Base Set 2 was released in February 2000 as a compilation set: Wizards of the Coast pulled the most popular cards from Base Set and Jungle and reprinted them together as a single 130-card expansion. It was intended to keep in-demand cards like Charizard available while streamlining the early card pool.
Because it is a reprint, Base Set 2 was never printed in a 1st Edition run, and it carries a distinct set symbol so it can be told apart from the original Base Set. For collectors it is generally the more affordable way to own classic artwork, though high-grade holos still carry real value.
This guide explains how to identify Base Set 2, why it is often confused with Base Set, which cards matter, and how to value them.
How to identify a Base Set 2 card
The single most important tell: Base Set 2 has a set symbol (a stylized "2" inside a circle) in the lower-right of the artwork, whereas the original Base Set has no set symbol at all. If you see that symbol, it is Base Set 2 — not the more valuable 1999 Base Set.
- Look for the circular "2" set symbol in the bottom-right of the artwork.
- Card numbers read "x/130".
- There is no 1st Edition stamp on any Base Set 2 card — it was never printed.
- Copyright line reads 1999-2000 Wizards of the Coast.
Base Set 2 chase cards
Base Set 2 reprints the marquee holos from Base Set and Jungle. The chase cards below are the ones collectors most want in high grade.
Charizard
4/130
The reprint of the most famous card in the hobby; the definitive chase card.
Blastoise
2/130
Classic Water starter holo.
Venusaur
18/130
Grass starter holo.
Mewtwo
10/130
Iconic Psychic holo.
Scyther
17/130
Carried over from Jungle.
Chansey
3/130
Base Set holo reprint.
Gyarados
7/130
Fan-favorite Water holo.
Ninetales
13/130
Popular Fire holo reprint.
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Base Set 2 print variants
Base Set 2 is unusual for a WotC-era set because it has only one printing.
Unlimited only
Base Set 2 was released as a single Unlimited-style print run. There is no 1st Edition and no Shadowless variant, which makes identification simpler than Base Set.
Distinct set symbol
The circular "2" symbol is the defining feature. It is what stops Base Set 2 cards from being mistaken for far more valuable 1999 Base Set cards.
Base Set 2 theme decks
Base Set 2 launched with four preconstructed 60-card theme decks. Sealed copies are collectible, and the deck names are a quick way to recognize the release.
| Deck | Types | Signature Pokémon |
|---|---|---|
| Grass Chopper | Grass / Fighting | Nidoking, Pinsir |
| Hot Water | Fire / Water | Ninetales, Poliwrath |
| Lightning Bug | Lightning / Grass | Magneton, Beedrill |
| Psych Out | Psychic / Water | Alakazam, Seaking |
Base Set vs Base Set 2: why it matters
This is the single most common mix-up in vintage Pokémon. Because the artwork is identical, sellers frequently list a Base Set 2 Charizard as a 1999 Base Set Charizard — a big difference in value. The only reliable way to tell them apart is the set symbol: original Base Set has none, Base Set 2 has the circular "2."
If you are buying or selling, always confirm the set symbol and the card number (x/102 for Base Set, x/130 for Base Set 2) before agreeing on a price. When in doubt, get the card appraised.
The first Cosmos-holofoil set
Base Set 2 was the first English expansion to use the "Cosmos" holofoil — the starry, speckled foil pattern that replaced the fractured "Starlight" foil of Base Set, Jungle, and Fossil. That is a genuinely useful authentication tell: a real 1999 Base Set holo shows Starlight foil, so a "Base Set" Charizard with Cosmos foil is almost always a Base Set 2 (or later) copy.
This foil change is one of the clearest ways to back up the set-symbol check when you are trying to separate the valuable 1999 originals from the 2000 reprints.
What Base Set 2 left out
Base Set 2 is not a straight combination of Base Set and Jungle — Wizards cherry-picked cards. Several Base Set cards were dropped entirely, including Machamp (8/102), Porygon, Koffing, Ponyta, Clefairy Doll, Devolution Spray, Pokémon Flute, and Revive. From Jungle, only selected cards were carried over, and where Jungle had both a holo and non-holo of a card, Base Set 2 often kept just one.
For set-builders this matters: completing Base Set 2 is a distinct 130-card goal, not simply owning Base Set plus Jungle. The reshuffled numbering (Mewtwo at 10/130, Scyther at 17/130, and so on) is unique to this release.
