WotC Pokemon Black Star Promos #11–20 — Contests, Variants & Early Rarities
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Time to read 15 min
The Wizards of the Coast Pokemon Black Star Promo Cards represent one of the most unique and nostalgic eras in Pokémon TCG history. Between July 1999 and March 2003, 53 numbered promo cards—plus the iconic Ancient Mew—were released, each with its own completely different origin story. Unlike traditional sets, these cards were never found in booster packs. You had to experience them.
That’s what makes this set so special. No two cards were obtained the same way, and each one is tied to a specific moment in Pokémon’s explosion into global pop culture.
I still remember mine. November 1999. I bought a ticket to see Pokémon: The First Movie, and along with it came a card stamped with a black star and the word “PROMO.” I didn’t fully understand what I had—but I knew it felt different. That feeling is exactly why these cards still hold serious value more than 25 years later—and why protecting them properly matters more than most collectors realize.
Today, the Pokemon Black Star Promo Cards remain one of the most fascinating subsets in the hobby. Some of the biggest hitters—like Dragonite #5, Entei #34, and Ancient Mew—came from movie promotions and now command four-figure prices in PSA 10. And in the case of Ancient Mew, even subtle variations like the “NINTEDO” error can push values even higher. With values like that, long-term preservation—especially protection from UV exposure and surface damage—has become a key part of serious collecting.
What truly sets this collection apart, though, is how you originally got the cards:
Movie theater giveaways (buy a ticket, receive a promo)
Pokémon League participation (earn cards over multiple weeks)
Mail-in offers (send proof of purchase for exclusive promos)
Retail bundle inclusions (packaged with games, guides, or toys)
Magazine promotions (Nintendo Power, TopDeck, and more)
Each Pokemon Black Star Promo Card isn’t just a collectible—it’s a time capsule. A memory tied to where you were, what you were doing, and how you got it. And as collections mature, many collectors are now pairing graded slabs with added protection solutions like PrismGuard Pro to maintain condition, clarity, and long-term value.
Because there are so many unique stories packed into this set, this guide is broken into a multi-part series to give each group of cards the attention they deserve:
Part 1: Black Star Promos #1–10 — The Beginning of the Promo Era
Part 2: Black Star Promos #11–20 — Contests, Variants & Early Rarities
Part 3: Black Star Promos #21–30 — Retail Releases & League Staples
Part 4: Black Star Promos #31–40 — Movie Tie-Ins & Peak Pokémon Mania
Part 5: Black Star Promos #41–53 — The Final Wave & Hidden Gems
Bonus: Ancient Mew — Variants, Errors & One of the Most Unique Cards Ever Printed
Across this series, we’ll break down every card, how it was originally obtained, and what collectors are paying for them today in 2025 and 2026. Whether you’re chasing a complete set, grading your collection, or making sure your cards stay in top condition for years to come—this is the full story behind the WotC Black Star Promos.
Table of contents
Black Star Promos #11–20 — Contests, Variants & Early Rarities Part 2 of this series dives into Black Star Promos #11–20, one of the most unique and collectible stretches in the entire WotC promo run. This group introduces multiple Mewtwo variants alongside some of the rarest distribution methods in the set, including Nintendo Power contests and limited mail-in promotions. Cards like Cool Porygon #15, Computer Error #16, and Dark Persian #17 stand out for their scarcity and unconventional release methods, making them highly desirable among serious collectors. In this section, we break down how each card was obtained, why certain promos are significantly harder to find today, and what they’re worth in 2025–2026. Whether you’re chasing rarity or learning how to store Pokémon cards long term, this segment highlights where exclusivity starts to define value. #11 Eevee #12 Mewtwo #13 Venusaur #14 Mewtwo #15 Cool Porygon #16 Computer Error How to Protect Pokemon Cards #17 Dark Persian #18 Team Rocket's Meowth #19 Sabrina's Abra #20 Psyduck Final Thoughts: Final Thoughts: Where Rarity Starts to Matter Products Featured In This Blog Frequently Asked Questions Related Readings Last Updated: March 20, 2026 - Pricing and market data verified.
Black Star Promos #11–20 — Contests, Variants & Early Rarities
Part 2 of this series dives into Black Star Promos #11–20, one of the most unique and collectible stretches in the entire WotC promo run. This group introduces multiple Mewtwo variants alongside some of the rarest distribution methods in the set, including Nintendo Power contests and limited mail-in promotions. Cards like Cool Porygon #15, Computer Error #16, and Dark Persian #17 stand out for their scarcity and unconventional release methods, making them highly desirable among serious collectors. In this section, we break down how each card was obtained, why certain promos are significantly harder to find today, and what they’re worth in 2025–2026. Whether you’re chasing rarity or learning how to store Pokémon cards long term, this segment highlights where exclusivity starts to define value.
