The price difference between a Shadowless Charizard from the original Pokémon Base Set and a 4th Print Charizard from the same set is huge, often running into thousands of dollars depending on condition, with Shadowless versions fetching way more money because they are much rarer and more desirable to collectors.[1] To break it down simply, let’s start from the very beginning of why these cards even exist and what makes one so much pricier than the other.
Back in 1999, when Wizards of the Coast first released the Pokémon Base Set in English, they printed cards in waves to meet the crazy demand from kids and fans everywhere. The very first print run had a special “1st Edition” stamp in the corner, but after that came the unlimited prints. Early unlimited prints included a shadowy outline around the card’s artwork and text, which collectors call “Shadowless” because there’s no shadow—it’s clean and crisp. These Shadowless cards were only made for a short time before Wizards switched to the standard “4th Print” or unlimited version, which has that visible black shadow border around the image and text. The Shadowless ones stopped being printed pretty quickly, maybe just a few months into production, making them scarcer overall.[1]
Charizard, the fiery dragon Pokémon numbered 4/102 in Base Set, became the superstar of the set right away. It’s a holographic rare with that shiny foil that catches the light, showing Charizard breathing flames while perched on a rock. Everyone wanted it, and still does, because Charizard is one of the most iconic Pokémon ever, right up there with Pikachu but way cooler for many fans due to its power and looks. The Shadowless Charizard #4 looks almost identical to the 4th Print one at a glance, but up close, the lack of shadows makes the colors pop more vividly, and the text feels sharper. That tiny difference turns it into a holy grail for serious collectors.[1]
Now, onto the prices, which fluctuate based on real sales from places like eBay and grading services. Grading matters a ton here—companies like PSA slap a number from 1 to 10 on a card’s condition after checking for scratches, centering, edges, and wear under magnification. A raw, ungraded card is cheaper but riskier, while a high-grade PSA 10 is pristine, like it just came off the press.
For a Shadowless Charizard #4, recent market data shows ungraded copies averaging around $688 right now, down a bit from higher peaks but still solid. If it’s graded PSA 7 (decent but with some play), expect about $2,035. PSA 8 goes for $3,070, PSA 9 hits $5,525 (after a recent dip), PSA 9.5 is $7,258 (up lately), and a perfect PSA 10? That’s $24,711, with sales volume super low—like one per year. Heavily played raw ones have sold for $475 on eBay as recently as December 11, 2025.[1] These numbers come from tracking thousands of sales over time, so they’re reliable snapshots.
Switch over to the 4th Print Charizard #4, which is the common unlimited version with the shadows. It’s not from the Celebrations set (that’s a reprint from 2021 that’s way cheaper), but the standard Base Set unlimited print. Prices for these are dramatically lower because they were mass-produced after the Shadowless run ended. Ungraded 4th Prints often sell for $100 to $200 in good shape, sometimes less if beat up. Graded ones: PSA 7 around $125, PSA 8 at $150, PSA 9 $165, PSA 9.5 $170, and PSA 10 about $367. Sales happen way more often, like multiple per day for ungraded.[2] Note that some listings mix up Celebrations Charizard #4, which is even cheaper (PSA 10 around $367 too), but for true Base Set 4th Print, values hover in that ballpark based on historic data—much more affordable for everyday collectors.[1][2]
So, the raw price gap? For ungraded in similar condition, Shadowless is roughly $688 vs. $150 or so for 4th Print—a difference of over $500. Bump it to PSA 9, and it’s $5,525 vs. maybe $165-$300 (depending on exact sales), so over $5,000 more. At PSA 10, Shadowless towers at $24,711 while 4th Print PSA 10s rarely crack $400, meaning a gap of about $24,000. That’s not pocket change; it’s like buying a used car for the Shadowless one.[1][2]
Why such a massive spread? Rarity drives it all. Shadowless cards were printed briefly before Wizards added the shadows, possibly to cut production costs or fix printing issues. No official print numbers exist, but grading population reports back this up—far fewer Shadowless Charizards get high grades compared to unlimited. For example, PSA has graded thousands of Base Set Charizards overall, but Shadowless PSA 10s are ultra-rare, with sales volumes dropping to almost nothing at the top end.[1] Collectors chase that early print prestige, seeing Shadowless as closer to the 1st Edition (which sells for hundreds of thousands, like $550,000 for PSA 10s recently).[4]
Condition plays a huge role in the difference too. Pokémon cards from 1999 yellow with age, especially holos that tarnish or get fingerprints. A Shadowless in rough shape might still outprice a pristine 4th Print because of the variant appeal. Take a heavily played Shadowless at $475 vs. a near-mint 4th Print at $200—the gap holds.[1] Grading slabs protect cards and boost value; a raw Shadowless might gamble on $500-$1,000, but graded it explodes.
Market trends add layers. During the 2020-2021 Pokémon boom, fueled by the pandemic and YouTube openings, Shadowless prices skyrocketed—PSA 10s hit over $40,000 at peaks. They’ve cooled since, with recent dips like PSA 9 down $348, but Shadowless holds strong above 4th Prints.[1] High-end sales, like a 1st Edition Charizard at record highs around $550,000, show the ceiling for top Base Set cards, pulling Shadowless up by association.[4] Everyday sales on eBay keep 4th Prints liquid, with tons moving weekly, while Shadowless trades slower but at premiums.[1][2]
Collectors share stories that highlight this divide. One enthusiast on forums detailed building a full Base Set Charizard collection, snagging a raw Shadowless for trade value that graded well and jumped in worth, while unlimited versions were “pennies on the dollar” even back in 2020-2025 hunts. They paid $2,500 for a gem in late 2024 that soared, underscoring how Shadowless flips the script on value overnight.[5] Shows and local shops buzz with these swaps—Shadowless as the prize
