Metapod – FireRed & LeafGreen (#39)
Price Overview & Key Facts
Metapod (#39) is an Uncommon card from EX - FireRed & LeafGreen released in 2004. It showcases artwork by Atsuko Nishida and the Sharpen attack (20 damage). TCGplayer market price sits around $1.58, Cardmarket average sale is €0.79, Floor listings start near €0.25.
- TCGplayer market price: $1.58
- Cardmarket trend price: €1.24
- Recent low listing: €0.25
Card Details
- Set
- FireRed & LeafGreen
- Card Number
- 39
- Rarity
- ✨ Uncommon
- Illustrator
- 🎨 Atsuko Nishida
- HP
- 80
- Type
- 🌿 Grass
- Weaknesses
- Fire ×2
- Retreat Cost
- 2 (Colorless, Colorless)
- Evolves To
- Butterfree
Abilities
-
Energy Protection
Any damage done to Metapod by attacks is reduced by 10 for each Energy attached to Metapod. You can't reduce more than 30 damage in this way.
Attacks & Strategy
- Sharpen [Colorless, Colorless] — 20
💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential
Metapod from FireRed & LeafGreen (Uncommon) represents an interesting addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2004, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator Atsuko Nishida.
Market Trends: Current market conditions show moderate interest in this card.
Investment Considerations: Vintage cards from this era have shown strong long-term appreciation potential.
⚔️ Competitive Play & Tournament Viability
This Metapod 39 is legal for tournament play in Unlimited format.
Key Attack: Metapod's Sharpen deals 20 damage for Colorless + Colorless energy.
Stats Overview: 80 HP • Grass Type • Weak to Fire ×2
Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.
� Compare Metapod Cards
Looking for other Metapod cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.
| Set | HP | Attacks | Rarity | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FireRed & LeafGreen #39 ← Current | 80 | 1 attack | Uncommon | $1.58 |
�📦 FireRed & LeafGreen Set Context
This Metapod is part of the FireRed & LeafGreen expansion , released as part of the EX series in 2004.
Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by Atsuko Nishida, whose distinctive illustration style has made their cards highly collectible. Explore more cards illustrated by this artist to discover similar art styles and collecting themes.
💎 Professional Grading Guide
Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Metapod card. Here's what you need to know:
Industry standard • Value multiplier: 2-4x
Best for: High-value cards, modern sets
Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 2-3x
Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering
Fast turnaround • Value multiplier: 1.5-3x
Best for: Budget-friendly option, bulk
💡 Should You Grade This Card?
- Yes, consider grading if: Card value exceeds $20 and is in excellent condition
- Grading cost: $20-100+ per card (depending on service level)
- Break-even point: Card should be worth $50+ raw to justify grading costs
- Turnaround time: 2 weeks to 6 months depending on service
Collector Notes
- Uncommon cards from FireRed & LeafGreen are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
- The illustration by Atsuko Nishida resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
- Grass typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.
📚 Card History & Trivia
Release Information: Metapod 39 was released in 2004 in the FireRed & LeafGreen expansion. This set is part of the EX series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.
Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by Atsuko Nishida. Professional Pokémon TCG artists undergo rigorous selection and bring unique styles to the game. View complete portfolio →
Set Popularity: FireRed & LeafGreen is a vintage set that has gained significant collector interest over time, with sealed product and individual cards showing strong appreciation.
Competitive History: Grass type Pokémon like Metapod have carved out niches in various competitive formats throughout Pokémon TCG history. Currently legal in Unlimited format.
🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building
Maximize the value and playability of your Metapod card with these essential products:
- Penny sleeves: Basic protection
- Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
- Top loaders: Display & storage
- Binders with side-loading pages
- Storage boxes (800-count)
- ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
- Premium display cases
- Pair with Grass energy cards
- Energy acceleration trainers
- Draw support & consistency cards
💡 Deck Building Tip: Metapod works best in Grass type decks. Low energy cost attacks make this card great for aggressive early-game strategies.