Across the Universe - a Comparitive Langauge Study of Base Set's Two Distinct Print Runs

[banks]

Galaxy 1999 vs Cosmos 1999-2000

All base set prints that I have found across all languages fall into two distinct printings:

Galaxy 1999

This print run was first and features the iconic Galaxy holo + 1999 copyright date. This print run was exclusive to:

• English
• German
• French
• Portugeuse
• Spanish

Cosmos 1999-2000

This print run features a cosmos holo + 1999 - 2000 copyright date and was exclusive to:

• Base Set 2
• Chinese
• Dutch
• Italian
• Korean
• Spanish
• Australian Fossil Non-holos (?)

This article will focus on which languages received which printing, inferences that we can draw, and questions for future research.

WotC Set Releases and Characteristics Across Languages

Release Date	Set	Language	Holo Pattern	Copyright Year	HP Notation	1st edition	Unlimited	Notes
Jan 1999	Base set	ENG	galaxy	1999	HP
		SPA	galaxy	1999	PI
		FRE	galaxy	1999	PV
		GER	galaxy	1999	KP
		POR	galaxy	1999	PS
		CHN	-	-	-	-	-
		DUT	-	-	-	-	-
		ITA	-	-	-	-	-	Could not find evidence of Italian Galaxy 1999, except the machamp promo
		KOR	-	-	-	-	-
Feb 1999	Jungle	SPA	cosmos	1999-2000	PI
		FRE	cosmos	1999-2000	PV
		POR	cosmos	1999-2000	PS			Could not find listings of Portuguese Jungle 1st ed holos
Oct 10, 1999	Fossil	SPA	cosmos	1999-2000	PI
	Base set reprint	CHN	cosmos	1999-2000	HP
		DUT	cosmos	1999-2000	IP
		ITA	cosmos	1999-2000	PV
		KOR	cosmos	1999-2000	HP			Unlimited is significantly more scarce than 1st edition
		SPA	cosmos	1999-2000	PV
Feb 2, 2000	Base Set 2	ENG	cosmos	1999-2000	HP			Only printed in English
Feb 2001	Neo Genesis	SPA	cosmos	1995-2001	PI			First Spanish set since Jungle, final WotC Spanish set

Looking at this table, we can make some simple observations:

1. The Spanish notation for HP changed from IP to PV after it’s initial print in Galaxy 1999. This was likely a mistake from not changing PV after printing the Italian version of Cosmos 1999-2000.
2. Italian, Dutch, Chinese, and Korean were not printed in Galaxy 1999. Rather, they received 1st edition releases in Cosmos 1999-2000, implying that this Cosmos print was their initial release.
3. Spanish 1999-2000 Cosmos did not receive a 1st edition print, implying that it was a reprint similar to Base Set 2.

Spanish Base Set Got Two Distinct Print Runs with Three Differences

Spanish base set is interesting because it was the only language to receive both Galaxy 1999 and Cosmos 1999-2000 printings in Base set. Furthermore, the Spanish prints are further distinguished by the difference in HP notation between both print runs. The Spanish Galaxy 1999 print notated HP as PI. This is as Spanish Jungle, Fossil, and Neo Genesis sets would also be labeled. However, the Cosmos 1999-2000 print’s HP notation was changed to PV for some reason.

1999-2000 Spanish Jungle and Fossil for SI Notation Reference

• Retains PI as HP
• 1999-2000 trademark
• 1st edition and unlimited

![image|292x485upload://naWA8I5EiTYtSTSQXlyvmjZpu2o.png)

It is also worth noting that Spanish Galaxy 1999 capitalizes “Weakness, Resistance and Retreat Cost” whereas every set following this printing chooses to spell these in lower case.


French Galaxy 1999 also capitalizes these texts.

Inferences

• In early 2000, WotC wanted to create a reprint of Base set (Cosmos 1999-2000) to meet demand and expand into new markets like Italy, China, and Korea. In North America, where demand was greatest, they released Base Set 2. In Spain, where demand was less, they released an unlimited reprint of base set.

Research Questions

• Can we find a Spanish reprint that has some but not all three distinct features in combination (PV, cosmos holo and 1999-2000 copyright)
• Does this have implications or an explanation for why certain printings of Dutch WotC sets are so scarce?
• Does this have an implication for Australia’s 1999-2000 fossil non-holos?
• Can we find evidence of Cosmos 1999-2000 German, French, and Portuguese?
• Can we find evidence of Portuguese Jungle 1st edition holos?

Answered Questions

• Can we find evidence of Italian Galaxy 1999 set cards? Not including the Machamp promo.
• Did English-speaking regions outside of North America receive Base Set 2? i.e. the Netherlands, the UK, and Australia. If not, they may have been given packs of 1999-2000 English Base Set. Answer: Yes the Netherlands received Base Set 2.

