What Are Your Pokemon 1st Edition Base Set Cards Worth?

The explosive recent rise in the value of Pokemon cards has opened the eyes of investors and former collectors looking to get back in the game. The original Pokemon base set (1999 1st Edition Shadowless) is the most collectible, with record breaking single card sales happening almost daily on eBay.

“Every generation defines what is nostalgic to them,” says Collectors Universe President Joe Orlando. “Pokémon started its rise in the U.S. during the late 1990s. Today, the young people who were playing the classic game then are now well into adulthood. As a result, the game has enjoyed a kind of rebirth in the hobby.”      

This list of 10 cards from the iconic original set breaks down the total population of each card graded by PSA, as well as their most recent sales to illustrate their current value. 

In the first set of games for Gameboy (Pokemon Red, Green & Blue), trainers had a choice of either a Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle from Professor Oak’s Lab. Because of the nostalgia behind what may have been their very first Pokemon choice, the starters have surged in both popularity and value. 

PSA Pop: 1418 - (10) 592 - (9) 618

Pikachu is the most well known Pokemon out there and considered to be a mascot of sorts. There are two versions of Pikachu in this set - with a red cheeked and a yellow cheeked variant. The red cheek is the more rare and valuable of the two.

PSA Pop: 890 - (10) 211 - (9) 528

Onix was the "final boss" of sorts that you battle against at the first gym in the Pokemon games. Onix's value has jumped significantly in the last 2 weeks. 

Blastoise is the fully evolved version of Squirtle. It's widely considered to be in the top 4 most valuable holo Pokemon from the original set. 

This card is the apex of Pokemon collecting. Even non-collectors know that the Charizard holo will make you the king of the playground, in any condition.

Venusaur is the final form of Bulbasaur. Another one of the most popular holo Pokemon, Venusaur is one of the most stolen Pokemon by Mewtwo in both "Strikes Back" movies.

Mewtwo is the evil clone of Mew and was the antagonist in “Pokemon The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back”.