被稱為「通訊進化」或「Masaki Promo」的1999年耿鬼卡片之所以極度稀有且難以取得，其背後原因不僅在於其限量發行，更關乎特殊的取得途徑與先天的保存挑戰。這張卡片在寶可夢卡牌歷史上被視為頂級收藏品，特別是PSA 10滿分版本，目前全球僅約83張，可謂收藏界的傳奇。

首先，這張卡片的獲取方式極其繁瑣，屬於官方「通訊進化活動（Masaki Campaign）」的專屬限量贈品，而非一般擴充包可抽取的卡片。玩家必須先從「自動販賣機卡片（Vending Series）」中獲得「鬼斯通」卡片，再取得一張極其罕見的「正輝的電腦（Bill’s PC）」傳單，然後將這兩張卡片一同寄回官方，才能換取進化後的耿鬼。這種模擬遊戲中的「郵寄交換」機制，大幅提高卡片的取得門檻，使得即使在活動當年，也只有少數玩家能成功獲得。

其次，卡片原始包裝方式也導致永久性的保存問題。官方寄回的卡片採用一種獨特的紙卡信封，將卡片四角嵌入紙卡凹槽中以固定位置。然而，這種設計會對卡片角落造成物理壓力，許多卡片的角落因此出現半圓形壓痕，被收藏界稱為「Masaki Marks」。這些先天的包裝痕跡，使得絕大多數流傳至今的卡片難以獲得PSA 10的滿分評級，也直接造成全球滿分耿鬼的數量極其稀少，官方數據僅為83張。

再者，歷史悠久與私人收藏的集中也加劇市場稀缺性。據傳當年僅發行並寄出約 10,000張卡片，在寶可夢卡牌的發行史上屬於極低量級。經過超過25年的時間，許多卡片因保存不當而受損或流失，使得現存狀態良好的卡片大多集中於私人收藏家手中，極少在公開市場上流通。

目前，這張卡片的PSA 10等級在拍賣市場上的價格已超過1萬美元，而部分保存近乎完美的極品更能拍出接近5萬美元的高價，堪稱收藏家眼中的「夢幻逸品」。其稀有性、歷史價值以及特殊的取得故事，使得Masaki Promo耿鬼成為寶可夢卡牌收藏界的頂級象徵，也是一段跨越世代的收藏傳奇。

The 1999 Gengar card, known as the “Masaki Promo” or “Communication Evolution” card, is extraordinarily rare and difficult to obtain. Its scarcity is not only due to its limited issuance but also to its unique acquisition process and inherent preservation challenges. In the history of Pokémon cards, this card is considered a top-tier collector’s item, especially the PSA 10 gem mint version, of which only about 83 exist worldwide—making it a true legend among collectors.

First, the method of obtaining this card was extremely intricate. It was distributed exclusively through the official “Masaki Campaign” and could not be pulled from regular expansion packs. Players had to first obtain a Gastly card from the “Vending Series,” then acquire a rare flyer called “Bill’s PC,” and finally mail both items back to the official organizers in order to receive the evolved Gengar. This “mail-in exchange” mechanism, modeled after the in-game communication system, significantly raised the acquisition barrier, meaning only a select few players managed to secure the card during the original campaign.

Second, the card’s original packaging caused permanent physical effects. When returned by the official organizers, the card was inserted into a unique paper envelope, with each corner pressed into a paper slot for stability. This design applied pressure to the card’s corners, leaving most cards with semi-circular impressions known in the collector community as “Masaki Marks.” These inherent marks make it extremely difficult for surviving cards to achieve a PSA 10 rating, directly explaining why only a tiny number of gem mint Masaki Gengar cards exist worldwide, officially recorded as 83.

Additionally, its historical age and concentration in private collections have further amplified its rarity. It is estimated that only about 10,000 copies were originally issued and mailed out, an exceptionally low number in Pokémon card history. After more than 25 years, many cards have been damaged or lost due to improper storage, leaving most well-preserved examples in the hands of private collectors and rarely circulating in the public market.

Currently, a PSA 10 Masaki Promo Gengar commands prices exceeding $10,000 in auctions, with some near-perfect copies fetching nearly $50,000, making it a “dream piece” for collectors. Its rarity, historical significance, and unique acquisition story have established the Masaki Promo Gengar as one of the most iconic and coveted cards in Pokémon card collecting—a cross-generational legend cherished by enthusiasts worldwide.