Print runs and print waves

A print run is the number of cards or products printed for a particular set or round. A print wave is one of several printing rounds of the same set. For Pokémon cards, print-run figures are normally not published by the publishers, so collectors have to rely on indirect sources and estimates.

Why the figures are missing

Publishers do not make a practice of stating how many cards or boxes are printed. What figures exist come from grading companies' registries, from collectors' own samples and from unofficial industry sources. None of these gives a complete picture. Statements like "only a certain number exist" therefore have poor support. Be skeptical of such claims without documented sources.

Print waves

Popular sets are often printed in several rounds. Older examples are the difference between first edition, Shadowless and Unlimited in English Base Set from the Wizards era. In newer sets, later rounds can carry small changes, for example in the card back, a stamp or minor print details, and can be hard to tell apart. A card from a later round is not a reprint in the strict sense, but the same set printed again.

Why print runs matter to collectors

• Fewer printed cards in principle means fewer in circulation, but that is not the same as the card being valuable.
• Cards survive unevenly. Many are worn, bent or thrown away, so the number preserved is smaller than the number printed.
• Graded cards are counted in population reports, which show only submitted cards and not all that exist.
• Sealed products shrink in number as they are opened; see sealed products.

A caveat

The number printed is only one factor. Popularity, condition and availability affect price just as much. When rarity is discussed, it helps to separate how often a card is pulled (pull rate) from how many were printed. The first is an estimate from collectors, the second is usually unknown. Look up sets and cards in the card catalog for the information that is documented.

In summary

Print figures for Pokémon cards are largely unknown, and claims about how many exist should be read with caution. What is known is which printings and stamps exist, and to some extent how many have been graded. This information gives a partial picture and should not be mistaken for total figures. Use it as one of several sources when assessing a card.