Welcome to the thrilling world of Pokémon cards, where nostalgia and rarity merge to form a collector's dream (or nightmare, depending on the depth of your pockets). Today, we're exploring the 15 most valuable first edition Pokémon cards—a list that might have you regretting that you didn't keep that old shoebox from your youth.
From the fiery Charizard to the elusive Pikachu, these cards are more than just pieces of cardboard. They're gateways to a childhood wonderland, now sporting a price tag that could compete with a small car. Strap in, as we're about to journey through the most coveted treasures of the Pokémon universe!
Clarifying: What is a 1st Edition Pokémon Card?
For a while, Pokémon cards used this designation for the 1st Edition (Limited) printing of cards in various sets. However, this list is for the truly 1st Edition cards from the 1999 Base Set that represent the very first set of cards ever produced in English. So, only expect cards from the Base Set to be featured on our list.
Note that by definition, all 1st Edition 1999 Base Set Pokémon Cards are all Shadowless. The next set of Unlimited Base Set cards are also Shadowless. If you want more details on that, read our Guide about Understanding Shadowless Pokémon Cards And Their Value.
15 Most Valuable First Edition Pokémon Cards Checklist
Feast your eyes on these gems, the most valuable Pokémon TCG cards in the world. The rarest of traditional sets, 1st Edition cards should all be graded and encapsulated in slabs by now, so the pricing you see will reflect that. One more note: Thick-Stamp 1st Edition cards don’t differ in price too much, so we’ve included standard 1st Edition cards and note if it was a Thick-Stamp card that set the record price.
15. 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Zapdos #16 - $9,999
Zapdos is one of the three Legendary Bird Pokémon, along with Articuno and Moltres. This particular monster starts our list today because it’s one of the most sought-after of the original Base Set. Zapdos was a powerful card in the early days of the Pokémon TCG because its high Hit Points and strong attacks made it a popular choice for players. Electric Pokémon are always fun to play, and Zapdos is no exception. The Thunder and Thunderbolt abilities were widely appreciated in the early days of the game.
While the price of this 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Zapdos #16 card has been on the rise for years, the record price of just shy of $10,000 was set in June 2023 for a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of the card. We can expect pricing to rise as more of the original cards get on the market.
14. 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Ninetales #12 - $12,870
The cleverly-named Ninetales is a Fire-type Pokémon that is known for its elegance and mystical lore. Evolving from Vulpix, the wolflike does have the stated nine ‘tails’ and its interesting appearance and backstory have certainly helped earn it fans over the years.
Ninetales has always been valued for its high-damage attacks like Fire Blast. This made it a strong contender in battles and a favorite among players who preferred Fire-type Pokémon. This is also why it was in play a lot in the early days of the game, meaning that a lot of Base Set 1st Edition Ninetales saw the table more often than a nice quiet slab from PSA or BGS.
Again, this explains the shockingly low number of 1st Edition PSA 10 Gem Mint cards out there, per PSA’s website (only about 67 copies). Thus, the price has started to ramp up when one comes to market, which isn’t too often. Some call it among the hardest to find when trying to complete a set of Gem Mint Base Set cards.
The record price for 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Ninetales #12 here was achieved with the sale of a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy in November 2020. We can expect this valuable card to continue to accelerate in value in the days ahead.
13. 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Nidoking #11- $13,100
Nidoking, the mighty Drill Pokémon, is renowned for its formidable appearance and strength. It gained popularity for its high hit points and powerful attacks such as Thrash and Toxic during the early days of the game. Nidoking, the male counterpart to Nidoqueen, has long been a fan favorite. Its evolution line is the first in the series to have a gender assigned.
A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Nidoking #11 sold for just over $13,000 in November 2020 during the peak of the COVID-induced trading card price surge. However, we can anticipate that further Gem Mint copies will command higher prices in the future. This is still a sought-after card that is not easily found in this grade.
12. 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Clefairy - $13,433
Clefairy’s always been a popular Pokémon. Being a Fairy-type Pokémon, this monster holds a special place in Pokémon lore. Clefairy was the intended brand mascot for the Pokémon franchise before the powers that be opted for Pikachu instead. Thus, Clefairy has a significant fan base for the life of the game. Clefairy is known for its Metronome attack, which allows it to mimic an opponent Pokémon’s attack. This made the card popular in early play, which may be why there are so few copies of the 1st Edition in tip-top shape.
