The lizard Charizard, the fiery dragon-like Pokémon, has been an iconic figure since the inception of the Pokémon franchise. Its majestic appearance, formidable strength in battles, and nostalgic appeal have endeared it to Pokémon fans worldwide. Charizard is simply a favorite in every series in which it appears. With his fire-breathing abilities and flight, he’s a powerful force in every version that has come out.
The Charizard cards hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts. These coveted cards, especially in gem mint condition, have become highly sought-after items in the trading card market. Their rarity and historical significance have led to jaw-dropping prices being fetched at auctions and sales. Almost without exception, Charizard is one of the most valuable and desirable cards from each Pokémon expansion throughout the life of the game.
Let's embark on an exciting and informative journey as we delve into the world of Pokémon cards and explore the top 15 most valuable Charizard cards. These iconic cards, spanning over 25 years of the Pokémon franchise, have become gems and rarities sought after by collectors worldwide. We will not only uncover the reasons behind their immense value but also delve into the record-breaking prices that each of these cards has commanded. Let the adventure begin!
The Checklist: The Top 15 Most Valuable Charizard Cards
The mighty Charizard is the final evolution of the legendary Fire type Charmander and it’s appeared in many sets over the years. You can find stats on the Charizard cards as a whole right here on its dedicated Cardbase page. From there, you can find Hot Deals on the card and see values and pricing trends for the cards you seek. You can even set up a specific card on your Watchlist so you won’t miss out when new copies go on sale. And if you download the Cardbase App you can do all of this on your phone.
15. 2020 Pokémon Japanese S-P VMAX HR Winner Charizard #104 - $14,999
The most recent card on this list, the VMAX HR Winner Charizard, was produced for a Japanese contest held just a few years back during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tournaments were held in stores, but also there were rules for playing at home with friends and family. Only 600 copies of the card were made to support this intriguing tournament experiment.
The card itself is colorful and dynamic, and this version of our favorite almost-a-dragon represents one of the most powerful versions of Charizard ever printed. With a whopping 330 HP, this gargantuan Charizard is tough on the table and desirable for collectors.
A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of this card sold for a blockbuster $14,999 in August 2023, which was a significant milestone in terms of its value. This particular card has garnered a lot of attention from collectors who recognize its importance, and it is highly likely that the price will continue to rise as more and more collectors seek to acquire this essential piece for their cherished collections. Therefore, it is safe to say that the demand for this card will only increase, further driving up its value in the future.
14. 2000 Pokémon Base Set 2 Non-Holo Charizard Error #4 - $16,272
While this card is quite similar to the early Shadowless version of Charizard, which we’ll see further up the list, a notable error distinguishes this collectible from the original. Simply put, this version of the card lacks the holo coating that makes the original version look so good. This unusual misprint in the second Base Set gives the card a matte look that brings out the colors a bit, but mostly you miss the sparkle of the original card. There are not many of these out there and, although they are valuable, the market isn’t as big for this card as some others on the list because it is really for hardcore collectors who need every possible iteration of a card to consider their collection complete.
The rarity of this printing error is such that even though this card was only graded as a CGC 6 EX-MT, it still sold for over $16,000 back in February 2021. If others show up, you can expect even higher pricing and more value because for the collectors who want one of these cards, it’s a ‘Holy Grail’ type of card.
13. 2000 Pokémon Team Rocket 1st Edition Holographic Dark Charizard #4 - $17,100
The Dark Charizard card is one of the most sought-after cards of this fan-favorite Pokémon. While everyone loves Charizard, this iteration has unique artwork to match the unusual nature of this version of the popular monster. With a perspective rarely seen on Pokémon cards, this intriguing collectible feels like no other card on this list with the tension in the image driven by Dark Charizard’s side-eye and ‘talk-to-the-tale’ energy. Who wouldn’t want this cool card in their collection? This is also a Team Rocket card, meaning it is associated with the villainous organization who are often the antagonist in Pokemon storylines.
The copy of the card that set this record was graded as a BGS 10 Pristine and sold in February 2022 for a whopping $17,100. The card itself was near-perfect with 10s on three of four sub-gradings so it may be challenging for future copies to match the value of a card with this lofty grading. Even so, Dark Charizard is such a desirable card that you can expect the value to continue to rise over time. This compelling card is truly undeniable.
12. 2013 Pokémon The Movie Bandai Sparkle #VPC-05 - $19,999
Released about a decade ago to celebrate the release of another in the series of Pokémon movies, this version of Charizard has a distinguishing look to it and a frame-breaking image of everyone’s favorite dragon-like monster in a dynamic pose. While not a card for the Pokémon TCG, this card has gained popularity on the basis of the character’s popularity and the appeal of limited-release cards like this one. While this version seems to have been limited to a Japanese audience, collectors around the world have scrambled to add this unique card to their collections. It does have a great looking sparkle effect that is really undeniable.
This card sold in January 2023 for just shy of $20,000 but keep in mind that this copy was a BGS 10 Pristine rated collectible. According to the BGS, there’s only one copy with this stellar rating. As BGS is quite stingy with their Pristine 10 grade, it might be boosting that value a bit more than even PSA 10 Gem Mint copies. Needless to say, this sale made this card one of the many to draw more investor and collector interest.
