The 5 Most Valuable 1st Edition Base Set Pokémon Cards

The 1999 Base Set is where Pokémon cards began, and its 1st Edition holos are the most coveted vintage cards in the hobby. In perfect PSA 10 condition they sell for five and six figures — sometimes more than a house. Here are the five most valuable, and what they're worth today.

About these values: figures below are approximate PSA 10 (Gem Mint) market ranges as of mid-2026. Vintage graded prices are volatile and auction-driven, and special-label or pedigree slabs sell for multiples of these numbers — always check recent sold listings before buying or selling.

1. Charizard — 4/102

PSA 10 value: ~$300,000–$550,000

The most famous trading card in the world. The 1st Edition Base Set Charizard set a record $550,000 at Heritage Auctions in late 2025, beating the previous $420,000 high from 2022 — and a special "Logan Paul break" copy crossed $954,000. With only around 124 graded PSA 10, it's the undisputed crown jewel of the hobby.

2. Blastoise — 2/102

PSA 10 value: ~$90,000–$140,000

The Water-type starter and a member of the iconic Base Set trio. Blastoise is a clear second to Charizard, with recent PSA 10 sales landing in the low-to-mid six figures and roughly 100 copies in gem-mint condition.

3. Venusaur — 15/102

PSA 10 value: ~$50,000–$75,000

The Grass-type starter completes the set's legendary trio. Venusaur tends to sit just behind Blastoise — a five-figure card in top grade that anchors any serious vintage collection alongside its two evolved-starter siblings.

4. Chansey — 3/102

PSA 10 value: ~$40,000–$55,000

The dark horse of the set. Chansey isn't a marquee chase Pokémon, but it's one of the hardest cards in Base Set to grade gem mint — with a PSA 10 population of only around 48 copies, scarcity alone pushes it into the same tier as the starters. A perfect example of how population, not just popularity, drives value.

5. Mewtwo — 10/102

PSA 10 value: ~$20,000

The Psychic legend rounds out the top five, trading around the $20,000 mark in PSA 10 — roughly level with fellow holos like Alakazam and Gyarados. Still a genuine grail, and a more attainable entry point into 1st Edition holos than the starters.

What makes a card "1st Edition"

Every card above is worth a fortune only in 1st Edition. Here's how to tell what you have:

• The "1st Edition" stamp — a small black stamp on the lower-left of the artwork. No stamp means it's an Unlimited (or Shadowless) print.
• Shadowless — all 1st Edition cards lack the drop shadow along the right edge of the art box. Unlimited cards added that shadow.
• Condition is everything — centering, edges, surface, and print lines all matter enormously. The gap between a PSA 9 and a PSA 10 on these cards can be tens of thousands of dollars.

If you want to check exactly which Base Set card you're holding, our Base Set database page lists all 102 cards with images and numbers.

The bottom line

1st Edition Base Set is the bluest of blue-chip Pokémon. The starter trio — Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur — leads the way, with Chansey's scarcity and Mewtwo's icon status rounding out the top five. The catch is condition: these prices are for flawless PSA 10 copies, and gem-mint survivors are vanishingly rare.

Think you've got vintage holos tucked away? Before you grade or sell, it pays to know what you're holding — and if you'd rather cash out than chase a grade, send us your list for a fair, no-hassle offer. For modern chase cards, see our guide to the most valuable Sword & Shield cards.