Why Is Base Set Shadowless Blastoise Rising Faster Than Unlimited?
If you collect Pokemon cards, you have noticed Blastoise from the original Base Set doing something special. The Shadowless version is climbing in price quicker than the common Unlimited one. A PSA 10 Shadowless Blastoise now sells for $11,449, up $70 in recent sales, while a PSA 10 Unlimited holds steady around $3,730 with no big jumps.[1][3] Ungraded Shadowless copies average $160, down a bit lately but still far above Unlimited at $65.[1][3] So what drives this faster rise?
Shadowless cards come from a short print run in 1999, right after the first Base Set but before Wizards of the Coast added drop shadows to the artwork borders. These lack the black shadow outline, making them stand out as early rarities. Unlimited cards, printed in huge numbers later, have those shadows and flood the market.[4] Fewer Shadowless Blastoise means tighter supply. Sales volume shows it: Shadowless PSA 10 trades once a year at high prices, while Unlimited moves monthly but stays cheaper.[1][3]
Demand plays a big role too. Collectors chase Shadowless holos like Blastoise for their clean, premium look. They fetch more across grades, from $447 for a Grade 7 up to $74,420 for a top BGS 10 Black Label.[1] Unlimited tops out lower, like $587 for PSA 9.5.[3] High-profile sales of similar Shadowless cards, such as First Edition versions hitting thousands, spotlight the whole category and pull Shadowless prices higher.[2][4]
Market trends add fuel. As Pokemon booms with new sets and shows, old Base Set holos gain nostalgia value. Shadowless Blastoise benefits most because it sits between common Unlimited and ultra-rare First Edition (PSA 10 at $17,604).[2] Investors spot this gap, buying Shadowless to flip later. Recent data shows steady upticks in mid-to-high grades for Shadowless, like PSA 9 at $1,565, outpacing Unlimited’s slower growth.[1][3]
Low volume keeps Shadowless exciting. Just one ungraded sale per week versus daily for Unlimited means each trade can spike charts.[1][3] If you hold Shadowless Blastoise, watch grading options to lock in gains. For buyers, grab lower grades now before the climb spreads.
