Why Is Base Set Lass Gaining Collector Interest Over Time?
If you have been watching Pokemon card prices, you might notice something interesting about Lass from the original Base Set. This rare trainer card, number 75/102, especially the Shadowless version, has seen its market price climb to around $105 in recent listings. Collectors are snapping it up more, with sales happening a couple times per week at prices like $48 for lower grades and up to $275 for top condition ones.[1][2] But why is this happening now, years after the set came out in 1999?
First, Lass is not a flashy Pokemon like Charizard or Blastoise. She shows a cute girl with her Clefairy and Chansey, offering a simple effect: switch an opponent’s Pokemon with one from their bench. Back in the day, players did not chase it much because it was not a game-changer in decks. Over time, though, its appeal has grown for different reasons.
One big factor is rarity in top shape. Base Set cards, printed on early stock, fade, crease, or whiten easily with age. Finding a Shadowless Lass that is near mint or better gets harder every year. Shadowless prints lack the shadow around the card art, making them scarcer and more prized by graders like PSA. As fewer perfect copies surface, demand pushes prices up.[1][2]
Nostalgia plays a huge role too. The Base Set is the holy grail for many collectors. It kicked off the TCG craze. Lass represents that pure, old-school vibe with her wholesome artwork by Keiji Kinebuchi. Fans who grew up with it now have money to spend on pieces of their childhood. Online communities buzz about completing Base Set trainer sets, and Lass fits right in as an underdog gem.
Supply is drying up as well. Unlimited versions still sell cheap, under $5, but Shadowless and 1st Edition ones are another story. Recent market data shows steady sales volume, not just one-off flips. With 116 listings on major sites, yet a solid $105 average, it signals real collector buying, not speculator hype.[1]
Another draw is her status among trainers. While big names like Professor Oak dominate, Lass stands out for being overlooked at first. Smart collectors hunt commons and rares like her to build full sets without breaking the bank on holographics. As Base Set prices overall rise, every card benefits, but sleepers like Lass gain faster because they start lower.
Modern trends help too. Graded cards rule the market now. A PSA 9 Lass Shadowless can fetch over $200, and 10s are rare birds. YouTube breaks and influencer hauls spotlight these finds, drawing new eyes. Plus, with Pokemon’s 30th anniversary buzz, vintage cards like this get fresh love.
For buyers on PokemonPricing.com, keep an eye on condition and print. A beat-up Lass might stay cheap, but gem mint Shadowless could keep climbing. Track sales weekly to spot the trend yourself.[2]
