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Pokémon creators released the world to the trading card game Diamond and Pearl edition during 2007, showcasing a Bonsly trading card. On this artwork, Gen IV rock-type appears by artist the talented Harada in an unusual situation. Here, Bonsly, which evolves into Sudowoodo can be seen knocked over and crying. However, don't mistake this, however. Like its ability Fake Tears, this Pokémon attempts to manipulate the other player's mood to lowering their offensive power. Unforgettable artwork, no? Electroacoustic harpist Hopkins absolutely agrees. She owns a binder containing over 300 Bonsly cards to prove it.

Her Complete Set with Key Pieces

That's not the whole collection as well. She has acquired 20 reverse holographic editions of the Bonsly card, which depicts the tyke with metallic accents everywhere but the primary illustration. The most valuable item, however, turns out to be the professionally graded PSA 6 reverse holographic Bonsly card. Certainly, it's not a high-grade Charizard illustration. However, can you claim a goofy, nearly pristine Bonsly card maintained forever immortalized? Probably not.

Origins of the Collection

Hopkins has spent most of the current year stockpiling each Bonsly card from 2007 that she could locate. She discovered regarding this discontinued card at the start of the year, during a discussion the most infamous cards in the Pokémon TCG with a worker in a nearby store. Crying Omanyte was a contender, just like Cubone by itself at the theme park. However, the one that Bonsly crying, also known as the seventeenth card, which captured Hopkins's attention.

The Design and Inspiration

Bonsly draws clear inspiration by bonsai plants, which are typically planted in planters featuring holes for drainage. These holes are intended to aid growth, to the extent that enthusiasts advise one another to create openings on the bottom if holes are missing. Additionally, bonsai may sit on low dishes without holes, known as suiban, where the water stays can help enthusiasts style their trees to mimic nature vistas. Bonsly is the former, which explains the hole.

The Infamous Hole Card

Although this makes sense, though, The company appears somewhat a little too concerned about the drainage feature. Even merch like Bonsly plushes make sure to include a hollow cavern below of the tree-like Pokémon. It makes no difference whether the portrayal of this particular Bonsly is weeping or at ease: It will display a hole. This hole represents an intrinsic part in Bonsly's appearance. Card number 71 turned into an internet joke in collector circles thanks to the famous hole, in addition to its rarity. Until recently, Bonsly #71 was the single type featuring Bonsly included in the series in which most Pokémon are typically depicted in multiple editions. For 16 years, were you seeking a card of Bonsly, you were stuck with the hole version.

Emily's Dedication

"Upon noticing this card on the list of infamous cards, I felt I located my new favorite," Hopkins shares over email, mentioning how she felt astonished that she hadn't encountered it earlier. She'll be the first to state her passion for the Bonsly card has no real value, but it didn't matter. The initial interest became a full-blown obsession, as Hopkins bought each available Bonsly card that she could get her hands on. She soon developed a practice of going to her local card shop on a weekly basis, and was dubbed among the staff as the Bonsly collector. The shop started setting aside any recently acquired this specific card it received only for her. Most of these cards cost between $1 and $3, she says, approximating she has invested approximately four hundred dollars only on the album itself.

Market Trends and Value

These days, excellent this Bonsly card might be valued at nearly $15. While that's on the higher end, run-of-the-mill versions usually go for starting at $4. The upward trend roughly aligns with the time Emily began collecting seriously, although there are probably various influences. Even though this card is famous among collectors, Hopkins's posts regarding the card have received countless views. As awareness regarding Bonsly #71 keeps growing to new fans, there's a chance the price of Bonsly #71 cards may continue to shoot up. Regardless, enthusiasts mention how trading card game values are skyrocketing in 2025 in general.

Unstoppable Determination

Hopkins cannot be stopped, however.

"The wonderful part is some supporters and enthusiasts from her channel have sent their own Bonsly cards her way to add to my collection, and I am keeping these cards protected always," she declares. Far from being alarmed, fans are impressed and inspired by her collection.

"I've long desired to try this," one commenter says. "Acquire all of a common card|every copy of a common card