TRADING CARD GAMES
Japanese Pokémon Card - Smeargle (HP40) Common Japanese
Key Facts & Value
Key Fact
Historical significance
The Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) began in the late 1990s and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. This specific card, featuring Mareep, represents a pivotal moment in Pokémon's expansion into the trading card market, which has since sold billions of cards worldwide.
Artist Background
Ken Sugimori, the illustrator behind Mareep and many other Pokémon, has been instrumental in shaping the visual identity of the franchise. His designs have made Pokémon memorable and beloved by fans globally.
Collectible Appeal
Mareep, known for its adorable design and electric abilities, has a dedicated fanbase. Cards from the original Japanese sets often hold nostalgic value and are sought after by collectors.
Value Fact
The value of this Mareep card can be substantial, particularly in excellent condition. Factors that contribute to its worth include its rarity as part of the original Japanese set, the popularity of the character within the Pokémon franchise, and the condition of the card itself. Vintage cards have seen a resurgence in popularity, and many collectors are willing to pay a premium for well-preserved examples.
Item Details
Official Details
Variation Details
lgilb33 Details
Collectibles.com is operated by Collectbase Inc., a Delaware corporation. Collectible valuations, price estimates, and AI-assisted identifications are provided for informational and reference purposes only and do not constitute professional appraisals, financial advice, or guarantees of market value. Trademarks, card images, and intellectual property belonging to third-party rights holders are displayed solely for identification, valuation reference, and collection management purposes; Collectbase Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any such rights holders. User-generated content reflects the views of individual community members and not those of Collectbase Inc. This platform may earn affiliate commissions on qualifying purchases made through third-party links. The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, and Collectbase Inc. shall not be liable for any damages arising from use of this platform or reliance on its content. For full details governing your use of this platform and our privacy practices, see our Terms of Service and PrivacyPolicy.
© 2026 Collectbase Inc. All rights reserved.
This site and associated apps contain copyrighted material including card images, trademarks, and text belonging to The Pokémon Company International, Nintendo, GAME FREAK inc., Wizards of the Coast, Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., NBA Properties, Inc., NFL Properties LLC, NHL Enterprises, L.P., Topps, Panini America, Inc., Upper Deck, and all other respective rights holders. Such material is displayed solely for the purposes of identification, pricing reference, collection management, and to facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of physical collectibles by collectors. Collectbase Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the foregoing entities, and no challenge to their intellectual property rights or ownership is intended or implied.