About Pokémon Base Set
The Pokémon Trading Card Game launched in North America in January 1999 with the 102-card Base Set. It contained 16 holographic rare cards (numbered 1–16), 16 non-holo rares, 32 uncommons, and 38 commons. The original printing includes three variants — 1st Edition, Shadowless, and Unlimited — each with significant differences in rarity and value.
Base Set cards are the most universally recognized Pokémon cards ever printed. The Charizard Holo (#4) is arguably the most iconic collectible in the hobby's history, and Base Set booster boxes regularly sell for $10,000–$50,000+ depending on condition and print variant. Opening vintage packs or joining a Base Set break is one of the purest experiences in Pokémon collecting.
Print Variants — What's the Difference?
1st Edition
Has the "1st Edition" stamp and no drop shadow. Rarest variant. 1st Ed. Charizard PSA 10: $300,000–$500,000+
Shadowless
No stamp, no shadow on artwork box. Early 1999 print run. Shadowless Charizard PSA 10: $20,000–$100,000+
Unlimited
Drop shadow on artwork box. Main print run. Unlimited Charizard PSA 10: $5,000–$15,000+
Top Base Set Cards & Values
All 16 Base Set Holographic Rares
Break Base Set on CatchaBreaks
Chase the 1999 Charizard Holo, Blastoise, Mewtwo, and all 16 original holos in a live vintage break.
View Live Breaks →Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Base Set Charizard worth?
A Base Set Unlimited Charizard Holo (#4) in PSA 10 is worth $5,000–$15,000+. A Shadowless Charizard PSA 10 commands $20,000–$100,000+, and a 1st Edition PSA 10 is $300,000–$500,000+. In lower grades: PSA 9 Unlimited Charizard sells for $800–$2,000; PSA 8 for $300–$800. Even raw (ungraded) Base Set Charizards in good condition fetch $50–$300+.
What is a shadowless Pokémon card?
Shadowless cards are an early printing of the Base Set where the artwork box has no drop shadow on the right and bottom edges. They were printed in early 1999 for the first few months of release, before the standard Unlimited run. Shadowless cards are significantly rarer than Unlimited and command a premium — a Shadowless Charizard PSA 10 is worth 5–10× more than an Unlimited PSA 10.
What are all the holos in Pokémon Base Set?
There are 16 Holographic Rare cards numbered #1–16: Alakazam, Blastoise, Chansey, Charizard, Clefairy, Gyarados, Hitmonchan, Machamp, Magneton, Mewtwo, Nidoking, Ninetales, Poliwrath, Raichu, Scyther, and Zapdos. Charizard (#4), Blastoise (#2), and Mewtwo (#10) are the top three by value.