Neo Era Promos

As noted here in this thread, two reverse holo neo promos that we are familar with coming in cosmos foin in EN and JP actually received a galaxy holo in their EU releases! Below is an image of the Italian, German and French Pichu 35.

[Nightvulture]

If anybody doesn’t know about the plate patterns for the cards, I recommend looking it up. I’m not getting into it in detail here but here is a reference, all symbols are referencing magenta front then back(+/-,+/+)

These are Belgium printed variants. The first 2 columns of non-holo were printed with galaxy holos, second 2 wouldve been cosmos(exception for jungles reprint)

The first 2 columns also have a +15° front magenta plate while the -15° are on the Third column before it goes back to +15° on the last one. You’ll see all the Pokemon on the left also have the Capitalization “error” that would be reflected on all the earlier foils.

Here it is in a text layout, jungle should be the only exception to the rule, i need to find more printings to expand this…

the best i can tell, the -15 backs started around hasbro’s purchase and Belgium started printing around June 99.

@banks

• Are Base Set Cosmos 1999-2000 packs visibly different from the initial 1999 Galaxy unlimited Spanish packs?

Need more, i dont understand the question.

@banks

• Does this have any connection to Base 1999-2000?

Not really if you’re referring to “4th print” stuff. Copyrights help establish timelines but they werent always updated.

@banks

• Did English-speaking regions outside of North America receive Base Set 2? i.e. the Netherlands, the UK, and Australia. If not, they may have been given packs of 1999-2000 English Base Set.

The packs may have been shipped overseas, possibly but most of those areas would’ve received UK product.

@banks

• Can we find a Spanish reprint that has some but not all three distinct features in combination (PV, cosmos holo and 1999-2000 copyright)

What @Quuador said…

There were indeed multiple runs though. USA and Belgium may have had multiple runs each possibly, i need to find more evidence.

@banks

• Does this have implications or an explanation for why certain printings of Dutch WotC sets are so scarce

The Dutch sets, especially fossil, are probably small from demand or it couldve been something to do with Japan coming in and taking over the rights again

• Edited, they were later prints. Not necessarily near end of production. I couldve worded it better though it was probably some of the final fossil sets printed. Before the “3rd print” usa fossil.

@banks

• Does this have an implication for Australia’s 1999-2000 fossil non-holos?

Australias updated copyright on their fossil printing was a direct result of them catching up and having time to update them. Has nothing to do with anything else. UKs fossil printing retained the 1999 copyright even though its more of a 2000 printing.

Australia received their holos from the USA in bricks of 7-800ct. Similar to this:

Makes you wonder where the “UK” Holos really came from​

@banks

• Can we find evidence of Italian Galaxy 1999 set cards? Not including the Machamp promo.

In total, i probably havent seen a full sheets worth of these cards, i believe they are italian exclusive promos but theres no information yet on them, Very rare in the states but can find them on the euro platforms. They fly under the radar alot but im looking for a ninetales…

[Quuador]

Oh, I didn’t knew the Spanish Base Set cards had both PI and PV. Does the PV only apply to the (Cosmos) unlimited edition Holofoil Rares, or have we also seen it with any non-holos? Makes me very curious if a PV Pikachu is out there. EDIT: @banks All Spanish Base Set are PI. That second Clefairy picture you’ve posted is Italian..

As for some of your questions:

@banks

• Did English-speaking regions outside of North America receive Base Set 2? i.e. the Netherlands, the UK, and Australia. If not, they may have been given packs of 1999-2000 English Base Set.

Can’t speak for all countries, but yes for The Netherlands. I opened a few Base Set 2 booster packs and a Poliwrath Base Set 2 theme deck as a kid, that were bought at my local (Intertoys) toys store.

@banks

• Can we find evidence of Portuguese Jungle 1st edition holos?

Yes, I pulled a Jolteon myself:

@banks

• Can we find evidence of Italian Galaxy 1999 set cards? Not including the Machamp promo.

No’ish. They’re not 1999, but rather ©1999-2000. But the Italian unlimited edition Base Set Ninetales and Gyarados are available as both Galaxy Holofoil and Cosmos Holofoil, whereas all Holofoil Rares from the set are Cosmos Holofoil by default:

Source (which based on the bottom comment you’re already aware of ): Ninetales base set holofoil error

Greetz,
Quuador

[Gottdrak]

Very interesting research topic, thanks for bringing this up.

Although I am not sure, if I red your table correctly. What do you mean by release date? The release of the European language versions was December 1999 (some maybe later). Or is Jan 1999 related to printing date?

German Jungle and Fossil are also Cosmos holo with copyright year 1999-2000.

