Why Is Base Set Ninetales Gaining Long Term Collector Demand?
Pokemon Base Set Ninetales, the holo rare card numbered 12/102, has seen steady price growth that points to rising interest from serious collectors.[1][4] Ungraded copies now average around $13, while PSA 10 gems hit $670, with recent sales like a CGC 10 Pristine at $596 showing strong demand even in late 2025.[1] This is not a quick flip trend. Prices for near mint and graded versions have climbed over months, with shadowless editions reaching 100 pounds or more in mid-2025 sales.[2]
One big reason is its rarity among early prints. The unlimited version has a rare “Black Flame Ninetales” error where the artwork flames appear black, matching shadowless style instead of the usual blue.[5] Wizards of the Coast switched designs early in unlimited printing, making black flame copies scarcer and harder to find than standard ones.[5] Collectors chase these uncorrected errors because they stand out in a set full of common fixes, like those on Rapidash or Rocket’s Minefield Gym.[5]
Grading data backs the hype. PSA reports just 4 gem mint 10s out of hundreds graded, with most landing in the 7 to 9 range: 43 at PSA 7, 85 at PSA 8, and 52 at PSA 9.[1] Low top-grade supply means when one sells, it pulls big numbers, fueling long-term value. Shadowless and first edition variants add even more appeal, as sites track their higher sold values compared to reprints in Base Set 2.[2][7]
Ninetales also draws fans for its cool factor in Base Set, the original 1999 set that started it all. Unlike mass-produced later cards, these holos carry history, and steady sales volume, like one ungraded per day, shows consistent buyer interest.[1] As collectors build complete sets or hunt errors, Ninetales fits perfectly, driving demand that looks set to hold for years.[1][5]
