The **Base Set 1st Edition Pokémon cards** from 1999 are a foundational part of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) history, and their distribution by species is well documented among collectors and grading services. The Base Set 1st Edition includes a total of 102 cards, featuring a mix of common, uncommon, rare, and holographic cards representing various Pokémon species.
When considering how many Base Set 1st Edition cards exist by species, it is important to understand that the print runs were not uniform across all cards. Some species, especially popular or rare holographic cards, were printed in smaller quantities, making them more scarce and valuable today.
According to PSA grading population reports, which track the number of cards submitted and graded, the total number of Base Set 1st Edition cards graded is around 232,866. This includes all species and card types within the set[1]. However, this number only reflects graded cards and not the total printed or existing cards, which is estimated to be higher but not precisely known due to lack of official print run disclosures.
Breaking down by species, the most iconic and sought-after cards include:
– **Charizard (Holo)**: The 1st Edition Base Set Holo Charizard is the most famous and valuable card. It is extremely rare in high-grade condition, with PSA 10 copies fetching hundreds of thousands of dollars[2][3]. The exact number of Charizard cards printed is unknown, but it is considered one of the rarer holographic cards in the set.
– **Blastoise, Venusaur, and other starter evolutions (Holo)**: These cards are also holographic and rarer than common cards but more plentiful than Charizard. They are highly collectible but generally less scarce.
– **Chansey (Holo)**: Despite not being as popular as Charizard, the 1st Edition Holo Chansey card is one of the rarest and hardest to find in perfect condition due to its holographic finish being prone to scratches and the card’s lighter background showing wear easily[2]. It is considered one of the most expensive Base Set cards after Charizard.
– **Common and Uncommon Pokémon**: Cards like Pidgey, Rattata, and Caterpie were printed in much larger quantities and are far more common. These species have many more cards in circulation, making them less valuable but essential for completing the set.
– **Shadowless and Yellow Cheeks Variants**: Some cards exist in “Shadowless” versions (lacking the shadow on the right side of the Pokémon image) and “Yellow Cheeks” Pikachu variants, which are rarer than the standard Base Set cards but still part of the 1st Edition print runs[1].
The overall distribution by species is roughly proportional to their popularity and rarity within the game and the set design. Holographic cards, especially 1st Edition holographics, are the scarcest and most valuable, while common and uncommon cards were printed in much larger numbers.
To summarize the approximate scale:
– Total graded 1st Edition Base Set cards: ~232,866[1]
– Total graded Base Set cards (all editions): ~518,436[1]
– Holo cards (16 in Base Set): Among these, Charizard and Chansey are the rarest in high-grade condition[2].
– Common/uncommon cards: Tens of thousands of graded copies each, reflecting higher print runs.
Because official print run numbers by species are not publicly available, collectors rely on grading population reports and market availability to estimate rarity. The rarity and value of each species’ card depend heavily on condition, edition (1st Edition vs. Shadowless vs. Unlimited), and holographic status.
In conclusion, the Base Set 1st Edition cards exist in varying quantities by species, with holographic cards like Charizard and Chansey being the rarest and most valuable, while common species have far larger print runs. The total graded population gives a useful but incomplete picture of their distribution, with approximately 232,866 graded 1st Edition cards known to collectors as of recent data[1][2][3].
