The question of how many Base Set Charizard cards are graded PSA 10 versus PSA 9 is a topic of great interest among Pokémon card collectors, but the answer is not straightforward due to the lack of publicly available, comprehensive population data for this specific card. Here’s a detailed, easy-to-understand breakdown of what we know, what we can infer, and why this information matters.
First, let’s clarify some terms. The Base Set Charizard, officially numbered 4/102, is one of the most iconic and valuable cards in the Pokémon Trading Card Game. PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is a leading company that grades trading cards on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being “Gem Mint” — essentially perfect. A PSA 9 is “Mint,” meaning it’s nearly perfect but may have a minor flaw. The difference in value between a PSA 10 and a PSA 9 Charizard is enormous: recent market data shows a PSA 10 can sell for over $13,800, while a PSA 9 typically goes for around $2,200[1][2].
Now, to the main question: how many of these cards exist in each grade? Unfortunately, PSA does not publish a public, card-by-card population report for the Base Set Charizard. Most population data you’ll find online is either outdated, estimated, or based on partial samples. For example, some websites track sales and prices, but not the total number of cards graded at each level[1][2]. This means we don’t have an exact, authoritative count of how many Base Set Charizards are PSA 10 versus PSA 9.
However, we can make some educated guesses based on broader trends in Pokémon card grading. PSA has graded hundreds of thousands of Base Set cards over the years, but the Gem Mint rate (PSA 10) is extremely low for vintage cards like Charizard. For the entire Base Set (all cards, not just Charizard), the Gem rate is about 8.1%[3]. But this includes common, uncommon, and rare cards — holofoil rares like Charizard are much harder to find in perfect condition because they were handled more, played with, and stored poorly by kids in the late 1990s.
For holofoil rares specifically, the Gem rate is even lower. Looking at other Base Set holos, the Gem rate is often less than 1%[3]. For example, Venusaur has a Gem rate of 0.3%, and Blastoise and Machamp are even lower[3]. Charizard, being the most sought-after card, was likely subjected to even more handling and wear, making PSA 10 examples exceptionally rare.
So, while we don’t have the exact numbers, it’s reasonable to estimate that there are far fewer PSA 10 Base Set Charizards than PSA 9s. The difference in price reflects this scarcity: a PSA 10 sells for more than six times the price of a PSA 9[1][2]. The number of PSA 10s could be in the low hundreds globally, while PSA 9s are likely in the low thousands. But again, these are estimates — the true numbers are known only to PSA and are not publicly available.
Why does this matter? For collectors, the grade of a card dramatically affects its value and desirability. A PSA 10 Charizard is a “holy grail” item, while a PSA 9, though still valuable, is much more common by comparison. The rarity of high-grade Charizards also drives the market, with prices for PSA 10s sometimes spiking after a public sale or when a new high-grade example is discovered.
In summary, while we can’t say exactly how many Base Set Charizards are PSA 10 versus PSA 9, we know that PSA 10s are vastly rarer and more valuable. The lack of public population data adds to the mystique and collectibility of these cards. For anyone considering buying or selling a high-grade Charizard, it’s essential to research recent sales, understand grading standards, and, if possible, consult with experts in the field. The chase for a PSA 10 Charizard remains one of the most exciting — and elusive — pursuits in the world of trading card collecting.