11. 2009 Pokémon Supreme Victors Reverse Holo G Charizard #20 - $24,950
This 2009 version of Charizard has grown popular due to its status as a Reverse Holo card. While it’s much easier to read than some Reverse Holo cards (see the one further up the list), this one shows a solid if unspectacular image of Charizard flying through the air with its tail aflame. The card is part of the "Supreme Victors" expansion set, which was released in 2009 as part of the Platinum series. The “G” designation also aligns this Charizard with the Team Galactic group, another foe that often is in conflict with the heroes in Pokemon stories.
The copy that set this massive record price of $24,950 was graded a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy, one of only about 15 in existence per the PSA grading database, and it sold in January 2023. With such a high recent sale, it is highly likely that the demand for this card will continue to increase, leading to a potential rise in its price in the future. Given its rarity, being one of only about 15 copies in existence, collectors and investors alike will surely be keeping a close eye on this card and its market performance.
Learn more about Pokémon Card Rarity
10. 1996 Pokémon Japanese Bandai Carddass Vending Machine Red Prism Charizard #6 - $30,100
Referred to as ‘Vending Machine Pokémon’ because of their method of distribution to fans, the Bandai Carddass series was another really early Pokémon property that excited collectors then and now. While these cards have no utility in the Pokémon TCG, they remain popular for their historical value and holographic design. That’s why a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy sold for a huge $30,100 in January 2021.
Of course, if you’re willing to accept your Bandai Charizard with a Green Back, you can find cards of that variant for less than half the price. In fact, there are many collectors who prefer the Green Back variant due to its eye-catching design. In October 2023, a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of the Green Prism version of this card sold for a respectable $14,000, demonstrating the value and desirability of this particular variant. While it’s certainly not inexpensive, it can be a lower-cost way of adding this irresistible and highly sought-after card to your cherished collection.
9. 2002 Pokémon Shining Charizard First Edition #107 - $33,502
Charizard has long been the coolest Pokémon around, drawing so many fans that it rivals Pikachu for the top pocket monster ever award. In the 2002 NEO Destiny set, we got to see a shiny version of our Fire-type Pokémon friend with the introduction of the Shining Charizard. The "Shining" designation was for a subset of cards in the Neo Destiny set that showcased Pokémon with alternate, often vibrant, color schemes compared to their traditional appearances.
This record price of a whopping $33,502 was set when a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of the card was sold in December 2022. The demand for the Shining Charizard card has been consistently high, with collectors and investors alike seeking to add this rare and iconic card to their collections. While many more copies of the card have been sold for slightly lower prices, they still fetch a significant amount, indicating the enduring appeal and potential future growth in value for the Shining Charizard card. As the market for collectible cards continues to expand, it is likely that the value of this card will continue to rise, making it a smart investment choice as well as a prize for collectors to obtain for their collection.
8. 2002 Pokémon Legendary Collection Reverse Foil Charizard Autograph Mitsuhiro Arita #3 - $33,600
This is the only autographed card on the list. This Legendary Reverse Foil Charizard card features the signature of Mitsuhiro Arita, the illustrator who created the original drawing of Charizard that led to the monster’s enormous popularity among players of the Pokémon TCG. This Reverse Holo pattern already makes this card challenging to use in play, so the bold signature only makes this more of a valuable collectible.
According to the PSA database, this is the only PSA 10 Gem Mint copy they have seen, which adds some value and desirability to the card. This record price was set in September 2022 when the card sold for $33,600. If there are more out there with Arita’s signature, we can expect they’ll also be similarly valuable.
7. 1995 Pokémon Topsun Holofoil Charizard #006 - $37,600
Here’s one of the earliest cards to feature the legendary Pokémon characters. Topsun’s cards are dated 1995 but there’s some question as to the exact timing of their distribution. Either way, these early cards featured one of the first iterations of Charizard and helped set the standard look of this fan-favorite character.
While the numbering system of the Topsun cards is a little unusual, they also featured a key element of Pokémon cards throughout the years: the Holofoil. With a shimmering look appearing so early in the history of Pokémon cards, it’s not surprising that holo cards became so popular for so many years. Notably, holos for the Topsun series were much rarer than the standard cards from the Pokémon TCG, which helps drive up the value of this card.
A PSA 10 Gem Mint condition copy sold for this record price in December 2020, driving up future values of this rare and early Pokémon card.
6. 2002 Pokémon Holo Mysterious Mountains Crystal Charizard #089 - $40,800
This Japanese version of the Crystal Charizard was part of the Mysterious Mountains expansion set, known as the Skyridge set in English. The card features artwork of an enraged Charizard in a dynamic attack position, with flames on its left side. This charizard card is part of the final expansion of the e-Card Series. e-Cards were a short-lived type of Pokémon card that interacted with an e-Reader peripheral for the Game Boy Advance that Nintendo hoped would renew interest in the series. This was also the last US release handled by Magic: The Gathering publisher Wizards of the Coast before the Pokémon Company took back North American distribution rights.