1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Clefairy is indeed this valuable because of the relatively small population (just 66) of PSA 10 Gem Mint copies in the PSA database. As more people attempt to complete full gem mint registry sets at PSA, Clefairy will continue to be a fairy lynchpin that will either grant their wishes or shatter their dreams. A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy sold for this record amount in November 2020, setting a new standard for the future price of this desirable Pokémon card.
11. 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Poliwrath #13 - $13,766
The target-bellied Poliwrath, a Water/Fighting-type Pokémon, is known for its potent combination of aquatic abilities and physical strength. It evolves from Poliwhirl when exposed to a Water Stone and this dual-type and evolutionary background add an interesting aspect to the card that has helped make it desirable for players and collectors.
Early fans of the game appreciated Poliwrath’s balanced stats and strong attacks, such as Water Gun and Whirlpool. With this increased flexibility, Poliwrath found its way into a lot of the decks of players who preferred Water-type Pokémon.
While Poliwrath started out with a character design deemed too childish to be tough, this version of Poliwrath certainly doesn’t feel like that. That said, PSA reports fewer than 100 Gem Mint copies in their database. Thus, Poliwrath is a valuable and worthwhile addition to any collection of 1st Edition Base Set cards. A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Poliwrath #13 sold in November 2020 for $13,766, setting the standard record for pricing on this unusual Pokémon card that will probably just rise in value over time.
10. 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Pikachu Red Cheeks #58 - $15,200
Even though Pikachu is the official mascot for the Pokémon TCG, the monster only rates a spot on this list with the "red cheeks" variant. Initially, Pikachu was depicted with red cheeks in the Base Set. The Red Cheeks variation of the Base Set Pikachu artwork is noteworthy not only for its infamy but its popularity as well. The intended version of the iconic artwork by illustrator Mitsuhiro Arita was the first printed version by Wizards of the Coast before they changed it without his permission to the much more common yellow cheeks version.
While 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Pikachu Red Cheeks #58 is not the most powerful card in gameplay terms, Pikachu's appeal lies in its accessibility and recognition, especially for younger players or those new to the game. Old Pika has a certain nostalgic charm and simplicity. The Red Cheeks warranted someone paying over $15,000 for a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy back in February 2021.
9. 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Machamp #8 - $16,499
Multi-armed Machamp is one of the toughest early Pokémon out there with its 100 Hit Points and colossal Seismic Toss attack. This powerful, four-armed Fighting-type monster is the final evolution of Machop and it's been a popular card to include for decks for a generation now. Illustrator Ken Sugimori captured the brutal strength of this Pokémon in a way that has made this a fan-favorite with its muscle-bound physique and intimidating expression.
Top-grade Machamps are fairly rare, but a few have been selling for more than $10,000 over the last few years. The record price here was set in December 2023 on a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy, which went for $16,499. That shows a steady uptick in value for this Pokémon card and it also suggests that it will continue to rise in the days ahead. We may see the next pristine copy push this mighty warrior further up our list.
8. 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Magneton #9 - $17,076
The Base Set version of Magneton is notable for the 3D look crafted by artist Keiji Kinebuchi. Magneton is renowned for its magnetic appeal (pun intended) and is considered one of the most challenging cards to grade from the 1st Edition set. Just 64 PSA 10 Gem Mint 1st Edition exist in the PSA database, making this card a significant hurdle for collectors seeking to complete their Gem Mint set.
A Magnet Pokémon, Magneton is characterized by its unique design, which mirrors three interconnected Magnemites. Its industrial aesthetic has many fans who appreciate its electric attacks and solid number of Hit Points. Its blend of offensive and defensive attributes made it a desirable addition to earlier era battles, particularly for enthusiasts of Electric-type Pokémon.
The copy of 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Magneton #9 that set this record price was a PSA 10 Gem Mint condition collectible, which sold for $17,076 in November 2020. While that pandemic-era high price hasn’t been surpassed with similar grades, we can expect that this card will still appreciate over time.
