Mew

Mew's story is one of mystery and scientific curiosity. It was first discovered deep in the jungles of Guyana, South America, where its DNA was cloned to create the powerful artificial Pokémon, Mewtwo. This backstory, revealed in the first Pokémon movie, cemented Mew's status as a pivotal character in the franchise. Unlike its artificially created counterpart, Mew is a gentle and benevolent creature, often depicted as a guardian of life and a symbol of hope.

For collectors, Mew represents the pinnacle of rarity and nostalgia. Its first appearance as a trading card was as a Black Star Promo card, given out during the Pokémon League in 1999. This 'rookie' card, along with other early holographic and promo versions, are highly coveted by collectors. The allure of Mew cards lies not just in their rarity, but also in the character's significance to the Pokémon lore, making it a cornerstone of any serious collection.

- Focus on acquiring the original 1999 Wizards of the Coast Black Star Promo card #8, as it is considered Mew's 'rookie card'.

- Look for holographic versions of Mew cards, as they tend to hold higher value and are more sought after by collectors.

- Consider getting your high-value Mew cards graded by a reputable service like PSA or Beckett to preserve their condition and increase their market value.

- Explore Japanese promo cards of Mew, as some of them feature unique artwork and are rarer than their English counterparts.