The 1st Edition Charizard from the Pokémon Base Set is one of the most famous and valuable trading cards in the world. Collectors and fans often wonder just how rare it is, especially in the highest possible condition: PSA 10, which means the card is in “Gem Mint” condition—essentially perfect, with no flaws visible to the naked eye. Let’s break down exactly how many of these ultra-rare cards exist, why they’re so special, and what that means for collectors.
First, a bit of background. The Pokémon Base Set was released in 1999 by Wizards of the Coast. The 1st Edition Charizard, card number 4/102, is especially sought after because it was only available in the earliest print runs of the set. These cards have a small “1st Edition” stamp on the left side of the artwork, and the ones without a shadow around the artwork border are called “Shadowless.” Both features make the card even more desirable.
Now, to the main question: How many 1st Edition Charizards are graded PSA 10? According to the most recent population report from PriceCharting, which tracks the number of cards graded by PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), there are 123 PSA 10 1st Edition Charizards in existence as of the latest monthly update[1]. This number is updated regularly, but it has remained extremely low for years, reflecting just how difficult it is to find a card in perfect condition from a set printed over 25 years ago.
To put that number in perspective, let’s look at the full grading distribution for this card. Here’s how many cards have received each PSA grade:
PSA 1: 186
PSA 2: 199
PSA 3: 356
PSA 4: 519
PSA 5: 682
PSA 6: 796
PSA 7: 573
PSA 8: 693
PSA 9: 729
PSA 10: 123[1]
As you can see, the number of PSA 10s is tiny compared to the total number of graded cards. Even PSA 9s, which are still considered “Mint,” are almost six times more common than PSA 10s. This rarity is a big part of why PSA 10 1st Edition Charizards command such high prices—often well over $10,000 each, with recent sales averaging around $11,364[3].
Why are there so few PSA 10s? Several factors contribute to this. First, the card is over two decades old. Even if it was kept in perfect condition, the printing quality in 1999 wasn’t as consistent as it is today. Cards could come out of the pack with slight imperfections—tiny nicks, off-center cuts, or printing flaws—that would prevent them from getting a PSA 10 grade. Second, many cards were played with, traded, or stored poorly, leading to wear and tear over time. Even cards that were kept in collections might have suffered from humidity, sunlight, or other environmental factors that degrade the card’s condition.
The difficulty of achieving a PSA 10 is highlighted by collectors’ experiences. Some have opened fresh packs, sent the cards straight to PSA, and still only received grades of 8 or 9, not 10[2]. This shows that even “pack fresh” doesn’t guarantee a perfect grade, because the card might have left the factory with minor flaws. The chance of a 1st Edition Charizard grading as a PSA 10 is estimated to be under 40%, and in reality, it’s probably much lower given the actual population numbers[2].
The market for these cards is intense. Because there are so few PSA 10s, whenever one comes up for sale, it can attract dozens of bids and sell for a small fortune[2]. The price difference between a PSA 9 and a PSA 10 is enormous—thousands of dollars—because collectors are willing to pay a premium for that perfect grade. This isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s about owning a piece of history in the best possible condition.
It’s also worth noting that the number of PSA 10s isn’t likely to increase much in the future. Most of the existing 1st Edition Charizards have already been graded, and the ones that haven’t are probably not in perfect condition. Every now and then, a new PSA 10 might pop up, but it’s a rare event. The population report is updated monthly, so the number can change, but it’s been stable at around 123 for some time[1].
For collectors, this means that if you want a PSA 10 1st Edition Charizard, you’re competing with a very small pool of available cards. The rarity, combined with the card’s iconic status, ensures that prices will likely stay high for the foreseeable future. Even as the Pokémon card market goes through ups and downs, the 1st Edition Charizard PSA 10 remains a “holy grail” for many.
In terms of medical or health-related information, there’s nothing directly relevant to the topic of PSA 10 1st Edition Charizards. However, it’s always important for collectors to be aware of the potential for stress or financial strain when dealing with high-value collectibles. If you ever feel overwhelmed by the hobby, it’s a good idea to talk to a trusted friend, family member, or a professional counselor. There are no authoritative medical sources linking Pokémon card collecting to health issues, but general advice from organizations like the American Psychological Association suggests that hobbies should be enjoyable and not a source of significant stress.
To sum up the numbers: there are 123 PSA 10 1st Edition Charizards known to exist as of the latest population report[1]. This extreme rarity, combined with the card’s legendary status, makes it one of the most coveted collectibles in the world. Whether you’re a serious collector or just a fan, the story of the PSA 10 1st Edition Charizard is a fascinating example of how rarity, condition, and nostalgia can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