#11 Eevee
- Release Date: June 24, 2000
- Event: Pokemon League (Season 7)
#11 Eevee was the promo for Season 7 of the Pokemon TCG League, which began June 24, 2000. WotC confirmed this in a May 11 live chat, describing it as "a unique mechanic card that has not appeared in Japan." The card's Chain Reaction Poke-Power was actually a mistranslation — it was supposed to activate only when your own Pokemon evolved, but the English text allowed it to trigger when the opponent's Pokemon evolved too. Despite the error, the card was never officially corrected.
Eevee #11 is the reason promos 12-15 are considered Base-Fossil legal but #11 is not — it released two full months after the Team Rocket set, making it technically a Rocket-era promo despite its lower number.
Current Value (as of 3/26): Raw ~$8-$15 | PSA 9 ~$22 | PSA 10 ~$50-$70
#12 Mewtwo
- Release Date: March/April 2000
- Event: Nintendo Power Magazine (Issue #131, April 2000 issue)
This LV. 30 Mewtwo, illustrated by MTG legend Christopher Rush, was included in the April 2000 issue of Nintendo Power magazine. Because magazines typically hit newsstands weeks before their cover date, this card was available sometime in March 2000. A tournament report from April 2 confirms a player was already running four copies in his deck. It was the first Black Star Promo illustrated by a non-Japanese artist, and it remains one of the more visually distinctive cards in the set.
This Mewtwo was illustrated by Christopher Rush — the same artist who created the iconic Black Lotus for Magic: The Gathering. One of the most quietly notable cards in the entire Black Star set.
Current Value (as of 3/26): Raw ~$8-$15 | PSA 9 ~$180 | PSA 10 ~$1100-$1300
#13 Venusaur
- Release Date: March 31, 2000
- Event: Pokemon Trading Card Game Game Boy Color Official Nintendo Power Player's Guide
Venusaur #13 was included with the official Nintendo Power Player's Guide for the Pokemon Trading Card Game Game Boy Color game. A business reply card in the March 2000 issue of Nintendo Power confirmed the guide would be available March 31, 2000. In the video game itself, this Venusaur was the "Phantom Venusaur" — obtainable only via the Card Pop! feature in Japan, and not obtainable at all in the North American version due to a coding bug.
The Venusaur on this card could not be legitimately obtained in the North American version of the Pokemon Trading Card Game Game Boy game — making the physical promo the only way US players could ever own it.
Current Value (as of 3/26): Raw ~$10-$18 | PSA 9 ~$28 | PSA 10 ~$60-$85
The Pokémon Trading Card Game Game Boy Color Official Nintendo Power Player’s Guide was released alongside the Game Boy Color game and served as a comprehensive companion for players learning the mechanics of the Pokémon TCG. Published by Nintendo Power, the guide walks through deck-building strategies, card lists, in-game opponents, and step-by-step progression tips to help players master the game. It also includes detailed explanations of card types, energy management, and battle tactics—making it an essential resource for both beginners and experienced players at the time. Today, the guide is a nostalgic collectible in its own right, especially for fans of the Game Boy Color era and early Pokémon TCG history.
#14 Mewtwo
- Release Date: March 21, 2000
- Event: Pokemon: The First Movie VHS Home Video Release
This LV. 60 Mewtwo was included with the home video release of Pokemon: The First Movie, available beginning March 21, 2000. It features a different illustration from both #3 and #12, making it the third distinct Mewtwo promo in the first 14 cards. Mewtwo LV. 60 was a format-defining competitive card at the time, so players were genuinely excited to get an extra copy through the VHS release. A great tie-in for kids who wanted to relive the movie at home.
Three different Mewtwo promos in the first 14 cards is a record in the Black Star set. No other Pokemon appears more than twice as a numbered promo.
Current Value (as of 3/26): Raw ~$8-$15 | PSA 9 ~$120 | PSA 10 ~$1000-$1300
The Pokémon: The First Movie VHS release brought the franchise’s first theatrical film into homes shortly after its 1999 debut, allowing fans to relive the iconic story of Mewtwo, cloning, and the emotional showdown between Pokémon. Packed with bonus content like short features and promotional previews, the VHS became a must-own for fans during the peak of Pokémon’s popularity. Today, it stands as a nostalgic piece of late-90s pop culture, especially for collectors who remember pairing the movie with its original promotional cards and merchandise.
#15 Cool Porygon
- Release Date: Early April 2000
- Event: Pokemon Stadium Nintendo 64 Console Bundle
Cool Porygon was packed exclusively with a specific Nintendo 64 console bundle that included Pokemon Stadium. The game itself released March 6, but the bundle wasn't available until early April — IGN reported on the bundle's sales impact on April 4, 2000. This means the card was not included with every copy of Pokemon Stadium, only the console bundle, making it less common than most collectors assume. The "Cool" prefix is unique in the entire Black Star set.
