Why Is Base Set Caterpie Getting More Expensive Over Time?
If you collect Pokemon cards from the original Base Set, you might have noticed something interesting about Caterpie, the little green bug at card number 45. This common card from 1999 used to sell for just a few bucks in graded condition, but lately, its prices keep climbing. A PSA 7 graded Base Set Unlimited Caterpie sold for $6.84 back in April 2024, then jumped to $14.99 by October 2024, and even hit $18 in March 2024 for a CGC 7 version.[1] Prices for higher grades like CGC 9.5 reached $14.99 as recently as January 2025.[1] So what is driving this up?
One big reason is its status as an error card. In the 1st Edition and Shadowless prints of Base Set Caterpie, the HP is printed as “HP 40” instead of the standard “40 HP.” The same issue happens with Metapod, listed as “HP 70” instead of “70 HP.” These printing mistakes make the cards stand out to serious collectors who hunt for rare variations.[6] Error cards like these are not super common, but they add a fun story to an otherwise basic common. As more people learn about them, demand grows, especially for well-preserved copies.
Base Set cards in general are getting harder to find in top shape. The original print runs from Wizards of the Coast are old now, over 25 years, and many have worn out from play or poor storage. Graded versions in PSA 7 or better prove condition, and with fewer pristine ones available, prices rise naturally. Look at the sales history: a PSA 7 went for $11.43 in May 2023, but by early 2024, similar ones pushed past $18.[1] Unlimited prints are more common than 1st Edition or Shadowless, but even those are seeing steady increases.
Nostalgia plays a part too. Caterpie is the baby form of Butterfree, a fan favorite from the early anime days. New collectors entering the hobby often start with Base Set commons because they are affordable entry points, but as the Pokemon TCG boom continues, even low-end cards appreciate. Supply stays fixed while interest from both newbies and veterans keeps growing.
Other factors like print line rarity add fuel. Shadowless and 1st Edition versions are tougher to find without issues, and errors make them even more special. Crimps from booster packs or other misprints in Base Set have popped up over the years, boosting collector excitement.[6] If you spot a Caterpie with that quirky HP text, it could be worth holding onto.
Prices fluctuate with market trends, but the upward path for Base Set Caterpie looks solid based on recent sales data. Keep an eye on grading services and auction sites to track it yourself.
