Why Is Base Set Staryu Rising in Value Over Time?
If you have been watching the Pokemon card market, you might notice something surprising. The Base Set Staryu, a simple common card numbered 65/102, has a market price around $0.54 right now. That seems low for a card from the original 1999 Base Set, but collectors report steady upward movement over months. Listings start as cheap as $0.10, yet demand keeps pushing the average higher[1]. So what is driving this quiet rise for a basic water-type starfish?
One big reason ties back to its evolution line. Staryu evolves into Starmie, the rare holographic card 64/102 from the same set. Starmie holds strong value, with ungraded copies at $1.49 and PSA 10 gems reaching $53.48 recently[2]. As Starmie stays popular among vintage hunters, more people seek out Staryu to complete their sets. Commons like this often lag behind but catch up when the shiny rares draw attention. Base Set remains the holy grail for many, and even filler cards benefit from that nostalgia pull.
Print run matters too. Base Set had multiple waves, including first edition, shadowless, and unlimited prints. Staryu exists across them all as a common, but older shadowless versions show wear from heavy play back in the day. Fewer pristine copies survive, creating scarcity for graded ones. While not as flashy as Charizard or Blastoise, Staryu appeals to completionists who want every card in top shape. Recent sales data shows consistent volume, with hundreds of listings active[1][2].
Pokemon’s video games play a role as well. Staryu pops up in modern titles, keeping the Pokemon fresh in players’ minds. Think of its gem-like core and quick spin attacks, which make it fun for casual decks even today. Fans building theme decks or just loving water-types grab these old cards to relive the roots. Base Set commons rarely spike like errors or holos, but steady collector interest builds value over years.
Market trends favor underrated picks like this. Big chase cards dominate headlines, leaving commons undervalued until smart buyers pile in. Staryu fits that pattern, with prices climbing as Base Set hype endures. Track it closely if you own one, since small shifts in vintage commons can turn into real gains.
