Why Is Base Set Charizard First Edition Still Going Up?
If you collect Pokemon cards, you know the Base Set First Edition Charizard is the king of the hobby. This holo rare from the 1999 Base Set, marked with the coveted “1st Edition” stamp in the corner, keeps climbing in price year after year. Recent sales show ungraded copies hitting $275 and climbing, with a jump of $77.50 in the last update. Graded versions are even hotter: a PSA 9 sold for around $1,936.50, up $143.05 recently, while PSA 9.5 examples reached $2,130, gaining $255.50.[1] In the UK market, near mint 1st Edition Shadowless versions fetched over 4,000 pounds as recently as July 2025.[2] Why does this card refuse to cool off?
First, its rarity sets it apart. The 1st Edition print run was tiny, only for the earliest packs before Wizards of the Coast switched to unlimited prints. Shadowless versions, without the shadow around the art, are even scarcer and more prized. High-grade gems like PSA 10s are unicorns, with just one sale per month at $10,100 or more.[1] Demand stays strong because supply never grows. No new printings mean these cards only get rarer as time passes and wear takes its toll.
Charizard itself is a huge factor. As the breakout star of the Pokemon anime and games, it draws fans who want the original icon. Top sales lists rank Base Set 1st Edition holos among the most expensive cards ever, with related Charizards like Shining or Crystal versions hitting $15,000 to $40,000 in past auctions.[3] New collectors entering the market chase this card as their holy grail, pushing prices higher. Sales volume proves it: one ungraded sale per day, two for grade 8s, keeping the market active.[1]
Nostalgia fuels the fire too. For many, this card brings back childhood memories of opening packs in the late 90s. The Pokemon boom today, with influencers, YouTube breaks, and shows like the Netflix series, pulls in younger buyers who see it as vintage gold. Even mid-grades like PSA 6 or 7 hold value, with recent near mint sales from $431 to $649.[1] Grading labs like PSA keep certifying old finds, creating fresh supply of high grades that spark bidding wars.
Market trends show no signs of slowing. While some cards dip, Charizard’s steady gains across conditions reflect investor confidence. Low-volume sales for top grades mean one big auction can spike the average.[1][2] If you own one, hold tight; if you’re hunting, check recent comps on sites like PriceCharting to avoid overpaying. This card’s rise is a mix of history, hype, and hero status that keeps collectors hooked.
