Poliwag is a Basic Water-type Pokémon with 40 HP. It was illustrated by Ken Sugimori and is part of the Base set, card number 59. The flavor text notes that…
Set: Base
Number: 59/102
Rarity: Common
Set
About the Poliwag Pokémon Card
Poliwag is a Water-type Pokémon card with 40 HP from the Base set, part of the Base series. It carries the collector number 59/102 and is classified as Common. The Base set was released on January 9, 1999.
The card includes the flavor text: “Its newly grown legs prevent it from running. It appears to prefer swimming over trying to stand.”.
Poliwag Pokémon Card Details
Card name: Poliwag
Card number: 59/102
Set: Base
Series: Base
Rarity: Common
Subtypes: Basic
Type: Water
HP: 40
Artist: Ken Sugimori
Release date: January 9, 1999
National Pokédex number: 60
Why Collect the Poliwag Pokémon Card?
Poliwag is most often collected as part of a complete Base set rather than as a standalone chase card.
Across the hobby, collectibility generally comes down to rarity, condition, artwork, and overall demand for the set.
Artwork and Illustration of the Poliwag Pokémon Card
Poliwag was illustrated by Ken Sugimori.
Artwork is one of the factors collectors weigh when deciding which copies to keep or send for grading.
Market Price and Value of the Poliwag Pokémon Card
The current aggregated market price for Poliwag is about $0.91. Recent listings range from roughly $0.20 (low) to $9,999 (high), with a mid-point near $0.55. These figures are aggregated from marketplace data and change over time; the live price and full price history are shown above on this page.
For context, the Base set has a median card value near
.72 and an average near 0.62, so this card sits below the typical card in the set. The aggregated price has moved -84% over the last 7 days and -80% over 30 days.
Pokémon cards are best collected for enjoyment first. Where value matters, it is typically driven by graded population, the popularity of the Base set, the availability of sealed product, and broader Pokémon TCG market trends.
Grading the Poliwag Pokémon Card
Whether Poliwag is worth grading comes down to condition. Before submitting a card, collectors usually check front and back centring, corner sharpness, edge wear, surface defects, and any print lines or factory imperfections.
Across the hobby, top grades such as PSA 10, BGS/Beckett 9.5–10, and CGC Pristine 10 generally command a premium over raw or lower-graded copies.
PSA has graded 5,308 copies of this card, of which 1,533 earned a PSA 10 — a gem rate of about 28.9%. These population figures were last refreshed on June 15, 2026. Population counts only rise as more copies are submitted, so the gem rate and totals shift over time; nothing here is estimated or back-filled.
How Rare Is the Poliwag Pokémon Card?
As a Common card, Poliwag was printed at one of the highest frequencies in its set — commons form the base of a set's print run and are pulled most often from booster packs.
Population data is one concrete measure of scarcity: PSA has graded 5,308 copies to date.
Other Printings of Poliwag
Poliwag appears on more than one card across the catalog. Other printings include Skyridge 87 (around $59.99), Expedition Base Set 125 (around $50.00) and Unseen Forces 67 (around $30.90).
These are distinct cards rather than a single listing; compare the set, collector number, and rarity when identifying a specific copy.
Final Thoughts on the Poliwag Pokémon Card
The Poliwag pokémon card is a Common card from the Base set (Base series). It is a straightforward addition for collectors completing the Base set. Its current aggregated market price is about $0.91; the live figure and full price history appear above on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What set is the Poliwag card from?
Poliwag is from the Base set (Base series), numbered 59/102 with the Common rarity.
What rarity is the Poliwag card?
Poliwag is classified as Common.
How much is the Poliwag 59/102 card worth?
The current aggregated market price is about $0.91, within a recent range of roughly $0.20 to $9,999. The live figure and full price history appear above on this page.
Is the Poliwag card worth grading?
It can be, if the card is well-centred and free of noticeable edge, corner, or surface flaws. PSA has graded 5,308 copies so far, with about 28.9% reaching PSA 10. Top grades typically command a premium over raw copies.
What is the PSA population for Poliwag?
PSA has graded 5,308 copies, of which 1,533 are PSA 10 (a gem rate of about 28.9%). These figures were last updated on June 15, 2026.
How rare is the Poliwag card?
As a Common card, Poliwag was printed at one of the highest frequencies in its set — commons form the base of a set's print run and are pulled most often from booster packs.
When was the Base set released?
The Base set was released on January 9, 1999.
Are there other printings of Poliwag?
Yes. Poliwag appears on 24 other cards across the catalog. Compare the set, collector number, and rarity to identify a specific copy.
