Base Set Hitmonchan, the holo rare from the original Pokemon TCG set, has a market price of $19.05 even with 413 listings available on sites like TCGplayer.https://www.tcgplayer.com/search/pokemon/all?q=Hitmonchan+Base&productLineName=pokemon&setName=all&view=grid This card keeps climbing in price because it sits at the heart of one of the game’s earliest and most famous deck strategies, known as Haymaker.https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Haymaker_(TCG)https://www.cbr.com/most-powerful-90s-pokemon-cards-ranked/
Hitmonchan was a key player in Haymaker decks right from the start of competitive Pokemon TCG in the late 1990s. These decks focused on fast, hard-hitting Basic Pokemon that could jump straight into battle without evolving. Hitmonchan teamed up with Electabuzz and Scyther, all boasting 70 HP and attacks that packed a punch for low energy costs. Hitmonchan’s Jab did 20 damage on turn one with just one fighting energy, while its Special Punch later hit for 40.https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Haymaker_(TCG)https://www.cbr.com/most-powerful-90s-pokemon-cards-ranked/ This setup let players overwhelm opponents quickly, making Haymaker a top choice in tournaments.
Even though tons of Base Set cards were printed back then, demand for Hitmonchan stays strong among vintage collectors and players who chase that old-school nostalgia. The Base Set itself kicked off the entire TCG in 1999 with iconic holo art that fans still love today.https://www.thornberrymedia.com/post/the-complete-guide-to-vintage-pok%C3%A9mon-card-sets-1999-2003 Haymaker’s history gives Hitmonchan extra appeal, as reprints like the Retro versions in Platinum kept the archetype alive in later formats.https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Haymaker_(TCG) High supply from the original print run does not scare off buyers who want a piece of that competitive legacy.
Prices rise as more people rediscover these cards through online stories about 90s powerhouses or build modern collections around Base Set staples. Listings start as low as $3.47, but the market average holds steady at nearly $20 because serious collectors pay up for condition and history.https://www.tcgplayer.com/search/pokemon/all?q=Hitmonchan+Base&productLineName=pokemon&setName=all&view=grid Hitmonchan proves that gameplay strength and cultural staying power beat raw supply every time.
Sources
https://www.tcgplayer.com/search/pokemon/all?q=Hitmonchan+Base&productLineName=pokemon&setName=all&view=grid
https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Haymaker_(TCG)
https://www.cbr.com/most-powerful-90s-pokemon-cards-ranked/
https://www.thornberrymedia.com/post/the-complete-guide-to-vintage-pok%C3%A9mon-card-sets-1999-2003
https://game8.co/games/Pokemon-TCG-Pocket/archives/561903