Porygon is one of the most controversial Pokemon in the franchise due to the infamous banned anime episode, making this card's cheerful "Cool" branding feel particularly ironic in hindsight.
Current Value (as of 3/26): Raw ~$10-$18 | PSA 9 ~$30 | PSA 10 ~$65-$90
#16 Computer Error
- Release Date: May 13, 2000
- Event: Pokemon League (Season 6)
Computer Error was the promo for Season 6 of the Pokemon TCG League, which ran from May 13 through June 23, 2000. WotC confirmed this in a live chat on May 11, two days before the season began. This is a Trainer card rather than a Pokemon — one of only a handful of non-Pokemon cards in the entire Black Star set. Active League players who attended consistently during this six-week window earned one of the more distinctive promos in the run.
Computer Error is one of only a few Trainer cards in the entire 54-card Black Star set. Most collectors focus on the Pokemon, making the Trainer promos genuinely underappreciated as a collecting sub-category.
Current Value (as of 3/26): Raw ~$5-$10 | PSA 9 ~$15 | PSA 10 ~$30-$38
How to Protect Pokemon Cards
- Release Date: May 1st, 2025
- Event: PrismGuard Pro Debut
PrismGuard Pro is a premium protective solution designed for serious collectors who want to preserve and showcase their cards at the highest level. Built with clarity, durability, and UV resistance in mind, it helps prevent fading, scratches, and long-term damage—ensuring your collection looks as pristine years from now as it does today.
Most collectors assume graded slabs fully protect their cards—but over time, UV light can still fade colors and even discolor labels. That’s exactly why products like PrismGuard Pro exist: to add a true extra layer of defense that standard slabs don’t provide.
Current Value: $19.99
#17 Dark Persian
- Release Date: July/August 2000
- Event: Nintendo Power Magazine Vol. 135 Subscriber Insert
Dark Persian was originally planned for spring distribution tied to the Team Rocket set release, but it was delayed due to a significant misprint — the cards were printed without HP values. Some HP-less error copies escaped into circulation and are genuinely rare. The corrected version was distributed as a subscriber insert in the August 2000 issue of Nintendo Power (Volume 135), which likely hit mailboxes in late July. Subscribers who received their issue by mail got the card; newsstand buyers did not.
The HP-less misprint of Dark Persian #17 is one of the rarest error cards in the entire Black Star set. If you have one, it's worth significantly more than the corrected version.
Current Value (as of 3/26): Raw ~$8-$15 | PSA 9 ~$22 | PSA 10 ~$50-$70
#18 Team Rocket's Meowth
- Release Date: August 5, 2000
- Event: Pokemon League (Season 8)
Team Rocket's Meowth was distributed during Season 8 of the Pokemon TCG League, which began August 5, 2000 — just nine days before Gym Heroes released on August 14. This made it the last Black Star Promo of the Team Rocket era. As a "Team Rocket's" Pokemon, it was distinct from both the "Dark" Pokemon of the Team Rocket set and the "Rocket's" Pokemon of the upcoming Gym sets. Collectors who wanted both this and Dark Persian #17 had to stay active in League through consecutive seasons.
Team Rocket's Meowth was confirmed alongside the Season 8 announcement on August 5, 2000 — the same day it became available. Players showed up to League that day not knowing what they'd earn.
Current Value (as of 3/26): Raw ~$8-$15 | PSA 9 ~$22 | PSA 10 ~$50-$65
#19 Sabrina's Abra
- Release Date: Fall 2000
- Event: Pokemon League (Gym Heroes era)
Sabrina's Abra was distributed through the Pokemon TCG League during the Gym Heroes era of fall 2000. The Japanese original appeared in a Pokemon card guide book, while the English version was a League promo. Sabrina's Abra is part of the Gym Leader series of promos that ran through the Gym sets, giving dedicated League players cards themed around the anime's iconic trainers. The card features the "Sabrina's" naming convention that distinguished Gym Leader Pokemon from standard cards.
Sabrina's Abra was originally a bonus card in a Japanese Pokemon card guidebook — one of the few Black Star Promos that started life as a book insert before becoming a League reward.
Current Value (as of 3/26): Raw ~$6-$12 | PSA 9 ~$20 | PSA 10 ~$45-$60
#20 Psyduck
- Release Date: October 2000
- Event: Nintendo Power Magazine Vol. 137 Subscriber Insert
Psyduck #20 was distributed as a subscriber insert in the October 2000 issue of Nintendo Power (Volume 137). Like Dark Persian #17, it was only available to subscribers who received their issue in the mail — not available at newsstands. Psyduck was one of the most recognizable Pokemon in the anime thanks to Misty's perpetually confused companion, and the promo version carries strong nostalgic weight for collectors who grew up with the show.
