Sandshrew – HeartGold & SoulSilver (#79)

Sandshrew Pokémon card — HeartGold & SoulSilver #79, Common
Illustration Rare artwork showcased in the Scarlet & Violet: HeartGold & SoulSilver expansion.

Price Overview & Key Facts

Sandshrew (#79) is a Common card from HeartGold & SoulSilver - HeartGold & SoulSilver released in 2010. It showcases artwork by Yukiko Baba and the Defense Curl attack, Flip a coin. If heads, prevent all damage done to Sandshrew by attacks during your opponent's next turn.. TCGplayer market price sits around $0.39, Cardmarket average sale is €0.14, Floor listings start near €0.02.

  • TCGplayer market price: $0.39
  • Cardmarket trend price: €0.18
  • Recent low listing: €0.02
Current Prices: €0.18 (CM) $0.39 (TCG)

Card Details

Set
HeartGold & SoulSilver
Card Number
79
Rarity
✨ Common
Illustrator
🎨 Yukiko Baba
HP
60
Type
✊ Fighting
Weaknesses
Water ×2
Resistances
Lightning -20
Retreat Cost
1 (Colorless)
Evolves To
Sandslash

Attacks & Strategy

  • Defense Curl [Colorless]
    Flip a coin. If heads, prevent all damage done to Sandshrew by attacks during your opponent's next turn.
  • Rollout [Fighting] — 10
⚔️ Evolution Strategy: Consider pairing with Sandslash for a complete evolution line in competitive decks.

💎 Collector's Value & Investment Potential

Sandshrew from HeartGold & SoulSilver (Common) represents an interesting addition to any Pokémon TCG collection. Released in 2010, this card features artwork by renowned illustrator Yukiko Baba.

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 Sandshrew 79 is legal for tournament play in Unlimited format.

Key Attack: Sandshrew's Defense Curl for Colorless energy. Special effect: Flip a coin. If heads, prevent all damage done to Sandshrew by attacks during your opponent's next t...

Stats Overview: 60 HP • Fighting Type • Weak to Water ×2 • Resistant to Lightning -20

Players should check the official Pokémon TCG tournament rules for the most current format regulations and card legality status.

� Compare Sandshrew Cards

Looking for other Sandshrew cards to compare? View different versions with varying HP, attacks, and rarity levels.

Set HP Attacks Rarity Avg Price
HeartGold & SoulSilver #79 ← Current 60 2 attacks Common $0.39

Browse all Sandshrew cards →

�📦 HeartGold & SoulSilver Set Context

This Sandshrew is part of the HeartGold & SoulSilver expansion , released as part of the HeartGold & SoulSilver series in 2010.

Artist Spotlight: This card features artwork by Yukiko Baba, 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.

View all chase cards from HeartGold & SoulSilver →

💎 Professional Grading Guide

Professional grading can significantly increase the value of your Sandshrew card. Here's what you need to know:

🥇 PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

Industry standard • Value multiplier: 2-4x

Best for: High-value cards, modern sets

🥈 BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

Subgrades available • Value multiplier: 2-3x

Best for: Premium cards, perfect centering

🥉 CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

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

  • Common cards from HeartGold & SoulSilver are typically short-printed and head straight into collector binders.
  • The illustration by Yukiko Baba resonates with starter collectors, creating consistent search demand for this Bulbasaur variant.
  • Fighting typing keeps this card relevant for themed decks and Grass-type collectors alike.

📚 Card History & Trivia

Release Information: Sandshrew 79 was released in 2010 in the HeartGold & SoulSilver expansion. This set is part of the HeartGold & SoulSilver series, which introduced new gameplay mechanics and collectible cards.

Artist Background: The artwork for this card was created by Yukiko Baba. Professional Pokémon TCG artists undergo rigorous selection and bring unique styles to the game. View complete portfolio →

Set Popularity: HeartGold & SoulSilver is a vintage set that has gained significant collector interest over time, with sealed product and individual cards showing strong appreciation.

Competitive History: Fighting type Pokémon like Sandshrew with versatile attack options provide flexibility in deck building and can adapt to different matchups. Currently legal in Unlimited format.

🛡️ Related Products & Deck Building

Maximize the value and playability of your Sandshrew card with these essential products:

🎴 Card Protection
  • Penny sleeves: Basic protection
  • Perfect fit sleeves: Pre-grading
  • Top loaders: Display & storage
📦 Storage Solutions
  • Binders with side-loading pages
  • Storage boxes (800-count)
  • ETB (Elite Trainer Box) storage
  • Premium display cases
⚔️ Deck Building
  • Pair with Fighting energy cards
  • Energy acceleration trainers
  • Draw support & consistency cards

💡 Deck Building Tip: Sandshrew works best in Fighting type decks. Low energy cost attacks make this card great for aggressive early-game strategies.

🛒 Where to Buy Sandshrew & Explore More

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