Pokemon Base Set stands as the cornerstone of modern trading card collecting. Released in 1999, it introduced Western audiences to the phenomenon that would reshape the hobby entirely. These early prints captured the original 151 creatures in their debut cardboard form, making Base Set the reference point against which all Pokemon cards are measured. Collectors and players alike pursued complete sets with fervor that defined the era. Squirtle, one of the three starter Pokemon, appears here in its classic pose—the water-type turtle ready for battle. This card represents the accessible charm that drew millions into collecting, featuring iconic artwork that remains instantly recognizable decades later. Base Set Squirtle endures as a foundational piece for anyone building a meaningful Pokemon collection.