Base Set Sandshrew from the original Pokemon TCG set is starting to climb in value, and collectors should keep an eye on it for steady gains ahead. This common Ground-type Pokemon card, numbered 59/102, sits at around $15 to $25 for raw near-mint copies right now, but recent sales trends point to upward movement.
One big reason is the spotlight on Alolan Sandshrew in Pokemon GO. Starting December 24, 2025, Alolan Sandshrew appears in one-star raids during the Winter Holiday Part 2 event, with a chance for shiny versions.[1] This icy variant from Sun and Moon shares the same family line as the classic Kanto Sandshrew from Base Set. Events like this drive interest across Pokemon media, pulling new players and nostalgic fans back to the roots. When GO features a Pokemon, it often boosts demand for its original TCG art, especially from the iconic Base Set released in 1999.
Base Set cards carry extra appeal due to their print variations. Sandshrew exists in shadowless and 1st edition versions, which graders like PSA prize higher. Shadowless prints lack the drop shadow on the card border, making them scarcer and more collectible. Recent PSA 9 shadowless Sandshrew sales have hit $100 or more, up from last year. Errors in Base Set production, like misaligned energy symbols on other cards, remind us how these early prints have quirks that fuel rarity.[2] While Sandshrew itself has no major listed errors, its place in the set benefits from the overall hype around uncorrected Base Set holos and commons.
Supply is another factor. Base Set pulled from circulation decades ago, and high-grade examples dwindle as cards get played or lost. With the TCG boom since 2020, commons like Sandshrew get slabbed more often, but population reports show low numbers above PSA 8. Low supply meets rising demand from completists building Base Set master sets.
Player interest grows too. Sandshrew evolves into Sandslash, a solid fighter in vintage formats. Modern players chase theme decks around the line, tying into Alolan forms. Crossovers like the GO event bridge digital and physical collecting, drawing in younger buyers who discover Base Set prices on sites like ours.
Watch for more event tie-ins. If Alolan Sandshrew sticks around in GO rotations or gets a TCG reprint nod, Base Set versions could jump 20-30% in the next six months. Raw copies under $20 remain a smart entry point for budget collectors betting on the trend. Track recent eBay sold listings and PSA auctions to spot the climb early.
