Identifying Japanese Media Factory Base Set Booster Packs
Starting a new guide to identifying Japanese Base Set Booster packs since none I have found captured all of these details. I plan on expanding this to include examples for many more Media Factory booster packs.
Media Factory released the very first Pokemon TCG booster packs in October 1996. The first set released was Base set.
This guide should help identify distinct variants which you may come across.
What to look For
Media Factory booster packs are distinguished by 3 primary characteristics:
The Crimps
The crimps come in two different forms, short and long.
Short
Long
The ¥ Stamp
291
300 Sticker
300
The Barcode
Regular
Import Stamped
Import Sticker
Variants
291¥ Short Crimp
These were the very First Pokemon TCG booster packs ever released. The were uniquely distinguished from other variants by the “short” crimp which lacked the hanger cutout. These booster packs have a chance of containing the rarest variant known as the “no rarity symbol” cards.
291¥ Stamp Long Crimp
These were the second release of Base set packs. They are distinguished by the longer crimp with a hanger cutout, and the 291¥ stamp on the front.
300¥ Sticker Long Crimp
These were the third release of Base set packs. They are distinguished by the longer crimp with a hanger cutout, and the 300¥ sticker covering the 291¥ stamp on the front.
300¥ Stamp Long Crimp
These were the fourth and final release of the original Base set. They are distinguished by the longer crimp with a hanger cutout, and the 300¥ stamp on the front.
Import Variants
These were a sub variant I noticed which included signs of USA importation. During the time, imported goods needed to be marked with country of origin so packs were labels with Made in Japan in various methods. I have found a few sticker variants, and a physical stamp variant.
Sticker
Stamp
Additional Guide for WOTC Booster Packs can be found here: