How do I know if my Pokémon cards are Shadowless?

To determine if an English Base Set Pokémon card is "Shadowless," you need to look for a few distinct visual markers. The Shadowless print run was an early, limited release of the original 1999 Base Set that lacks the drop-shadow aesthetic found on later "Unlimited" cards.

1. Check the Art Box Border (The Shadow)

• Shadowless: The yellow border around the character's illustration window is flat. There is no shadow on the right side or bottom of the window frame.
• Unlimited (Standard): There is a dark, drop-shadow effect to the right and bottom of the art frame, making the window look 3D.

2. Check the Copyright Date (At the very bottom)

• Shadowless: The copyright line at the bottom of the card reads: "© 1995, 96, 98, 99 Nintendo". Note the presence of the "99".
• Unlimited: The copyright line reads: "© 1995, 96, 98 Nintendo" (it completely omits the "99").

3. Look at the "HP" Text

• Shadowless: The "HP" letters and numbers (e.g., 60 HP) are printed in a thinner, lighter font.
• Unlimited: The "HP" text is printed in a much thicker, bolder red font.

4. Non-Pokemon Cards (Trainers & Energies)

Because Trainer and Energy cards do not have a character art box, you cannot look for a drop shadow. For these cards, the copyright date is the only way to tell. If the copyright line includes the year "99" (1995, 96, 98, 99 Nintendo), it is Shadowless.