Why Is Base Set Kadabra Climbing Back Toward New Highs?
If you have been tracking older Pokemon cards, you might have noticed something exciting with Base Set Kadabra. This classic uncommon card from the original 1999 Base Set, card number 32/102, is seeing its prices tick up after a long stretch of low values. Recent sales data shows ungraded copies holding steady around $1.79, while graded versions are gaining ground, like PSA 8s at $6.61 with a small recent bump and PSA 10s reaching $45.72.[1] Even on marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Base Set Kadabra listings are active, with market prices hovering near $1.27 for Base Set 2 versions and similar shadowless editions drawing steady buyer interest.[2]
What is driving this climb? First off, Base Set Kadabra is part of the most iconic Pokemon set ever made, the one that kicked off the whole TCG craze. As a non-holo uncommon, it was printed in huge numbers back in the day, which kept prices low for years. But now, with the Pokemon collecting boom still going strong into 2025, collectors are hunting for complete Base Set runs. Kadabra fits right in as the evolution stage between Abra and Alakazam, making it a must-have for set builders who want every piece of the psychic line.[4]
Grading trends play a big role too. Look at the price jumps for mid-grade cards: a PSA 7 is at $5, PSA 9 at $20.33, and higher gems like PSA 9.5 or SGC 10 pushing past $20-27.[1] People are sending in their old beaters to get slabs, and the supply of fresh high grades is not infinite. Recent sold listings, even from a couple years back, show raw or low-grade Kadabras moving for $3 to $55 depending on edition and condition, proving demand has always simmered.[1] Shadowless and first edition variants add extra spice, pulling in serious hunters willing to pay more.
The broader market helps too. New sets like Prismatic Evolutions and Scarlet & Violet releases are keeping everyone excited about Pokemon cards, with booster bundles and collections flying off shelves.[3][5] This hype spills over to vintage stuff, especially from Base Set. Uncommons like Kadabra were overlooked when Charizards and Blastoises stole the spotlight, but smart collectors see value in filling gaps now before prices climb higher. Sites tracking these cards show steady views and sales, with Kadabra popping up in lots alongside other WOTC-era commons and uncommons.[7]
Recent price charts back the upward trend. Just in mid-December 2025, ungraded Kadabra dipped to $0.40 on some days but bounced back toward $1 quickly, hinting at renewed buying.[1] If you own one, check its condition and consider grading. For buyers, grabbing a raw copy under $2 could be a solid play if the climb keeps going. Keep an eye on auction sites and price trackers, as Base Set Kadabra looks ready to test old highs.
