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The makers of Pokémon introduced the world to the Pokémon TCG Diamond & Pearl set during 2007, featuring the Bonsly illustration. On this artwork, Gen IV rock-type appears by artist Harada-san in a somewhat awkward situation. Here, the predecessor to Sudowoodo is depicted toppled and crying. But don't misunderstand, though. As its move Fake Tears, Bonsly aims to influence their opponent's emotions in the hopes of decreasing their offensive power. Unforgettable artwork, no? Harp player Hopkins certainly thinks so. And she's got an album filled with 305 cards of Bonsly as evidence.

Her Complete Set with Key Pieces

But that isn't the full extent either. She's got twenty reverse holographic copies of this particular card, portraying the small Pokémon with shiny foil everywhere but the central artwork. The prized possession, though, 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 an amusing, almost perfect Bonsly card kept in its eternal glory? I didn't think so.

Origins of the Collection

Hopkins has spent much of 2025 stockpiling every 2007 Bonsly card that she could locate. She initially learned about the out-of-print card in recent months, while debating the most cursed cards in the compendium with an employee at her favorite card shop. Omanyte in tears was in the running, as was the forever alone Cubone at the theme park. However, the one that Bonsly crying, also known as the seventeenth card, that caught Hopkins's attention.

The Concept of Bonsly

The design of Bonsly is based by bonsai plants, that are commonly placed in planters that have drainage holes. They are designed to support healthy development, to the extent that growers advise one another to drill holes into their pots if they don't already have one. They can also be positioned on low dishes without holes, known as suiban, where the water stays can help caretakers arrange their bonsai to resemble outdoor scenes. Bonsly is the former, hence the hole.

Why Bonsly Stands Out

Although this makes sense, though, The Pokémon Company appears somewhat a little too concerned regarding the hole in Bonsly. Also, products including stuffed Bonsly make sure to include a hollow cavern on the underside of this plant Pokémon. It makes no difference if the depiction of the Pokémon appears sad or at ease: It will display hole. This hole represents a key element of how Bonsly looks. Bonsly #71 became a meme in collector circles thanks to that drainage hole, as well as its rarity. For years before, Bonsly #71 was the single type of Bonsly card included in the series where many of its monsters usually appear in multiple editions. For sixteen years, should you desire a Bonsly card, you needed to accept with the hole version.

The Collector's Passion

"Upon noticing this card on the list of infamous cards, I realized I located the one for me," Hopkins shares via email, adding that it was unexpected to have never seen it before. She admits freely to tell you her love of Bonsly #71 is completely useless, but she didn't care. The initial interest became an all-consuming hobby, as Hopkins bought every Bonsly #71 card she could possibly find. She soon developed a practice of going to her favorite shop every week, and became known by workers as the Bonsly fan. They started reserving all incoming Bonsly #71 cards that came in aside just for Hopkins. Typically, these cards cost between $1 and $3, she mentions, calculating that she's spent about $400 just on the binder alone.

Market Trends and Value

Nowadays, excellent the card might be valued at nearly $15. While that's on the higher end, run-of-the-mill Bonsly #71 cards are often priced at four dollars or more. The upward trend corresponds to the time Emily began her collection in earnest, but it's possible that multiple reasons. Although Bonsly #71 is well-known among collectors, Hopkins's posts regarding the card have received millions of views. With information regarding Bonsly #71 expands further to new fans, it's possible that the value of these cards could keep rising. Regardless, investors note that trading card game values are skyrocketing in 2025 across the board.

Unstoppable Determination

Emily remains undeterred, yet.

"The wonderful part is that certain fans and viewers from her channel have shipped their Bonsly cards to Emily to add to my collection, and I am keeping these Bonsly safe forever," Hopkins says. Rather than recoil in horror, viewers feel admiration and motivation by this project.

"For years, I wished to attempt something similar," an observer mentions. "Buy up all of a common card|every copy of a common card