[banks]

@Quuador

All Spanish Base Set are PI. That second Clefairy picture you’ve posted is Italian

OH NO! That clefairy is what kickstarted this whole rabbit hole after I saw a Spanish seller list it as Spanish. Will rewrite later when I get a second

@Quuador

Yes, I pulled a Jolteon myself:

Oh cool! I was wondering if there was because I couldn’t find any copies listed. and good to know that Base Set 2 was available in the Netherlands. I had a pet theory that 1999-2000 English base print was made for english speaking regions outside of North America who did not get Base Set 2

@Quuador

No’ish. They’re not 1999, but rather ©1999-2000. But the Italian unlimited edition Base Set Ninetales and Gyarados are available as both Galaxy Holofoil and Cosmos Holofoil, whereas all Holofoil Rares from the set are Cosmos Holofoil by default:

Oh this is very cool, because it is the first instance of Galaxy 1999-2000 that I have seen. Even the italian machamp promo is galaxy 1999.

@Gottdrak

Although I am not sure, if I red your table correctly. What do you mean by release date? The release of the European language versions was December 1999 (some maybe later). Or is Jan 1999 related to printing date?

The table points to base set copyright dates in the set column, and release dates in the release date column

[PokeBahl]

The wealth of knowledge here is mind blowing. Well done, to all. Edits, OP, my goodness.

[Quuador]

Since you’ve been mostly talking about ©1999 Galaxy vs ©1999-2000 Cosmos (for which the Italian ©1999-2000 Galaxy Ninetales and Gyarados I posted are one example that don’t follow that), here is another more well-known example that doesn’t follow that either:

©1999 Cosmos Holofoil - Prerelease English 1st ed. Fossil Set Aerodactyl from Europe. Here the USA Galaxy foil (with dark brown stamp) vs EU Cosmos foil (with light brown stamp):

Greetz,
Quuador

[LaCharcutCestLaVie]

PSA provides some nices scans for some of those old sets (used them building my PTCG dataset) : PSA Dutch Base Set / Jungle / Fossil , Korean Base Set.

[Nightvulture]

@banks

Oh this is very cool, because it is the first instance of Galaxy 1999-2000 that I have seen. Even the italian machamp promo is galaxy 1999.

This is spanish

[banks]

Hey I saw the images in your dm, thanks for sharing the context here

@Nightvulture

• [quote=“banks, post:1, topic:63668”]
  • Are Base Set Cosmos 1999-2000 packs visibly different from the initial 1999 Galaxy unlimited Spanish packs?

Need more, i dont understand the question.
[/quote]

No longer relrelevant;n’t worry about this one.

@Nightvulture

• [quote=“banks, post:1, topic:63668”]
  • Does this have implications or an explanation for why certain printings of Dutch WotC sets are so scarce

The Dutch sets, especially fossil, were some of the last sets printed. They are probably small from demand or it couldve been something to do with Japan coming in and taking over the rights again
[/quote]

How late are we talking? Japan didn’t shut down WotC until the end of e-reader

[Nightvulture]

My best guesstimate for dutch fossil 1st ed would be in the 2001 timeframe. Probably later. Most of those late Belgium printed sets have been small from what ive seen. Cartamundi’s Neo discovery was printed mid 2001 and the plates from dutch fossil 1st ed match it, couldve been 6 months before or after… if more people would hop on this train and learn what to look for, rough timelines can be established and things will be learned.

Belgiums english Jungle set would likely be printed in this timeframe as well.

[packyman]

If you check my pack guide, your holos seem to align with the pack copyright dates where starting with 1999-2000 packs the holos appear.

Spanish was unique in that it had two versions of 1st edition and two versions of unlimited. For packs you can find 1st edition 1999 ( Belgium ), unlimited 1999 ( Belgium ), 1st edition 1999-2000 ( USA ), unlimited 1999-2000 ( USA ).

Belgium

USA

For cards, I have surprisingly found 5 unique versions. It is unclear where the third version of 1999 comes from, deck exclusive? Pack I haven’t noticed yet?

“e” Error Unlimited 1999

No “e” Error Unlimited 1999

• 1999 1st edition
• 1999 unlimited with “e” shadow error ( +/- ) ( Spray glue )
• 1999 unlimited no “e” shadow error ( +/+ ) ( Vertical glue )
• 1999-2000 1st edition
• 1999-2000 unlimited

[JobbsterTCG]

Hi, I’m Giovanni, an Italian collector. From what I know and recall from my childhood regarding the Italian Base Set, the only exclusive card found in the starter deck was the 1st Edition Machamp. The Ninetales and Gyarados included in the decks featured the “Cosmo” holo pattern. I recently watched some deck-opening videos on YouTube, and indeed, the cards inside do have that Cosmo holo pattern typical of the Italian Base Set. I have no idea where they originate—whether from a limited run of decks or from certain booster packs.
I have about a dozen of them in my collection; the card stock itself is identical to that of the English-language cards (if you have any Italian holographic cards at home, try touching them—they are printed on a different type of paper, whereas the English ones feel stiffer). They all show some “silvering” along the edges—an issue that almost never occurs with Italian Base Set cards.