Why Is Base Set Electabuzz Getting More Expensive Each Year?
If you collect Pokemon cards from the early days, you have noticed Base Set Electabuzz climbing in price year after year. This non-holo rare from the original 1999 Base Set, card number 20/102, started as a solid mid-tier card but now pulls in strong bids even in played condition. Collectors pay around $50 to $100 for near-mint copies, with graded gems pushing past $300 or more depending on the slab.[4]
One big reason comes down to supply drying up. Base Set was the first Pokemon TCG release, printed in huge numbers at the time to meet crazy demand. But after over 25 years, most copies are worn out from play, lost in moves, or tossed aside. Electabuzz, as a popular electric-type attacker with its solid Electric Bind move, saw heavy use in decks back then. Fewer clean copies survive compared to common fillers, driving scarcity.[4]
Print run matters too. Wizards of the Coast made Base Set reprints like Base Set 2 in 2000 to give new players an entry point. Base Set 2 Electabuzz has a different holo pattern that some fans like, and talk among collectors suggests it had a shorter print run overall. This makes original Base Set versions stand out as the true vintage chase, boosting demand for the real deal.[4]
Grading trends add fuel to the fire. High-end slabs from PSA, BGS, or CGC turn average cards into treasures. Top sets like the number one CGC Registry Base Set 2 master set highlight Electabuzz in Gem Mint 10 condition as a standout piece. As more collectors chase perfect grades, ungraded prices rise to match, since everyone knows a good raw copy could grade out big.[1][4]
Nostalgia plays a huge role. Base Set takes people back to the Pokemon boom of the late 90s. Electabuzz fits that era perfectly, with its classic artwork and role as a reliable beater against water decks. Big tournament wins or influencer spotlights on electric-types keep it relevant, sparking fresh buys from new collectors entering the vintage market.[7]
Market data backs the upward trend. Sites tracking sales show steady climbs, with low-grade copies holding firm while top tiers explode during hype cycles. Dips happen around new set releases, but prices rebound quick as investors scoop up deals. For example, related Electabuzz cards from Gym Heroes or promos hover lower but still trend up, showing broad interest in the character.[1][2][7]
Hoards coming to market help too. Old collections surface from attics or estates, often with Base Set Electabuzz intact. Buyers snap these up fast, tightening supply further. If you spot one under market, grab it, but check centering and edges close.
Overall, combine low remaining stock, grading hype, nostalgia waves, and Electabuzz’s solid play history, and you get a card that rewards patient holders year after year. Keep an eye on auction sites for raw deals before they vanish.