Full Base Set 2 holo rare checklist
All 19 Base Set 2 holographic rares (cards 1–19/130). Note that Zapdos (20/130) is a non-holo rare, not a holo. These reprints all use Cosmos holofoil.
| # | Card | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1/130 | Alakazam | Psychic |
| 2/130 | Blastoise | Water |
| 3/130 | Chansey | Colorless |
| 4/130 | Charizard | Fire |
| 5/130 | Clefable | Colorless |
| 6/130 | Clefairy | Colorless |
| 7/130 | Gyarados | Water |
| 8/130 | Hitmonchan | Fighting |
| 9/130 | Magneton | Lightning |
| 10/130 | Mewtwo | Psychic |
| 11/130 | Nidoking | Grass |
| 12/130 | Nidoqueen | Grass |
| 13/130 | Ninetales | Fire |
| 14/130 | Pidgeot | Colorless |
| 15/130 | Poliwrath | Water |
| 16/130 | Raichu | Lightning |
| 17/130 | Scyther | Grass |
| 18/130 | Venusaur | Grass |
| 19/130 | Wigglytuff | Colorless |
What is Base Set 2 worth?
Base Set 2 is generally worth less than the original 1999 Base Set because it is a later reprint with no 1st Edition. That said, high-grade holos — especially Charizard — still carry meaningful value, and clean copies are an affordable route to owning the classic artwork.
Commons and non-holo rares are modest individually. A full 130-card set in nice condition is best valued as a whole, and any holo you believe might actually be original Base Set should be double-checked against the set symbol.
Not sure whether you have Base Set or Base Set 2? Search the card for an instant offer, or send it in and we will confirm and value it for free.
Related set guides
1999
Jungle Set Guide
Jungle was the second Pokémon expansion ever released and the first to follow Base Set. It is famous for its Eeveelutions, Snorlax, Scyther, and the sought-after no-set-symbol error. Here is everything a collector needs to identify, grade, and value Jungle cards.
1999
Fossil Set Guide
Fossil was the third Pokémon expansion, themed around prehistoric and fossil Pokémon plus the Legendary Birds. It gave collectors the beloved Dragonite and Gengar holos. Here is how to identify, grade, and value Fossil cards.
2002
Legendary Collection Set Guide
Legendary Collection is a 2002 reprint set drawing from Base Set through Team Rocket, famous for its scarce and beautiful Reverse Holo parallel. Here is how to identify and value it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Base Set and Base Set 2?
Base Set (1999) has no set symbol and cards numbered x/102, and includes 1st Edition and Shadowless variants. Base Set 2 (2000) is a 130-card reprint with a circular "2" set symbol, cards numbered x/130, and no 1st Edition. Base Set is worth considerably more.
Does Base Set 2 have a 1st Edition?
No. Base Set 2 was only ever printed as a single Unlimited-style run. There is no 1st Edition stamp or Shadowless variant, which is one way to distinguish it from the original Base Set.
Is Base Set 2 Charizard valuable?
It has value, especially in high grade, but it is worth less than a 1999 Base Set Charizard. Confirm the circular "2" set symbol and the 4/130 card number so it is not confused with the original.
How many cards are in Base Set 2?
Base Set 2 contains 130 cards, combining selected cards from Base Set and Jungle, including 19 holographic rares (cards 1–19).
How can I tell a Base Set 2 holo from a real Base Set holo?
Check two things: the set symbol (Base Set has none; Base Set 2 has a circular "2") and the holofoil. Base Set uses the fractured "Starlight" foil, while Base Set 2 was the first English set to use the starry "Cosmos" foil. A Cosmos-foil "Base Set" holo is almost always a Base Set 2 card.
Which cards did Base Set 2 leave out?
Base Set 2 is not a complete merge of Base Set and Jungle. Notable Base Set omissions include Machamp (8/102), Porygon, Koffing, Ponyta, Clefairy Doll, Devolution Spray, Pokémon Flute, and Revive, plus several Jungle cards. That is why completing Base Set 2 is its own 130-card goal.
Is there a holo Zapdos in Base Set 2?
No. Zapdos appears at 20/130 as a non-holo rare. The holo rares in Base Set 2 are cards 1 through 19 only.