7. 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Raichu #14 - $17,100
The powered-up and evolved form of Pikachu, Raichu, was long used by fans of the Electric Mouse on their team who wanted a more robust and practical partner in the video game. While not as iconic as Pikachu, this holographic Raichu beats out even its Red Cheeked younger brother on our list. Raichu was always valued in the early days for its strong electric attacks, like Thunder, which could deal significant damage to opposing Pokémon. Raichu is also pretty tough, with fairly high Hit Points, making it a formidable contender in battles.
This cheerful version of the 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Raichu #14 card was designed by perennial artist Ken Sugimori making it a staple for any collection. In March 2021, the record price for the card was set with a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy selling for over $17,000. While that remains its high-water mark, this card is so well-loved that it may still rise in value as more collectors put together classic PSA 10 1st Edition sets despite only 87 copies of the card ever achieving that grade. Happy hunting!
6. 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Alakazam #1 - $19,500
Next up is Alakazam, a Psychic-type Pokémon renowned for its brilliant mind and potent psychic abilities. It's the final form of Abra, evolving right from Kadabra (see what they did there?). With its unique look and psychic prowess, Alakazam has charmed its way into the hearts of many Pokémon enthusiasts.
In the game's early days, Alakazam was popular because of its potent psychic attacks and robust Hit Points. With its power to artfully manage damage counters, it was a strategic gem, particularly for those who had a soft spot for Psychic-type Pokémon. As one of the most beloved characters from the original 150 Pokémon, this depiction of the Psychic Pokémon has a visual allure that competes with any Base Set cards. Crafted by the esteemed Ken Sugimori, this rendering of Alakazam is the first to pop up in a conversation with any true Pokémon collector.
The remarkable price of $19,500 was set by a PSA 10 Gem Mint sale of 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Alakazam #1 in December 2023, smack dab in the middle of the pandemic-fueled trading card price surge. Despite this, it's fair to anticipate this card's value will keep climbing, like most of the 1st Edition Base Set cards on this list.
5. 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Mewtwo #10 - $22,655
Mewtwo is just one of the fan-favorite Pokémon and it always will be. As a Psychic-type Pokémon popular for its exceptional psychic powers and unique origin story (it’s a clone of the mythical Pokémon Mew - get it?), Mewtwo remains one of the most powerful and iconic Pokémon in the franchise. Mewtwo’s following has always been strong and it's been brought back in many forms over the decades since the launch of the game.
Mewtwo got a lot of play back in the early days, with players making good use of powerhouse attacks like Psychic and Barrier. With solid attacks and reasonably good Hit Points, Mewtwo was featured in numerous early decks, leading to more than a few 1st Edition cards getting beat up from so many times on the battle table. Thus, PSA only reports just over 80 copies in the top-tier 10 Gem Mint condition. If you have a minty-fresh Mewtwo, hold onto it…or cash in!
The copy of 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Mewtwo #10 that sold for the record price of $22,655 was a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy and it sold for this lofty price in November 2020. While a new sale hasn’t topped that COVID-era price, it’s reasonable to assume prices will climb when more pristine copies hit the market because Mewtwo is so popular and well-liked by collectors and players alike.
3. 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Venusaur #15 - $28,255
Venusaur is the final evolution of the Bulbasaur, one of the original starter Pokémon. Its iconic status is more than just due to its role in the Pokémon video games and other media–Venusaur can pack a wallop in the Pokémon TCG. Solarbeam is a great ability that delivers a ton of damage to your opponents, and Venusaur’s 100 Hit Points means it can take a lot of damage, too. These attributes made it a strong card in gameplay, especially for players who favored Grass-type Pokémon.
While PSA 10 Gem Mint copies are not quite as rare as some of the other Pokémon cards on the list, Venusaur’s population of 139 1st Edition PSA 10 copies means it is still hard to find because of the Pokémon’s enduring appeal. Venusaur is sure to be a key card in any 1st Edition collection, if any for the nostalgia of slapping down this monstrous card in the happy early days of the game.
The copy of 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Venusaur #15 that set the record price of nearly $30,000 was sold in October 2020, at the height of the pandemic pricing surge. That said, this edition of Venusaur should maintain good pricing on the basis of the card’s natural appeal as a tough competitor.
