The question of how many 1st Edition Venusaur cards exist is one that fascinates collectors, investors, and fans of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. To answer it thoroughly, we need to look at the history of Pokémon cards, how print runs worked in the late 1990s, and what experts and the community have pieced together over the years. This article will break down everything in simple, clear language, so even someone new to the hobby can understand.
First, let’s clarify which Venusaur card we’re talking about. The most famous and valuable is the Venusaur from the 1999 Pokémon Base Set, specifically the 1st Edition version with the shadowless border. This is card number 15/102 in the set. There are other Venusaur cards, like Erika’s Venusaur from the Gym Challenge set, but these are much less rare and valuable compared to the Base Set 1st Edition[1]. For this article, we’ll focus on the Base Set 1st Edition Venusaur.
To understand how many of these cards exist, we need to know how Pokémon cards were printed and distributed in 1999. The Pokémon Trading Card Game was first released in Japan in 1996, but it didn’t reach North America until 1999. The English-language Base Set was printed by Wizards of the Coast, the same company that made Magic: The Gathering. When the game launched in the U.S., it was a massive hit, and cards were printed in huge numbers to meet demand. However, not all cards were printed equally.
The Base Set was released in several waves. The first print run is what collectors call “1st Edition.” These cards have a small “1st Edition” stamp on the left side of the card, below the illustration. After the 1st Edition run sold out, Wizards of the Coast printed more cards without the stamp—these are called “Unlimited” cards. There was also a short print run between 1st Edition and Unlimited called “Shadowless,” which lack the shadow on the right side of the card’s artwork box but also don’t have the 1st Edition stamp. The 1st Edition cards are the rarest and most sought-after.
Now, here’s where it gets tricky: Wizards of the Coast never released official numbers for how many 1st Edition Base Set cards were printed. This is common in the trading card industry—companies rarely disclose print runs to maintain collectibility and mystery. So, collectors and experts have had to estimate based on sales data, population reports from grading companies, and comparisons with other trading card games.
One way to estimate the number of 1st Edition Venusaur cards is to look at population reports from grading companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) and BGS (Beckett Grading Services). These companies grade cards for condition and keep public databases of how many cards they’ve graded. As of 2025, PSA has graded a few hundred 1st Edition Venusaur cards across all conditions. For example, there are about 200–300 PSA-graded 1st Edition Venusaur cards known to exist. But this is just the number that have been submitted for grading—many more are likely sitting in collections ungraded, or were lost, damaged, or thrown away over the years.
To get a rough total, experts often multiply the number of graded cards by a factor to account for ungraded copies. A common estimate is that for every graded card, there might be 5 to 10 ungraded ones. If we use the higher end of that estimate, there could be around 2,000 to 3,000 1st Edition Venusaur cards in existence today. But this is just an educated guess—no one knows for sure.
Why is the number so uncertain? Because the print run was huge, but so was the player base. Millions of Base Set packs were printed, but Venusaur was one of three starter Pokémon (along with Charizard and Blastoise), so it was included in every pack that featured a holographic rare. Still, not every pack had a holographic card, and not every holographic card was Venusaur. The exact ratio is unknown, but it’s safe to say that Venusaur was printed in the tens of thousands, at least, during the 1st Edition run.
Over time, many of these cards were played with, damaged, lost, or thrown away. The ones that survive in good condition are much rarer, which is why high-grade examples (like PSA 10) can sell for thousands of dollars[2]. The majority of surviving cards are in played condition, which is why you’ll see prices for “moderately played” cards in the $600–$700 range[3].
It’s also worth noting that the 1st Edition Venusaur is not the rarest Pokémon card by any means. There are cards like the Prerelease Raichu, of which only a handful are known to exist, and which have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars[4]. But among the regular Base Set cards, 1st Edition Venusaur is one of the more desirable and valuable, especially in top condition.
So, to sum up the numbers: based on grading population reports and collector estimates, there are likely between 2,000 and 3,000 1st Edition Venusaur cards still in existence today, with only a few hundred professionally graded. The exact number will never be known unless Wizards of the Coast releases official records, which is very unlikely.
If you’re a collector, the value of your 1st Edition Venusaur depends heavily on its condition. A card that’s been played with and shows wear might sell for a few hundred dollars, while a pristine, gem-mint example could fetch several thousand[2][3]. The market for these cards is active, with sales happening regularly, but the supply is limited and shrinking as cards are lost or damaged over time.
In terms of health and safety, it’s important to note that handling old trading cards generally doesn’t pose any medical risks. However, if you have allergies to dust or mold, or if you’re handling cards that have been stored in damp conditions, you might experience minor irritation. Always wash your hands after handling old collectibles, and if you have respiratory issues, consider wearing a mask when sorting through large collections. There are no authoritative medical sources linking Pokémon cards to specific health risks, but basic hygiene and caution with old paper products are always wise.
The story of the 1st Edition Venusaur is a great example of how rarity, condition, and nostalgia drive the value of collectibles. While we may never know the exact number of these cards that were printed, the combination of limited supply and high demand ensures that the 1st Edition Venusaur will remain a prized piece of Pokémon history for years to come.
