Top 10 Most Expensive Base Set Pokémon Cards in 2025

Explore the Top 10 Most Expensive Base Set Pokémon Cards in 2025, curated from up-to-date TCGplayer market data. From rare holographics like Ninetales and Poliwrath to unique variants such as the Red-Cheek Pikachu, each card’s rising value tells a story of rarity, nostalgia, and collector passion. Dive into individual price breakdowns, learn what makes each card a standout investment, and discover expert tips to guide your vintage collection strategy.

1) Charizard-Base Set (BS)

Product Details : $450-$500

• Card Number / Rarity:004/102 / Holo Rare

• Card Type / HP / Stage:Fire / 120 / Stage 2

• Card Text: Pokémon Power: Energy Burn As often as you like during your turn (before your attack), you may turn all Energy attached to Charizard into Fire Energy for the rest of the turn. This power can't be used if Charizard is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.

• Attack 1:[RRRR] Fire Spin (100)

  Discard 2 Energy cards attached to Charizard in order to use this attack.

• Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost: W / F-30 / 3

• Artist: Mitsuhiro Arita

  
  

Charizard remains the most iconic and valuable card from the 1999 Base Set, with raw Near-Mint unlimited editions averaging around $458 on TCGplayer, and shadowless versions trading near $634. First-edition Charizards command massive premiums: PSA 9 slabs go for $23–25k, while PSA 10 “Gem Mint” copies routinely sell above $260,000, with recent Alt listings hitting upwards of $217k–$266k . Factors driving its value include its nostalgic “Energy Burn” ability and 100‑damage Fire Spin attack, Arita’s iconic artwork, limited shadowless print runs, and enduring collector demand—cementing Charizard as the blue-chip cornerstone of Pokémon card investing.

2) Blastoise - Base Set (BS)

Product Details: $150

• Card Number / Rarity:002/102 / Holo Rare

• Card Type / HP / Stage:Water / 100 / Stage 2

• Card Text:Pokémon Power: Rain Dance As often as you like during your turn (before your attack), you may attach 1 Water Energy card to 1 of your Water Pokémon. (This doesn't use up your 1 Energy card attachment for the turn.) This power can't be used if Blastoise is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.

• Attack 1:[WWW] Hydro Pump (40+)

  Does 40 damage plus 10 more damage for each Water Energy attached to Blastoise but not used to pay for this attack's Energy cost. Extra Water Energy after the 2nd doesn't count.

• Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:L / / 3

• Artist: Ken Sugimori

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Blastoise stands as a powerful Stage 2 starter from the original 1999 Base Set, now commanding serious value in 2025. Raw Unlimited copies in Near-Mint condition fetch around $39–$41 on TCGplayer. Shadowless variants fetch higher—often listing for around $102, with averages nearing $440 depending on condition. First-Edition Shadowless examples graded PSA 9 have recently sold for $1,205, while pristine PSA 10 copies seek $5,800. Featuring the “Rain Dance” ability and a potentially high-damage “Hydro Pump,” plus classic Ken Sugimori art, Blastoise is highly sought after by both collectors and competitive players. Its blend of nostalgia, limited shadowless print runs, and strong competitive pedigree continue to fuel demand—and prices.

3) Venusaur - Base Set (BS)

Product Details : $110-120

• Card Number / Rarity:015/102 / Holo Rare

• Card Type / HP / Stage:Grass / 100 / Stage 2

• Card Text:Pokémon Power: Energy Trans As often as you like during your turn (before your attack), you may take 1 Grass Energy card attached to 1 of your Pokémon and attach it to a different one. This power can't be used if Venusaur is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.

• Attack 1:[GGGG] Solarbeam (60)

• Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:R / / 2

• Artist:Mitsuhiro Arita

  
  

Venusaur from the original 1999 Base Set remains a vintage favorite, with raw Unlimited Near Mint copies priced around $30–$32 on TCGplayer, while shadowless versions fetch approximately $70–$108, depending on condition. Its “Energy Trans” ability and Solarbeam attack showcase both strategic gameplay and classic art by Mitsuhiro Arita—traits that resonate with original TCG fans. Rarity alone does not fully explain its value; it's the combination of nostalgic appeal, print variations, and standout art that drives demand. High-grade shadowless and 1st-edition variants command even higher prices in graded markets, making Venusaur a solid investment piece for collectors building vintage Kanto decks.

4) Alakazam - Base Set (BS)

Product Details: $50-$55

• Card Number / Rarity:001/102 / Holo Rare

• Card Type / HP / Stage:Psychic / 80 / Stage 2

• Card Text: Pokémon Power: Damage Swap As often as you like during your turn (before your attack), you may move 1 damage counter from 1 of your Pokémon to another as long as you don't Knock Out that Pokémon. This power can't be used if Alakazam is Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.

• Attack 1:[PPP] Confuse Ray (30)

  Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokémon is now Confused.

• Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:P / / 3

• Artist: Ken Sugimori

  
  

• Alakazam from the original 1999 Base Set continues to captivate collectors and traders alike. According to TCGplayer, raw unlimited Near Mint versions sell for approximately $13.45, while shadowless variants command around $36.30 in similar condition. High-grade shadowless copies—those graded PSA 9—are listed near $574, and PSA 10 “Gem Mint” versions can fetch over $4,999, based on recent PriceCharting data. Featuring the strategic “Damage Swap” ability, the coin-flip “Confuse Ray” attack, and iconic Ken Sugimori artwork, Alakazam blends nostalgia with gameplay relevance. Its combination of playability, limited print runs, and high-grade rarity ensures it remains one of the most valuable and collectible Base Set Pokémon cards.

5) Raichu- Base Set (BS)

Product Details : $48-$50

• Card Number / Rarity:014/102 / Holo Rare

• Card Type / HP / Stage:Lightning / 80 / Stage 1

• Attack 1:[2L] Agility (20)

  Flip a coin. If heads, during your opponent's next turn, prevent all effects of attacks, including damage, done to Raichu.

• Attack 2:[1LLL] Thunder (60)

  Flip a coin. If tails, Raichu does 30 damage to itself.

• Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:F / / 1

• Artist:Ken Sugimori

• TCGplayer Tip:Printed in 1999, this was Raichu's English debut! The evolved form of Pikachu, Pokémon's most popular pocket monster, this is one of the most recognizable Pokémon of the original 151.

  
  

Raichu makes a splash as the first-ever English holographic appearance of electric-type’s spotlight star and Pikachu’s evolution. Its gameplay heritage includes the clever "Agility" attack and high-risk "Thunder," reflecting its powered-up status. The nostalgic Ken Sugimori artwork and scarcity—particularly in shadowless print runs—drive collector passion. Its current average price near $50 (raw) and strong graded premiums (PSA 8: ~$119; PSA 9: ~$385) emphasize Raichu’s blend of rarity, aesthetics, and historical importance in the vintage Pokémon TCG world.

6) Zapdos - Base Set (BS)

Product Details : $38-$41

• Card Number / Rarity:016/102 / Holo Rare

• Card Type / HP / Stage:Lightning / 90 / Basic

• Attack 1:[1LLL] Thunder (60)

  Flip a coin. If tails, Zapdos does 30 damage to itself.

• Attack 2:[LLLL] Thunderbolt (100)

  Discard all Energy cards attached to Zapdos in order to use this attack.

• Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost: / F-30 / 3

• Artist:Ken Sugimori

  
  

Zapdos shines as a vintage lightning-type powerhouse from the original 1999 Base Set. Raw Near Mint Unlimited copies currently sell around $28–$38 on platforms like TCGplayer and TrollAndToad, while shadowless versions average $27.70, with last recorded sales nearing $92. Graded slabs fetch even higher premiums—PSA 9 copies have sold between $120–$130, and PSA 10 Gem Mint sales have climbed into the $160–$250 range. Its signature moves, “Thunder” and the powerful “Thunderbolt,” iconic Ken Sugimori art, and rarity as one of the first Lightning Pokémon holo prints make Zapdos a nostalgic collector favorite and standout investment piece in the Base Set lineup.

7) Mewtwo - Base Set (BS)

Product Details : $38-43

• Card Number / Rarity:010/102 / Holo Rare

• Card Type / HP / Stage:Psychic / 60 / Basic

• Attack 1:[1P] Psychic (10+)

  Does 10 damage plus 10 more damage for each Energy card attached to the Defending Pokémon.

• Attack 2:[PP] Barrier

  Discard 1 Psychic Energy card attached to Mewtwo in order to use this attack. During your opponent's next turn, prevent all effects of attacks, including damage, done to Mewtwo.

• Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:P / / 3

• Artist:Ken Sugimori

Mewtwo, the legendary Psychic powerhouse from the original 1999 Base Set, maintains a strong collector appeal in 2025. Raw Near-Mint Unlimited copies sell around $40–41 on TCGplayer, while Shadowless versions hover between $31–41, reflecting consistent demand. Graded variants show impressive premiums—PSA 9 slabs average $190, with top-tier CGC/PSA 10 “Gem Mint” examples climbing toward $260–375+ on secondary markets . Featuring a strong “Psychic” attack and the strategic “Barrier” effect, combined with iconic Ken Sugimori art and limited-shadowless print runs, Mewtwo remains a sought-after card—bridging nostalgic reverence, playability, and collectible rarity with ease.

8) Chansey - Base Set (BS)

Product Details: $35-$37

• Card Number / Rarity:003/102 / Holo Rare

• Card Type / HP / Stage:Colorless / 120 / Basic

• Attack 1:[2] Scrunch

  Flip a coin. If heads, prevent all damage done to Chansey during your opponent's next turn. (Any other effects of attacks still happen.)

