Set Overview
Gym Heroes was the first set built around the Kanto Gym Leaders. It introduced “Owner’s Pokémon” — cards like Brock’s Rhydon, Misty’s Tentacruel and Sabrina’s Gengar — along with Gym-themed Trainers and Stadiums.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 14, 2000 (English) · adapted from the Japanese Gym sets |
| Publisher | Wizards of the Coast |
| Total Cards | 132 cards (91 Pokémon · 35 Trainers · 6 Energy) |
| Holographic Rares | 14 (cards 1–14, including Sabrina’s Gengar & Blaine’s Moltres) |
| Set Symbol | The Gym set symbol, bottom-right of the artwork |
| Notable Printings | 1st Edition · Unlimited |
| Key Chase Card | Sabrina’s Gengar 14/132 (Holo) |
About the Set
Each card belongs to a Gym Leader (or Team Rocket), and the set added new mechanics around those owners. Cards 1–14 are the holographic rares, led by Sabrina’s Gengar and Blaine’s Moltres. The set uses the Gym set symbol in the bottom-right of the artwork.
How to identify it: look for the Gym symbol in the bottom-right corner. 1st Edition copies carry the “1st EDITION” stamp on the lower-left.
Printings: 1st Edition & Unlimited
Each card exists in two main printings. The difference is the single biggest factor in value, so it is worth checking before you buy.
| Printing | How to spot it | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Edition | A black "1st EDITION" stamp on the lower-left of the artwork. The first, smaller print run. | First run — most valuable |
| Unlimited | No stamp. Otherwise identical to the 1st Edition card. | The main, long run — most common |
| "No symbol" error | On some first-run non-holo rares, the rarity symbol in the bottom-right was left off. Corrected later. | Scarcer than the standard rare |
Quick check: a 1st Edition stamp on the lower-left means the first run; no stamp means Unlimited.
Complete Card Gallery
All 132 cards from Gym Heroes. Click any card to view it full size — use the arrow keys (or swipe) to move through the set.
Key Cards
The Gym Leader holos are the highlights, with Sabrina’s Gengar the most iconic card in the set.
| Card | Name | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
 |
Sabrina’s Gengar 14/132 Holographic Rare | The set’s most iconic card, with a strong Psychic attack and popular artwork. |
 |
Blaine’s Moltres 1/132 Holographic Rare | A popular Fire holo and the set’s card #1. |
 |
Misty’s Tentacruel 10/132 Holographic Rare | A recognisable Water holo from the Gym Leader line-up. |
 |
Brock’s Rhydon 2/132 Holographic Rare | A hard-hitting Fighting holo owned by Brock. |
Promo Cards
By the Gym Heroes era (late 2000), the Wizards Black Star Promos had reached the #40s. They were not part of any set — the series ran to 53 cards across the WotC era — but these are from the same window.
Wizards Black Star Promos use their own numbering (#1–#53) and carry a black star where a set symbol would be.
Collecting & Where to Buy
Gym Heroes is out of print and trades only on the secondary market. 1st Edition holos like Sabrina’s Gengar carry the biggest premiums; Unlimited non-holos are inexpensive.
Collector tip: check 1st Edition vs Unlimited (the stamp on the lower-left) and confirm the printing before paying a premium on the holos.
Note: external links are provided for reference only. Always confirm a card's printing, condition and authenticity before purchasing.