Base Set Nidorino, the uncommon card numbered 37/102 from the original Pokemon set, has seen its price climb steadily over the years, especially for higher grades and certain print runs. Collectors on sites like PriceCharting note that while exact ungraded prices hover low around $1 to $2, graded versions in PSA 8 or above can fetch $10 to $20 or more, with demand pushing values up from past sales data.[1][3]
One big reason for the rise is its place in the iconic Base Set from 1999, the first English Pokemon TCG release that kicked off the whole collecting craze. As the hobby grows with new players and nostalgia hits hard for 90s kids now adults with cash to spend, even commons and uncommons from this set gain value. Nidorino fits right in as part of the Nidoran evolution line, evolving from Nidoran male into the powerful Nidoking holo, which itself commands high prices like $96 for PSA 9 and over $900 for PSA 10.[1] People building full Base Set collections or theme decks around Poison-types grab these to complete their sets.
Print variations play a huge role too. The shadowless and first edition versions, printed early with no shadow around the card art, are scarcer and hotter among graders. Unlimited prints are more common but still appreciate as supply from old collections dries up. Low recent sales volume, like just a few per week for related cards, shows these are not flipping daily, which lets prices build.[1]
Error hunting adds extra spark. Base Set has known misprints, like wonky formatting on Nidoran male listed as “Nidoran ♂” instead of proper text, and similar glitches on Nidorino relatives. While not every Nidorino has a confirmed error, the set’s reputation for these quirks draws error chasers who pay premiums for verified oddities, bumping overall demand.[7]
Grading trends fuel the fire. More folks send cards to PSA, BGS, or CGC now, and as Nidorino slabs in mid-grades like 7 or 8 pop up, their clean look and pop culture tie-in make them shelf stars. Compare to Jungle set’s Nidorina, a similar evo card, which holds steady but lower at $1.50 ungraded due to being a later expansion with more supply.[2] Base Set scarcity wins out.
Investor eyes are on it too. With Pokemon cards hitting mainstream auctions and shows, underrated uncommons like Nidorino offer entry-level growth potential without the four-figure entry of holos. Past sales from 2025 show steady upticks in graded lots, signaling collectors bet on long-term holds as the set ages into true vintage status.[1]