3. 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Chansey #3 - $33,000
Chansey might sound less impressive as an “Egg Pokémon”, it’s a tough little fellow with a ton of Hit Points and some odd powers. The Basic Pokémon can prevent damage but it can also injure itself. The quirks of the card meant it was never popular in play, but there’s another reason why it’s so far up this list. Due to printing issues that led to a lot of 1st Edition Base Set Chansey showing major scratching on the holographic part of the card, Chansey has been called one of the hardest cards to get a top grade on. A mere 48 copies are present in the PSA population report at this time and we can’t expect too many more.
In October 2021, a copy of 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Chansey #3 in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition sold for $33,000 to set this record price. With the printing issues mentioned above, we can expect Chansey to hold a position in this top echelon of 1st Edition cards for quite some time.
2. 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Blastoise Signed by the artist #2 - $50,000
Okay, this Blastoise price is kind of special because the copy of 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Blastoise #2 that sold for this price was not just in pristine condition, it was signed by the artist. $50,000 is a princely sum for any card, but we can see how including a signature by Ken Sugimori, an artist who created the art of so many iconic Pokémon, would pump up the price. In truth, Blastoise doesn’t need anything extra to make it one of the favorite cards from the 1st edition Base Set. As a defensive monster, Blastoise is consistently a winner over Venusaur and even the mighty Charizard. This tortoise-like Pokémon is a great Water-type monster who is even packing heat in his shell. What’s not to love?
If you look at the annals of high-cost 1st Edition Pokémon, Blastoise is a distant second to the top dog on this list, but there have still been a huge number of impressive sales of well-graded copies sold over the years. It should be noted that an unsigned copy sold for PSA 10 Gem Mint in April 2023 for $39,999. That means Blastoise didn’t even need that autographed copy to claim second place on our list, but we thought it was worth mentioning. Needless to say, Blastoise cards from the 1st edition Base Set remain a great investment and the pricing will keep climbing as time progresses.
1. 1999 First Edition Base Set Shadowless Charizard Holo #4 - $420,000
The first version of Charizard to be released for the Pokémon TCG was this original edition from the Base Set that was both Shadowless and marked with the 1st Edition stamp. Copies of this 1999 First Edition Base Set Shadowless Charizard Holo #4 card sell for hundreds of thousands for the best conditions and scale down to hundreds for cards that saw a lot of play in the early days of the game. Nearly every top sale price on any general list of Pokémon cards will include Charizard in its many forms. No card has the popularity and love that Charizard gets. Yes, it’s a great card to play, but collectors are the ones who really prize this sort-of dragon. The keepers of the Pokémon TCG are well-aware of this, which is why Charizard appears in so many sets and formats. This Pokémon’s appeal shows no sign of letting up even as the game continues to evolve and grow.
If you find a Shadowless non-1st Edition Charizard, you can expect to cut that top price in half. Even in Gem Mint condition, the most that’s been paid for one is $200,000. Anyway you slice it, this is the most expensive Charizard card from the Pokémon TCG and it will probably stay that way as prices rise. In March 2022, a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of Charizard sold for the blockbuster price of $420,000 - making it one of the most expensive and valuable Pokémon cards ever sold. We can certainly expect prices to keep soaring when more collectors opt to put together collections of the most valuable Pokémon cards ever released.
1st Edition Pokémon Dreams: Do you have one of these rare cards?
This list is full of ‘grail cards’ from the Pokémon Trading Card Game, with prices to match them. Having even one of them means you could sell it to buy a (used) car. If you’re trying to put together a complete set of 1st Edition Pokémon, well, at least you can now see what kind of budget you’ll need to amass. And if you plan to do it, start soon. These prices aren’t going to be falling any time soon.
The allure of this first edition is so strong because of all the emotion so many players have wrapped up from the early days of the game. Many players have been enjoying the Pokémon TCG, movies, and video games for decades and getting to see these cards in perfect condition, all protected by a PSA or BGS slab, is a thrill. Here’s hoping our review of the most valuable cards in the set have given you a bit of that excitement even if acquiring a set is out of reach. If you do choose to hunt down your own set, be sure to use the Wishlist and Hot Deals tracking here on Cardbase, which will help you find the rare cards you need at the best possible prices. Happy collecting!