In October 2022, a PSA 10 graded version of this 2002 Pokémon card was sold for $40,800, making it the most valuable eCard available. The US version of the card, released in 2003, also sold for over $25,000. Charizard can still bring in big valuations, although Japanese versions of cards tend to outperform English cards.
5. 1996 Pokémon Japanese Base Set Holo No Rarity Symbol Error Charizard #6 - $57,877
Yet another Pokémon card that is primarily desired by collectors for a small printing error. This Japanese Base Set card has no rarity symbol, which makes an already valuable early card even rarer. Thus, people have paid enormous sums of money to get one of the few copies out there. It’s unclear how many there are, but they always fetch a significant price.
In the case of this copy, it was a PSA 9 Mint copy of the card and it was sold in November 2020 for a staggering $57,877. While we’ll see the US version of this card without errors go for much more, this is still a huge amount of money for an error card. For the completist collector, though, it is a must-have.
4. 2000 Pokémon Topps Tekno Chrome Series 1 Tekno Charizard #6 - $60,000
Once again, a Charizard card that doesn’t help you in the Pokémon TCG sells for a huge sum because people just love this franchise and this compelling character. This series was paired with the Pokémon TV series that was sweeping the world. Charizard is featured on this classic Topps card with fire in his hands and a simple but effective background that adds a level of grandeur to the design.
While you can find this 2000 Pokémon Topps Tekno Chrome Series 1 Tekno Charizard #6 card for much less in poor shape, the copy here was graded at a PSA 10 Gem Mint rating and sold for $60,000 in January 2022. Similarly graded cards can expect similar results, but you can still add a nice copy of this charming card to your collection for much less if you don’t mind a few dings and dents. You can track it on the Cardbase page for the card to get the best prices possible.
3. 2006 Pokémon EX Dragon Frontiers Gold Star Charizard #100 - $60,221
While there’s a big jump in price on the list after this card, this is truly one of my favorite Pokémon cards of all time and certainly the best-looking Charizard piece of art. This dark black dragon-like Charizard flying backward as it shoots fire to keep the enemies away just looks amazing. This dazzling collectible showcases Charizard in a dark Delta Species form, with a Gold Star for rarity. Like most Gold Star cards, this dynamic image extends beyond the frame to add a bit more drama to the effect.
Many copies of this stellar card have sold for huge premium prices, making it one of the most valuable Pokémon cards, period. This record December 2020 sale of $60,221 was for a pristine PSA 10 Gem Mint copy. Even so, lower-quality copies have been sold for tens of thousands of dollars online. It’s a great card, whether you play it in your deck or just admire it as a collectible to class up your collection.
2. 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 1999 Pokémon Base Set that was both Shadowless and marked with the 1st Edition stamp. Copies of this 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.
We are not including an additional listing for the Shadowless non-1st Edition because it is essentially identical to the 1st Edition card. It's worth noting that the highest recorded price for that edition in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition is approximately $200,000. Regardless of how you look at it, this particular Charizard card holds the title of being the most expensive card in the Pokémon TCG. Given the ongoing rise in prices, it is likely to retain this position for the foreseeable future and still remains a solid investment for collectors and investors alike.
1. 1995 Pokémon Japanese Topsun Charizard Blue Back - $493,230
Here it is: The most valuable Charizard card and one that even beats out the lofty record price for the first edition Pokémon TCG version of the monster. The Topsun cards were also super-early in the life of the franchise (1997, not 1995, as that’s just a trademark date) and this is said to be the only example validated by PSA at its highest grading level among a total of thirty-one recorded copies.
This unique "No Number" blue-backed card prominently features the iconic Charizard in nearly his earliest iteration. While versions of this card sell for huge prices whenever they come up for auction, the copy that set this record was in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition and it sold for $493,230 in January 2021.
Keep in mind that the Green Back version of the same card sells for much less. The largest sale on record for this card with a Green Back in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition was $14,500. Either way, these cards will continue to climb in value because of the historic value of such early versions of the beloved Charizard.
Fire Up Your Collection With The Best and Most Valuable Charizard Cards
I’m just going to say it: People absolutely love Charizard because of our fascination with dragons. While technically classified as a lizard Pokémon, Charizard strongly resembles a dragon. It possesses the ability to fly like a dragon and even breathe fire. The enduring popularity of Charizard is undoubtedly linked to its striking resemblance to the majestic and mythical giant reptiles we also enjoy in A Game of Thrones or Dungeons and Dragons. After all, who wouldn't desire a powerful and awe-inspiring dragon by their side?
Whether you're a passionate player, dedicated collector, or simply an enthusiastic fan, Charizard stands as one of the most iconic figures in the vast world of Pokémon. These cards hold a value that surpasses their mere monetary worth; they embody cherished memories and evoke a profound sense of nostalgia. As the expansive Pokémon universe continues to expand and progress, the flame of Charizard burns brighter than ever, enchanting the hearts of both new and long-time fans alike. So, let us embark on this joyful journey of collecting and celebrating the captivating allure of Charizard!
