1998 Pokémon Bulbasaur PSA 10 #1 Japanese Vending (Series 1) GEM MINT 🔥
1998 Pokémon Bulbasaur PSA 10 #1 Japanese Vending (Series 1) GEM MINT 🔥
This is the Bulbasaur #1 from the 1998 Japanese Vending set, Series 1, in Japanese. It is a PSA 10 Gem Mint in the original PSA slab (cert 88497038).
The Japanese Vending cards were produced in 1998 for Japan and are known for their glossy, full-foil finish, a different look from the regular Base Set cards. Bulbasaur is card #1 of the set, the natural opener for a collection built in Pokédex order.
The PSA 10 grade confirms condition, and the photos show how the foil, borders and surface present in the slab.
Pop report
PSA 10 is the top grade, and the PSA cert for this slab reports no cards graded higher. The public aggregate we use for our other listings does not cover this Japanese set, so no table is shown. Check psacard.com/pop for current counts.
Checked against the PSA cert page. Last updated: October 17, 2026.
Bulbasaur #1 Japanese Vending Series 1 FAQ
What is the difference between Series 1 and Series II?
PSA labels the Japanese Vending cards by series, and the series appears on the slab (this one reads Series 1). Each series has its own card numbering and population, so match the series as well as the number when you compare prices.
Is this a Base Set card?
No. It is a separate Japanese printing from 1998, with its own glossy foil design and its own PSA population. Base Set Bulbasaur prices do not apply.
What decides a PSA 10 on a full-foil card?
Surface and edges. A full-foil card shows scratches, print lines and edge chipping readily, so a PSA 10 says a lot about handling and storage of this copy. Centering and corners count as well.
Is the PSA 10 the top of the population?
It is the highest grade PSA assigns, and the cert reports zero cards graded higher. How many other 10s exist is not shown in public sources we can cite, so confirm current counts at psacard.com/pop before comparing prices.
How do I verify this slab?
Enter cert number 88497038 at psacard.com/cert and match the card name, set, number, series and grade to the label and photos. Then inspect the case for cracks, scuffs or any sign of tampering.