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The makers of Pokémon unveiled collectors to the Pokémon TCG Diamond & Pearl set back in 2007, including a Bonsly trading card. Within this depiction, Gen IV Rock Pokémon is shown by designer Midori Harada in an unusual position. In the image, this pre-evolution can be seen toppled and shedding tears. But don't misunderstand, yet. Similar to its attack Fake Tears suggests, the little creature attempts to sway their opponent's emotions to reducing their offensive power. Memorable card, isn't it? Harp player Emily Hopkins is a firm believer. She owns an album containing over 300 Bonsly illustrations to show for it.

The Full Collection with Key Pieces

However, that's not the whole collection either. She has acquired a score of reverse foil versions of the Bonsly card, portraying the tyke in reflective foil covering everything except the primary illustration. The most valuable item, yet, turns out to be the professionally graded PSA 6 reverse holographic of Bonsly. Certainly, it isn't a high-grade original Charizard card. However, can you claim a quirky, nearly pristine Bonsly illustration preserved in all its splendor? Probably not.

Origins of the Collection

She invested most of the current year stockpiling all available Bonsly cards from that year that she could locate. She first heard about the out-of-print card at the start of the year, while debating the notoriously odd cards in the compendium with an employee at her favorite card shop. Crying Omanyte was in the running, as was Cubone by itself in an amusement park. Yet it was The sobbing Bonsly, or Bonsly #17, that caught Emily's focus.

Behind Bonsly's Look

The design of Bonsly is based on bonsai trees, which are often grown in pots with holes at the bottom. These holes are intended to aid growth, so much so that fans encourage each other to drill holes on the bottom if they don't already have one. Additionally, bonsai may sit in shallow containers hole-free, called suiban, and the collected moisture could aid caretakers decorate their plants to resemble nature vistas. Bonsly represents the first type, thus the hole exists.

Why Bonsly Stands Out

Although this makes sense, however, The Pokémon Company looks a bit a little too concerned about the drainage feature. Even merchandise like Bonsly plushes ensure they feature an empty space at the bottom of Bonsly. Regardless if the depiction of the Pokémon is weeping or calm: It features a hole. The opening is a fundamental aspect of Bonsly's design. This specific Bonsly card turned into an internet joke in collector circles both due to the famous hole, as well as its status. For years before, the card remained the sole iteration of Bonsly available released in the TCG where many of its monsters are commonly shown in dozens of different ways. Over a decade and a half, should you desire a Bonsly card, you had to settle for hole Bonsly.

A Growing Obsession

"When I discovered Bonsly among the selections of these cursed cards, I felt I discovered my new favorite," Emily states via email, adding that it was unexpected to have missed it until then. She is quick to tell you her love of the Bonsly card has no real value, but it didn't matter. The appreciation turned into a major fixation, as Hopkins bought every Bonsly #71 card available to her. She quickly got into a habit of stopping by the nearby card store on a weekly basis, and was dubbed to the employees as the Bonsly collector. The store began putting any new Bonsly #71 cards it received aside just for Hopkins. Typically, these cards go for a few dollars, she mentions, estimating that she's spent about $400 only on the album itself.

The Financial Side

Currently, mint-condition this Bonsly card can cost up to $14.99. While that's on the higher end, standard copies are often priced at four dollars or more. That price increase corresponds to her starting point building her set, but it's possible that various influences. Even though Bonsly #71 is well-known in the community, Emily's social media updates about it have received a huge audience. As news about this card expands further among more people, it is likely that the value of these cards may continue to shoot up. If nothing else, collectors mention how card market costs are skyrocketing currently in general.

Unstoppable Determination

Hopkins cannot be stopped, though.

"The amazing thing is that a few followers and enthusiasts on social media have sent copies of Bonsly to me for her album, and they will remain these cards protected always," she declares. Instead of being put off, viewers are amazed and encouraged by her collection.

"I've long desired to do this," a viewer notes. "Purchase all of a common card|every copy of a common card