Wartortle - 171/165 - SV: Scarlet & Violet 151 (MEW)

Wartortle #171/165 — Illustration Rare — Scarlet & Violet 151 (MEW)

Scarlet & Violet—151 is a special expansion featuring all 151 Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region, refreshed with modern Scarlet & Violet series gameplay mechanics. It marks the first time all 151 original Pokémon have appeared together in a single TCG set since the early Wizards of the Coast days — and the collector demand that came with that distinction has never faded. The set's cultural significance drives sustained demand that keeps prices elevated beyond typical modern sets.

This Wartortle lands at card number 171/165 — a secret rare slot that places it beyond the base set ceiling. It is an Illustration Rare, a Stage 1 Water-type with 100 HP, whose Free Diving attack recovers up to 3 Basic Water Energy cards from the discard pile. The artwork was illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita — the legendary artist behind the original Base Set cards. The 151 expansion is unique in that illustrators portray a Pokémon and the story of its Evolution across several cards , making this Wartortle a thematic centerpiece of the Squirtle line's narrative arc within the set.

• Card: Wartortle — 171/165 — Illustration Rare (IR)
• Set: Scarlet & Violet 151 (MEW set symbol)
• Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita (original Base Set legend)
• Raw NM market value: Recently sold for ~$64, trending upward over 30 days
• Recent eBay comps: Raw NM copies selling in the $50–$70 range; PSA 10 copies commanding ~$470

The Pokémon Company's strategic reprint management and genuinely strong pull rates have helped 151 avoid the typical post-release price crash that buries most modern sets. The Wartortle Illustration Rare is a master-set staple and a must-have for any serious Kanto collection — especially carrying Arita's signature hand in a set built for the ages.

Available at Collector Station, Easley, SC. Local pickup available. All sales final. Shipping damage must be reported within 48 hours of delivery with photos.