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The makers of Pokémon introduced the world to the trading card game DP set in the year 2007, showcasing the Bonsly illustration. In this card, the fourth generation stone creature is portrayed by artist the talented Harada in an unusual situation. Here, Bonsly, which evolves into Sudowoodo appears toppled and shedding tears. But don't misunderstand, however. Like its ability the move Fake Tears, this Pokémon is trying to influence their opponent's emotions in the hopes of reducing their attack. Iconic piece, right? Musician and harpist Emily is a firm believer. And she's got an album containing over 300 cards of Bonsly to show for it.

The Full Collection and Its Highlights

However, that's not the whole collection either. She obtained 20 reverse holographic editions of this particular card, which depicts the little guy with shiny foil covering everything except the central artwork. The most valuable item, however, proves to be the PSA 6-rated reverse holographic Bonsly edition. Sure, it's far from a mint-condition Charizard illustration. But do you have a quirky, close to mint Bonsly card kept in its eternal glory? I thought as much.

How It All Began

Emily dedicated a large part of this year gathering each Bonsly card from 2007 that she could locate. She first heard regarding this discontinued card earlier this year, during a discussion the most infamous cards among collectors with an employee at a local shop. Omanyte in tears was in the running, just like the lonely Cubone in an amusement park. Yet it was Crying Bonsly, or the seventeenth card, which captured Hopkins's attention.

The Concept of Bonsly

Bonsly draws clear inspiration from miniature trees, which are typically planted in pots that have drainage holes. These holes are intended to support healthy development, so much so that fans advise one another to drill holes into their pots when none are present. Additionally, bonsai may sit in shallow containers without holes, known as suiban, where the water stays may assist caretakers decorate their plants to resemble natural landscapes. Bonsly represents the first type, hence the hole.

Why Bonsly Stands Out

Although this makes sense, though, The Pokémon Company seems almost excessively attentive regarding the hole in Bonsly. Also, products like Bonsly plushes make sure to include an empty space below of Bonsly. It doesn't matter whether the portrayal of Bonsly in question is weeping or at ease: It's going to show the hole. This hole represents an intrinsic part in Bonsly's appearance. Bonsly #71 became a meme within the community thanks to its distinctive hole, as well as its status. For years before, this Bonsly card remained the sole iteration featuring Bonsly released in the TCG where numerous creatures are typically depicted in multiple editions. For 16 years, were you seeking a card of Bonsly, you were stuck for hole Bonsly.

The Collector's Passion

"Upon noticing Bonsly among the selections of oddball cards, I felt I discovered the one for me," she explains over email, mentioning how it was unexpected that she hadn't encountered it earlier. She admits freely to state her fondness for Bonsly #71 serves no practical purpose, but she didn't care. The liking evolved into a major fixation, with Emily purchasing each available Bonsly card available to her. She soon developed a routine of going to her local card shop regularly, and earned the nickname among the staff as the Bonsly fan. They started setting aside any recently acquired Bonsly #71 cards that came in only for her. Typically, these cards go for a few dollars, she says, calculating that she has invested approximately four hundred dollars only on the album itself.

Market Trends and Value

Currently, mint-condition Bonsly #71 cards might be valued at around fifteen dollars. While that is a premium price, standard copies are often priced at starting at $4. This rise in cost more or less coincides with the time Emily began collecting seriously, but it's possible that multiple reasons. While it's true that this card is famous among collectors, Hopkins's posts on it have also garnered a huge audience. With information regarding Bonsly #71 expands further among more people, there's a chance the value of these cards may continue to shoot up. Regardless, collectors say that trading card game values are soaring currently overall.

Unstoppable Determination

Nothing can halt her, however.

"What's incredible is certain fans and enthusiasts of the YouTube channel have shipped their own Bonsly cards to me to add to my collection, and they will remain these cards protected always," Hopkins says. Rather than recoil in horror, the audience are impressed and inspired by her Bonsly binder.

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