{"product_id":"dark-wartortle-46-82-team-rocket-tr-psa-8","title":"Dark Wartortle 46\/82 Team Rocket (TR) PSA 8","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDark Wartortle #46\/82 — Pokémon Team Rocket Set (2000) — PSA 8 NM-MT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nThe Pokémon Team Rocket set isn't just another WOTC expansion — \u003cstrong\u003eit rewrote the rulebook\u003c\/strong\u003e.\n\u003cem\u003eReleased in April 2000\u003c\/em\u003e, it introduced the \u003cstrong\u003eDark Pokémon mechanic\u003c\/strong\u003e — corrupted, villain-controlled versions of beloved Gen I species rendered with brooding, black-bordered artwork that no prior set had attempted.\n\u003cstrong\u003eDark Wartortle 46\/82\u003c\/strong\u003e is that concept distilled into a single Uncommon slab: Wartortle — Blastoise's direct pre-evolution, one of the most recognized Pokémon in franchise history — reimagined through Team Rocket's sinister lens, illustrated by \u003cstrong\u003eKagemaru Himeno\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the signature Stage 1 Water-type stat block and the punishing \u003cem\u003eMirror Shell\u003c\/em\u003e ability.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSet significance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Team Rocket set was the \u003cem\u003efifth main expansion of the Pokémon TCG\u003c\/em\u003e and the first to introduce Dark-type Pokémon, holofoil Trainer and Energy cards, and the genre-defining Secret Rare card slot — structural innovations that still govern the hobby today.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCard specs:\u003c\/strong\u003e #46\/82, Uncommon rarity, Stage 1 Water-type, 60 HP, artwork by Kagemaru Himeno — Unlimited edition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePSA pop (Unlimited):\u003c\/strong\u003e 784 total graded copies. Only \u003cstrong\u003e69 hold PSA 10\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e245 hold PSA 9\u003c\/strong\u003e — meaning the PSA 8 tier at \u003cstrong\u003e219 copies\u003c\/strong\u003e represents the practical sweet spot for collectors: certified near-mint condition at realistic acquisition cost, well above the grade cliff where value drops.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e PSA 8 (NM-MT) — four crisp corners, strong centering, full gloss, zero creasing. A clean, confident slab.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\nVintage WOTC Pokémon slabs in the PSA 8 tier have proven to be the \u003cstrong\u003emost liquid graded tier\u003c\/strong\u003e in the hobby — high enough to matter, accessible enough to move. Dark Wartortle in PSA 8 is a purpose-built Blastoise-line set builder, a clean Team Rocket Unlimited collection anchor, and a 25-year-old piece of Pokémon TCG history locked behind authenticated plastic. If you're chasing the full Team Rocket run or completing every Wartortle stage across the WOTC era, this slab closes the gap.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAvailable at Collector Station, Easley, SC. Local pickup available. \u003cstrong\u003eAll sales final.\u003c\/strong\u003e Shipping damage must be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photos.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Collector Station","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49075988070652,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/1387\/2892\/files\/IMG_8934.heic?v=1780417667","url":"https:\/\/thecollectorstation.com\/products\/dark-wartortle-46-82-team-rocket-tr-psa-8","provider":"Collector Station","version":"1.0","type":"link"}