the unlimited English runs. Back then, these were packed in those iconic booster boxes, and Machamp was a staple for building fighting decks—evolved from the Machop line, it was a tank in battles against psychics or normals. Collectors dig it for being in that inaugural wave, before the global hype exploded.
Slab-wise, this PSA 10 is pristine—centering usually spot-on around 9.5 or better on subs, edges sharp as a fresh pack rip, no whitening or dings. Eye appeal is high with that glossy holo shine popping under lights, making the artwork pop without any print lines or haze. From what I recall on pop reports, the PSA 10 count for this Japanese holo sits around 200 or so, not flooded like some English counterparts, but still findable for dedicated hunters.
I’d stash this in a display case next to my evo lines, just to admire how it captures that ’90s muscle vibe.
Quick Facts:
– Card Title: Machamp
– Set: Japanese Base Set
– Rarity: Holo Rare
– Condition: PSA 10
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