Both Dark Persian #17 and Psyduck #20 were exclusive to Nintendo Power subscribers — meaning you had to pay for a magazine subscription just to have a chance at these cards. Kids without subscriptions were simply out of luck.
Current Value (as of 3/26): Raw ~$6-$12 | PSA 9 ~$22 | PSA 10 ~$50-$70
Pokémon’s presence in Nintendo Power magazine played a major role in expanding the franchise’s popularity during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The magazine regularly featured strategy guides, card lists, game walkthroughs, and exclusive previews that helped fans better understand both the video games and the Pokémon Trading Card Game. It also became a key distribution channel for rare promotional cards and special offers, making certain issues highly collectible today. For many fans, Nintendo Power was their go-to source for Pokémon news, tips, and exclusive content during the height of Pokémania.
Final Thoughts: Final Thoughts: Where Rarity Starts to Matter
If Part 1 was about nostalgia and the foundation of promo collecting, Part 2 is where things start to get serious.
Cards #11–20 introduce a different side of the Black Star Promo set—one defined by exclusivity, unconventional distribution, and true collector scarcity. Promos like Cool Porygon #15, Computer Error #16, and Dark Persian #17 weren’t just handed out at events—you had to win, mail in, or go out of your way to get them. And that extra effort is exactly why they stand out today.
This is also the point in the set where not all promos are created equal. Some cards remain relatively accessible, while others have become genuine chase pieces with limited supply and strong long-term upside—especially in high-grade condition.
For collectors, this section marks an important shift: understanding not just what a card is, but how it was distributed becomes critical to understanding its value.
And we’re only getting deeper.
In Part 3, we move into cards #21–30, where retail promotions, league staples, and wider distribution begin to shape the next phase of the Black Star Promo story.
👉 Up next: Black Star Promos #21–30 — where accessibility meets opportunity.
Protect Black Star Promo Cards: Even PSA slabs aren’t immune to UV exposure or surface scuffing—adding an extra layer like PrismGuard Pro helps preserve both card condition and label clarity over time.
Prevent Long-Term Fading: Sunlight and indoor lighting can slowly bleach colors and dull holo patterns—UV-resistant protection keeps your Black Star Promo cards looking as vibrant as the day you got them.
Display Without Risk: Whether you’re showcasing your collection or storing it long-term, PrismGuard Pro lets you enjoy your cards without sacrificing protection or value.
If you want to protect your Pokemon Black Star Promo Cards, you can check out protective cases on our store
The Author: Kyle Reynolds
Kyle Reynolds is a lifelong collector with a passion for both sports cards and Pokémon. With years of experience buying, grading, and preserving collectibles, he focuses on helping collectors protect their cards, understand market value, and build collections that last.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many WotC Black Star Promo cards are there?
Wizards of the Coast produced 53 numbered English Black Star Promo cards between July 1999 and March 2003, plus the unnumbered Ancient Mew, which is widely catalogued as #54. That makes 54 total cards in the WotC Black Star Promo set.
What is the most valuable WotC Black Star Promo card?
Ancient Mew (error version with 'NINTEDO' misprint) is the most valuable, with PSA 10 copies selling for $2,300-$2,550. Among the numbered promos, Dragonite #5 and Entei #34 are standouts, with PSA 10s clearing $892 and $672 respectively.
How did you originally get WotC Black Star Promo cards?
Distribution methods varied widely: movie theater giveaways (Pokemon: The First Movie, Movie 2000, Spell of the Unown), Pokemon League participation, retail bundles with N64 games like Pokemon Snap and Stadium, VHS/DVD releases, and even an airline boarding pass redemption in Japan.
Is Ancient Mew worth grading?
Yes. A raw Ancient Mew sells for around $80, while a PSA 10 consistently clears $1,600-$1,800. The card's unique textured finish is prone to scratching, so gem mint examples are genuinely scarce despite the large print run. Grading is strongly recommended for near-mint copies.
How should I store my graded WotC Black Star Promo cards?
Graded slabs need UV protection beyond what the slab itself provides. UV exposure causes label fade and card bleaching over time. Use protective cases with UV-blocking panels for long-term storage and display, especially for high-value cards like Ancient Mew, Dragonite, and Entei.
Are Black Star Promos still rising in value in 2026
Black Star Promos continue to show strength in 2026, especially for high-grade (PSA 10) copies and rarer distribution cards. Recent sales data shows consistent demand—for example, Pikachu #4 PSA 10 sold for around $775 in March 2026, highlighting ongoing collector interest.
