Why Is Base Set Squirtle Expected to Continue Rising in Price?
If you collect Pokemon cards, you know the original Base Set from 1999 holds a special place. Among them, Squirtle #63/102, especially the Shadowless version, stands out as a common card punching way above its weight. Recent sales show Near Mint Shadowless copies hitting $125 on TCGPlayer and $130.64 market price, with graded PSA 9s around $76 and PSA 9.5 at $80.[1][3] Even raw copies in good shape sell for $10 to $13 weekly.[1] Prices have climbed steadily through 2025, like a November sale at $13.99 dropping to recent highs over $100 for top grades.[1]
What makes this little turtle card so hot? First, rarity plays a big role. Shadowless prints from the earliest runs lack the drop shadow on the artwork border, making them scarcer than regular Unlimited versions. As collectors chase complete sets, these commons get overlooked at first but skyrocket when supply dries up. Low-volume sales, like just 2 per week for ungraded and 1 for high grades, mean fewer cards hit the market.[1]
Demand keeps growing too. Squirtle kicks off the beloved Blastoise evolution line, a fan favorite since the games. Nostalgia from the late 90s boom draws in older collectors, while new fans discover it through Pokemon’s endless popularity. Sites like TCGPlayer list over 210 Squirtle Base Set Shadowless cards, yet prices hold firm at $130 market average.[3] In the UK, 1st Edition Shadowless NM copies sold for 52 pounds in January 2025, up to 81 pounds by June.[2]
Grading boosts value even more. A PSA 9 Squirtle Shadowless recently fetched $100 on eBay, while perfect 10s are rare and could push higher.[1] The Pokemon TCG market loves vintage Base Set cards, with holos like Chansey hitting $55,000 in top shape, proving commons follow suit when pristine.[5] Overall Base Set hype, from record sales in 2025, lifts everything in it.[6]
Supply issues seal the deal. Many old cards sat in attics or got played hard, leaving few high-grade survivors. As grading submissions rise, nice Squirtles become trophies for set builders. Recent data shows steady upward sales, no signs of cooling.[1][3] For collectors, grabbing one now could pay off as this sleeper hit keeps climbing.
