Why Is Base Set Venusaur First Edition Becoming Untouchable?
If you have been watching Pokemon card prices climb, you know Base Set Venusaur First Edition #15 stands out. Right now, a PSA 10 version sells for $14,761 on average, with even higher peaks like BGS 10 Black Label cards hitting $95,950.[1] Ungraded copies go for $767, and PSA 9s average $5,409.[1] These numbers keep rising, making this card feel out of reach for most collectors. But why is it getting so hard to grab one?
Start with what makes it special. Base Set launched in 1999 as the first Pokemon TCG set, packed with hype around starters like Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise.[5][7] Those foil booster packs with Venusaur on the wrapper turned kids into collectors overnight. First Edition stamps mark the true originals, printed before Wizards of the Coast switched to unlimited runs. Fewer of these exist compared to later prints, and Venusaur as the grass starter completes the iconic trio.[7]
Rarity drives the surge. High-grade examples are tough to find. Population reports show low numbers of PSA 10s, with sales happening just a few times a year.[1] Take a Base Set No Rarity Venusaur PSA 10 that sold for $55,000 in 2021, boosted by a printing error missing the black star and a signature from artist Mitsuhiro Arita.[2] Regular First Edition Venusaur follows suit, with low-volume sales pushing prices up. Compare it to other Base Set holos: while Charizard grabs headlines at $420,000 peaks, Venusaur holds steady value without the same frenzy.[5]
Demand never quits. Nostalgia fuels it. Fans who chased these in 1999 now have money to spend. Venusaur evokes playground battles and binder trades, just like Blastoise or Charizard.[5] Modern collectors chase complete Base Set First Edition runs, and Venusaur fills a key spot. Low supply meets high interest from investors too, who see vintage holding value long-term.[7]
Market trends seal the deal. Prices for grades 7 and up have climbed, with PSA 10 dipping just $1.87 recently but still averaging over $14,000.[1] Shadowless and First Edition versions outpace Jungle set reprints, which stay more affordable.[7] As sets like XY Base Set or Japanese Venusaur decks pull newer buyers, originals like this become trophies.[3][4]
Supply shrinks every year. Cards get lost, damaged, or slabbed forever in PSA cases. With sales as rare as one per week for ungraded and three per year for PSA 10, prices lock in high.[1] If you spot one, act fast, because Venusaur First Edition is pulling away from reach.
