The total number of **1st Edition Charizard cards** from the original Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Base Set is estimated to be around **3,000 copies in Gem Mint condition (PSA 10)**, but the overall print run was larger, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed by the manufacturer. The 1st Edition Charizard is part of the very first print run of the Base Set released in 1999, marked by the distinctive “1st Edition” stamp on the left side of the card and the absence of a shadow on the right side of the Pokémon image (known as “shadowless”). This combination of features makes it one of the rarest and most sought-after Pokémon cards in existence.
The rarity of the 1st Edition Charizard stems from several factors:
– It was part of the initial print run of the Pokémon TCG in the United States, which was limited compared to later printings.
– The card is holographic, which was less common and more expensive to produce at the time.
– The “shadowless” design was only present in the earliest print run before the card frame was changed to include a shadow, making shadowless cards rarer.
– The “1st Edition” stamp certifies it as from the very first batch, further limiting its availability.
While the exact total number of 1st Edition Charizard cards printed is not officially disclosed, estimates based on collector data and grading company reports suggest that only about **3,000 copies exist in pristine PSA 10 condition**, which is considered Gem Mint and virtually flawless. The total number of all 1st Edition Charizard cards, including those in lower grades or ungraded, is higher but still limited compared to later print runs.
This scarcity is reflected in the card’s market value and auction history. For example, a PSA 10 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard sold for approximately **$420,000 in 2022**, making it one of the most expensive Pokémon cards ever sold. Other sales have ranged from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on condition and grading, underscoring the card’s rarity and desirability[2][3][7].
The 1st Edition Charizard is not only rare but also culturally iconic, representing one of the most beloved Pokémon and a symbol of the early days of the Pokémon TCG. Its rarity is compounded by the fact that many cards from the initial print run were played with or damaged, reducing the number of high-grade copies available today.
In summary, while the exact total number of 1st Edition Charizard cards printed is not publicly confirmed, the number of high-grade, collectible copies is estimated to be around 3,000 PSA 10 cards, with the total print run being larger but still limited. This rarity, combined with the card’s iconic status, makes it one of the most valuable and sought-after Pokémon cards in the world[2][3][7].
