Why Is Base Set Alakazam First Edition Rising Rapidly?
If you have been watching Pokemon card prices lately, you might have noticed something exciting. The First Edition Alakazam from the original Base Set is shooting up in value faster than ever. This holo rare card, numbered 1/102, is a hot item right now, especially in high grades like PSA 10. Collectors are paying top dollar, and sales data shows steady climbs over the past year.[3]
Base Set came out in 1999 as the very first Pokemon trading card set. It kicked off the whole hobby with classic holo cards that fans still love today. Alakazam stands out because it is a powerful psychic Pokemon with cool artwork showing it floating with spoons. The First Edition stamp makes it extra special. These were only printed at the start of the set, so there are not many around in top shape after 25 years.[4]
Recent price jumps tell the story. In early 2025, near mint Shadowless versions sold around 118 pounds, but by late March, they hit 179 pounds or more, with highs up to 224 pounds. That is a big increase in just months. Graded copies are even hotter. Investors see it as a smart buy because Base Set holos like this one keep gaining value as fewer perfect examples pop up.[2][3]
Why the rapid rise? First, nostalgia is huge. Base Set cards remind people of the early Pokemon boom, and Alakazam ties into that magic with its anime vibes. Demand from new collectors entering the vintage market is pushing prices higher. Plus, the card market has matured. People treat these like real investments now, and First Edition Alakazam is called a cornerstone for that reason.[3][4]
Supply plays a role too. High-grade First Editions are rare due to age and play wear. Sites tracking sales show low volume, like just a few trades per year for top grades, which drives prices up when one sells.[1] Compare it to similar cards, like Dark Alakazam from Team Rocket. That one holds steady around 566 dollars for PSA 10, but Base Set’s version is climbing faster thanks to its original set status.[1]
Big money sales add fuel. Past eBay auctions for PSA 10 First Edition Alakazams have topped 600 dollars, and experts predict more growth as the hobby grows. If you own one, hold tight. Check grading options if yours looks sharp. For buyers, watch for fakes, as First Editions get counterfeited often.[3]
This trend fits what is happening across Base Set. Iconic holos are all rising, but Alakazam is leading the pack right now for its mix of power, looks, and rarity. Keep an eye on auction sites for the next big sale.