• Attack 2:[4] Double-edge (80)

  Chansey does 80 damage to itself.

• Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:F / P-30 / 1

• Artist:Ken Sugimori

Chansey is a beloved support Pokémon from the original 1999 Base Set, and its Holo Rare variant is highly prized in today’s collector market. Raw Unlimited Near Mint copies currently average $24.87, based on recent sales through platforms like Mavin and TCGplayer. Shadowless versions, being scarcer, command about $13.43–$40, depending on condition and availability . Graded versions are where prices surge: PSA 7–8 slabs typically sell for $60–94, while PSA 10 “Gem Mint” examples recently fetched over $699 on eBay. Featuring 120 HP, robust defensive moves (“Scrunch” and “Double-Edge”), and classic Ken Sugimori artwork, Chansey blends nostalgia, playability, and rarity—making it a standout entry in any vintage collection.

9) Gyarados - Base Set (BS)

Product Details : $32-$33

• Card Number / Rarity:006/102 / Holo Rare

• Card Type / HP / Stage:Water / 100 / Stage 1

• Attack 1:[WWW] Dragon Rage (50)

• Attack 2:[WWWW] Bubblebeam (40)

  Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokémon is now Paralyzed.

• Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost:G / F-30 / 3

• Artist:Mitsuhiro Arita

Gyarados continues to dominate as one of the most prized Water-type holo rares from the 1999 Base Set. Current TCGplayer data shows raw Near-Mint Unlimited copies around $27–$33, while shadowless editions average slightly higher—$34–$108, depending on condition and demand. But the real value lies in graded shadowless first-edition versions: PSA 8 slabs typically sell for $1,200–1,300, and PSA 10 "Gem Mint" copies often fetch over $11,000, with recent auction records topping $11,900 . With powerful stage-1 gameplay via "Dragon Rage" and "Bubblebeam," combined with Mitsuhiro Arita’s striking artwork and scarce print runs, Gyarados is a legendary investment pick—bridging striking visual appeal, rarity, and strong collector nostalgia.

10) Clefairy - Base Set (BS)

Product Details : $29-$30

• Card Number / Rarity:005/102 / Holo Rare

• Card Type / HP / Stage:Colorless / 40 / Basic

• Attack 1:[1] Sing

  Flip a coin. If heads, the Defending Pokémon is now Asleep.

• Attack 2:[3] Metronome

  Choose 1 of the Defending Pokémon's attacks. Metronome copies that attack except for its Energy costs and anything else required to use that attack, such as discarding Energy cards. (No matter what type the Defending Pokémon is, Clefairy's type is still Colorless.)

• Weakness / Resistance / Retreat Cost: F / P-30 / 1

• Artist: Ken Sugimori

Clefairy, one of the earliest Basic Colorless Holo Rares from the original 1999 Base Set, remains highly coveted by collectors in 2025. Raw Near Mint Unlimited copies average around $29.93 on TCGplayer, while shadowless variants, which are rarer, typically sell between $15 and $40—with occasional listings nearing $77 on niche platforms like TrollAndToad. When graded, the value climbs significantly: PSA 9 shadowless examples regularly fetch $225–$325, with PSA 10 “Gem Mint” versions occasionally selling for $375+. Featuring 120 HP, strong coin-flip-based attacks, and iconic Ken Sugimori artwork, Clefairy combines nostalgic charm with rarity—making it a standout piece in any vintage Pokémon card collection.

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

From Charizard’s legendary status to underrated gems like Chansey and Clefairy, the Base Set continues to deliver some of the most valuable and sought-after Pokémon cards in 2025. Prices pulled directly from TCGplayer highlight a few essential trends:

1. Icon cards dominate: Holo rarities—especially Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur—command huge premiums due to their nostalgia, limited old print runs, and iconic artwork.

2. Print variations matter: Shadowless and 1st-Edition versions consistently sell for 2–10× more than their Unlimited counterparts.

3. Grading multiplies value: PSA/CGC-graded Gem Mint (PSA 9–10) cards can fetch tens of thousands—Charizard and Gyarados top six figures at auction.

4. Nostalgia sustains demand: Collectors continue to seek out vintage cards as cultural touchstones, keeping prices high and stable—even post-boom .

5. Savvy investment strategy: Prioritize raw Near-Mint buy-ins for affordability, target shadowless/1st-Edition versions for upside, and grade only top-condition cards for maximum ROI.

   
   

✅ Next Steps for Collectors & Investors:

• Audit your stash: Identify shadowless and first-edition cards in NM or better.

• Consider grading: Reserve slab submissions for cards in pristine condition to unlock steep premiums.

• Monitor market movements: Follow TCGplayer price trends and grading sites for strategic buys and sells.

  
  

By combining careful condition evaluation, smart grading, and an understanding of rarity, you can build a vintage Pokémon collection that’s not only nostalgic but also a strong long-term investment.