Base Set Prices: Why Some Cards Are Skyrocketing While Others Are Stagnating
Base Set will always be the foundation of Pokémon collecting, but not every card is seeing price spikes.
While 1st Edition Charizard continues to dominate auctions, some other Base Set holos have barely moved in price.
So what’s causing this market split—and which Base Set cards are still worth investing in?
📈 The Winners: Base Set Cards That Keep Rising
Certain Base Set cards are blue-chip investments, holding or increasing in value over time.
| Card | PSA 10 Price (2020) | PSA 10 Price (2025) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Edition Charizard | ~$200,000 | $375,000+ | +87% |
| Shadowless Charizard | ~$20,000 | $40,000+ | +100% |
| 1st Edition Blastoise | ~$30,000 | $70,000+ | +133% |
| 1st Edition Pikachu (Red Cheeks) | ~$5,000 | $12,500+ | +150% |
What’s driving their growth?
- Ultra-low supply of PSA 10s (especially in 1st Edition).
- Charizard remains the #1 grail card in Pokémon.
- Investors see Base Set as the safest Pokémon investment.
📉 The Losers: Base Set Cards That Are Stagnating
Not every Base Set holo is skyrocketing—some are flatlining or even declining.
| Card | PSA 10 Price (2020) | PSA 10 Price (2025) | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Set Clefairy (Unlimited) | ~$3,000 | $2,500 | -16% |
| Base Set Zapdos (Unlimited) | ~$2,000 | $2,200 | +10% |
| Base Set Magneton (Unlimited) | ~$1,500 | $1,400 | -7% |
| Base Set Trainer Cards | ~$500 | $300 | -40% |
Why are these cards stagnating?
- Unlimited prints are far more common than collectors realize.
- No major demand compared to Charizard, Blastoise, or Pikachu.
- Less nostalgia pull—most collectors chase starters or legendaries.
🔮 What This Means for Base Set Investors
If you’re investing in Base Set, the key takeaways are:
✔️ 1st Edition & Shadowless remain king – Prices have only increased over time.
✔️ Unlimited print run cards are hit-or-miss – Some still appreciate, but most aren’t great investments.
✔️ Starters, Charizard, and Pikachu drive the market – Other holos lag behind.
💡 Best Strategy? Stick to high-grade, low-population Base Set cards with strong nostalgia appeal.