Pokémon Card Lugia LEGEND 029/030 SoulSilver Collection 1st Edition Booster Pack

Pokémon
2021.12.30

About This Card

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game 

In October 2009, the Pokémon Trading Card Game entered a new era with the release of the HeartGold & SoulSilver series. Among these, the SoulSilver Collection expansion pack drew significant attention right from the start. At the time, Pokémon cards were experiencing a second boom in Japan and abroad, captivating fans of all ages—from children to adults.

This particular card is the Lugia LEGEND 029/030 1st Edition. Now 15 years since its release, it has been long out of print. The item listed here is in Lightly Played (Excellent) condition, with excellent gloss and color vibrancy. A rare first edition in such fine condition holds exceptional value.

Rarity of This Card

  • Two-Card Combination Design
    When the top and bottom cards are placed together, they form a single, powerful illustration of Lugia. This is a hallmark of the luxurious LEGEND card format.

  • Japan-Exclusive Special Features
    Unlike the overseas versions, the Japanese release features beautiful holographic processing and Japanese text with kanji and kana, appealing strongly to collectors.

  • Extremely Limited Circulation
    From the moment of release, it was highly sought after. Most copies went straight into the hands of fans upon opening, meaning only a very small number ever make it back to the market.

  • A Collector’s Dream
    One of the most beautiful illustrations in Pokémon card history, with high artistic value beyond its status as a game card.

  • Current Status in Japan
    Even in the secondhand market, prices remain high, and complete 1st Edition sets are now rarely seen.

  • Value of Being 1st Edition
    “1st Edition” cards carry a printed mark indicating they were part of the initial production run, distinguishing them from later Unlimited editions. The first print run had a strictly limited quantity, making them highly sought after. In the collector’s market, their value remains consistently high. The 1st Edition of the LEGEND series is especially difficult to obtain.

Differences Between the Japanese and Overseas Versions

Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game

  • High Quality and Printing Technology
    Japanese cards are known for their superior cardstock and vibrant printing quality. The precision of the holofoil processing and gold embossing stands out. Compared to overseas editions, the colors are more vivid, and fine lines and patterns are sharply printed.

  • Design and Illustration Differences
    Even for the same card, the artwork can differ between Japanese and overseas releases. Background tones or character expressions may vary slightly, and Japan-exclusive special illustrations are sometimes used.

  • Exclusive Editions & Promo Cards
    Japan has tournament-exclusive or event-distributed cards that were never made available abroad, making them highly coveted overseas.

  • Collectible Value
    Many international collectors find the Japanese text and logos themselves to be appealing. Japanese 1st Edition cards, in particular, are held in especially high regard in the collecting world.

  • As an Investment
    Vintage Pokémon cards often sell for high prices at auction overseas, especially discontinued, first edition, and limited-edition releases. The Lugia LEGEND 1st Edition is no exception.

Comparable Ultra-Rare Cards


Source: Pokémon Trading Card Game

The Lugia LEGEND is one of the flagship cards from the LEGEND Card Series released between 2009 and 2010. This series introduced a never-before-seen concept: combining two separate cards to complete a single, large-scale illustration — a feature that amazed Pokémon fans at the time.

Other Notable LEGEND Cards from the Same Era:

  • Ho-Oh LEGEND (HeartGold Collection)
    Features golden radiance and a divine illustration, rivaling Lugia in popularity.

  • Raikou & Suicune LEGEND (Revived Legends)
    A dynamic design depicting the Legendary Beasts.

  • Entei & Raikou LEGEND (Revived Legends)
    Among the most difficult to obtain of the double LEGEND cards.

Why LEGEND Cards Are So Rare:

  • Short production period — the series ended after about one year, keeping total print numbers low.

  • More valued for their artistic appeal than gameplay utility, leading many buyers to store them immediately for collection purposes.

  • Requires both halves to be meaningful — storing them as a set is difficult, which limits the number of surviving complete pairs.

Among all LEGEND series cards, Lugia LEGEND is especially popular overseas, combining stunning artwork, rarity, and first-edition status into a single collector’s dream.

Conclusion

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