Why Is Base Set Arcanine One of the Fastest Rising Cards?
If you collect Pokemon cards from the original Base Set, you have probably noticed Arcanine picking up speed in price lately. This fiery dog Pokemon, number 23/102 in the holo rare slot, has seen some of the biggest jumps in value among early sets. Collectors on sites like TCGplayer show it spiking in recent weekly reports, moving ahead of many other vintage cards.[1]
One big reason is raw demand from new and old fans. Arcanine has always been a fan favorite thanks to its cool design and strong attacks like Take Down and Flaming Embers. But right now, the market is hot for Base Set holos in good condition. Prices for near mint copies have climbed fast because supply stays low. These cards from 1999 are over 25 years old, and high-grade ones are getting rarer as they get played, stored poorly, or graded by services like PSA.
Recent sales data backs this up. Listings start around a few dollars for beat-up copies, but clean holos are pushing higher every week. For example, TCGplayer’s biggest price spikes list from mid-December highlighted Arcanine as a top mover, with market prices reflecting quick gains.[1] This is not just talk; actual sold values on major marketplaces confirm the upward trend, especially for ungraded cards in solid shape.
Nostalgia plays a huge role too. Base Set brings back memories of the Pokemon boom in the late 90s. Arcanine stands out as an early evolution line from Growlithe, which appeals to players who loved building fire decks back then. With Pokemon TCG exploding again thanks to new sets like Scarlet and Violet, people are hunting originals to complete collections or invest. Even though modern Arcanine cards exist in sets like 151 mini tins, nothing beats the original Base Set shine.[5]
Grading trends add fuel to the rise. More collectors send their Arcanine to PSA or BGS for official scores. A PSA 9 or 10 can multiply value overnight, and the waitlists for grading are long. This pulls ungraded stock off the market, driving prices up for what’s left. Compare it to similar Base Set risers like Charizard or Blastoise; Arcanine offers better entry value while still gaining steam.
Investor interest is another driver. Sites tracking Pokemon prices show Base Set cards as solid holds, and Arcanine fits the profile of an under-the-radar powerhouse. It lacks the hype of legendaries but has steady appreciation, making it smart for budgets under $200. Watch for holiday sales or events that spike searches, as they often lead to short-term pops.
Keep an eye on condition when buying. Look for sharp corners, clean edges, and that classic holo pattern without scratches. Store it in sleeves and top loaders to protect your investment. If you spot a deal now, it could pay off as this card keeps running hot.
