There is no publicly available exact count of how many 4th print Blastoise cards from the Pokémon Base Set have received a PSA 10 grade, as PSA does not release population reports broken down by specific print runs like 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th prints for individual cards. However, based on market data from sales tracking sites, the 4th print Blastoise #2 (unlimited holo from the original Base Set released in 1999) shows very low PSA 10 population implied by its sales volume of just 1 sale per month, suggesting a small number exist in that condition compared to earlier prints.[2]
Let’s dive deep into this topic to understand why it’s tricky and what we do know. Pokémon collecting has exploded over the years, turning old kids’ cards into serious investments. Blastoise, the powerful final evolution of Squirtle, is card #2 in the iconic Base Set from 1999. This set came in different print runs to meet demand. The 1st edition had that special stamp and is super rare. Then came shadowless prints without the shadow under the artwork, followed by unlimited prints including 2nd, 3rd, and 4th prints. The 4th print is one of the later unlimited versions, marked by specific dots or indicators in the fine print at the bottom of the card that collectors use to tell them apart. These print runs helped Wizards of the Coast keep producing cards as the game boomed, but later prints like the 4th are often seen as less desirable because they’re more common overall.
Why care about PSA 10 specifically? PSA, or Professional Sports Authenticator, is the gold standard for grading cards. A PSA 10 means gem mint condition – perfectly centered, sharp corners, flawless surface, no print defects. Getting a 4th print Blastoise to PSA 10 is tough because these cards are from the late 90s, handled by tons of kids, stored in bike spokes or sleeves with dirt. High grades make cards skyrocket in value. For example, recent sales data shows a PSA 10 4th print Blastoise selling around $3,730, with recent comps like $3,730 on the high end after a bump up, but that’s way less than the $18,000-plus for a 1st edition PSA 10.[1][2]
Population reports are key here, but PSA’s public pop report for Base Set Blastoise #2 unlimited doesn’t split by print run. If you check PSA’s site directly, you’d see total PSA 10s for the card number, but collectors debate how many are 4th prints versus earlier ones. From tracking sites, the sales volume tells a story. Unlimited Blastoise #2 has PSA 10 sales at about 1 per month, sometimes less, unlike ungraded ones selling daily or lower grades moving every day.[2] This low volume hints at scarcity in top condition. Some collector forums estimate total graded PSA 10 unlimited Blastoise (all prints combined) in the low hundreds, but 4th prints make up maybe 10-20% based on submission patterns, since earlier prints get slabbed more often. That’s not official, just from years of auction watching.
To spot a 4th print Blastoise, look closely at the card’s bottom text. It says “©1995, 96, 98, 99 Wizards” or similar, and the bullet points or dots align in a specific way – four solid dots or a unique pattern that differs from 2nd or 3rd prints. Photos from sales show these details, and sites track them separately. Price-wise, a raw 4th print might go for $65 ungraded, jumping to $225 for PSA 8, $539 for PSA 9, $587 for 9.5, and that $3,730 peak for 10.[2] Compare to 1st edition: their PSA 10s are rarer still, with only 3 sales per year at $18k average.[1]
Why so few PSA 10s? Print quality on later runs like 4th print wasn’t always perfect. Centering issues, surface scratches from mass production, and age wear mean most survivors are beat up. Submitters chase high grades, but crossovers from BGS or CGC sometimes boost numbers. Recent sales include a CGC 2.5 at $44, showing low grades are plentiful, but top tier? Rare. Volume data: PSA 9.5 sells 2 per month, PSA 10 just 1.[2]
Digging into history, Base Set launched January 1999 in the US. 1st edition ran out fast, shadowless followed, then unlimited with print runs marked by subtle changes. 4th print came late 1999, flooding the market. Total Base Set print run? Estimates say over 10 million cards across all, but per rare holo like Blastoise, maybe 100,000-200,000 copies each print run early on, tapering later. Survival rate to PSA 10? Tiny fraction, like 0.01% for old cards. For 4th print specifically, maybe dozens in PSA 10 exist, based on sales pace. If 1 sells monthly and supply lasts years, pop could be 50-100, but that’s a guess from data patterns.[2]
Collectors hunt these for complete print run sets. Value holds because Blastoise is a fan favorite – massive turtle with cannons, 120 HP, epic attacks like Hydro Pump. In competitive play back then, it dominated water decks. Today, nostalgia drives demand. A PSA 10 4th print might not hit 1st ed prices, but at $3k+, it’s no joke for a “common” print.
Market trends show ups and downs. PSA 10 price dipped recently to $3,730 from higher, with a $531 bump on one sale, but overall soft.[2] Volume stays low: 1 sale/month versus daily ungradeds. This scarcity keeps it exciting. Some flippers crack 9.5s hoping for 10 crosses, but success rate low.
Beyond sales, auction houses like Heritage or Goldin rarely list 4th prints specified, lumping as unlimited. eBay comps from 2024 show PSA 10s around $3k, confirming pattern.[2] If you’re hunting one, check recent sold listings on tracking sites – photos reveal print marks.
Grading tips for your own: Clean gently, top loader it young, submit to PSA bulk for savings. But expect rejects – centering off by 60/40 kills 10 dreams. Population grows slowly as more submit, but 4th prints lag behind shadowless.
In the broader Pokémon world, Blastoise pops up in modern sets too, like Scarlet & Violet 151’s ex #200, with PSA 10s at $325 and higher volume (2 sales/day raw).[3] But that’s not Base Set. Sticking to original, 4th print remains niche treasure.
Supply factors: Many 4th prints got played hard, lost, or destroyed. Hoarders sit on slabs, slowin
