Let‘s kick things off with the key piece of data – according to PSA‘s population reports, there are only about 121 PSA 10 graded 1st edition Charizards in existence worldwide. For such an iconic and coveted card, this tiny population plays a huge role in the immense value associated with perfect specimens.
Now, let‘s take an in-depth look at why this rare Pokémon is so valuable and desired by collectors and investors alike.
The Special Origin of 1st Edition Base Set Charizard
As an avid Pokémon card collector yourself, you probably know that the 1st edition Base Set released in 1999 was the very first English expansion for the Pokémon TCG. This inaugural set had a limited print run featuring 102 cards total, including just 16 holographic cards which were highly coveted at the time.
Cards from this special 1st edition printing have a distinctive “Edition 1” symbol to mark their status. Once the unlimited Base Set took over print runs, 1st editions were already becoming scarce and harder to come by.
Charizard Takes Flight as the Chase Card
Of those original holographic cards, one stood out as the clear chase card every collector wanted to pull from packs – the iconic Charizard. Its ferocious dragon aesthetic resonated strongly with fans. Vivid holofoil shine only added to the visual appeal. As the ultimate starter Pokemon, Charizard‘s popularity made the 1st edition holo version a must-own.
The Path to PSA 10 Perfection
We know this 1st edition Charizard is special, but what makes a PSA 10 copy so astonishingly rare and valuable? These cards not only need to survive over 20 years largely untouched, but do so without picking up any noticeable flaws or wear.
PSA grades cards on a scale of 1-10 based on centering, corners, edges, surface condition, and color/print quality. To achieve a PSA 10 grade, a card must be virtually perfect in every regard. This proves extraordinarily difficult for a well-loved card issued back in 1999.
Let‘s examine just how rare PSA 10 perfection is for a 1st edition Charizard:
- Total 1st edition Charizards graded by PSA: 4,343
- PSA 10s: 121 (2.8% of total)
- PSA 9s: 528 (12.2% of total)
It becomes clear that PSA 10 Charizards are in extremely limited supply. With less than 3% attaining this grade, they are truly scarce treasures for any serious collector.
Recent Record-Shattering Auction Sales
Now that we understand just how rare the Charizard is, especially in a PSA 10, let‘s examine what these grades are selling for at recent auctions. Prices have been routinely shattering records over the past 2 years:
- March 2022 – PSA 10 sells for $420,000 (record sale)
- January 2021 – PSA 10 sells for $300,000
- December 2020 – PSA 10 sells for $369,000
- July 2020 – PSA 9 sells for $183,812
Not only are perfect PSA 10s fetching 6-figure price tags, but even PSA 9 copies with one minor flaw are valued at over $50,000 normally. This shows just how coveted all high-grade 1st edition Charizards are to collectors and investors chasing these childhood nostalgia trophies.
Population Comparisons to Other Rare Cards
To fully grasp the scarcity of PSA 10 Charizard, let‘s compare its population to some other extremely rare and valuable cards:
| Card | PSA 10 Population |
|---|---|
| 1st Edition Charizard | 121 |
| 1st Edition Machamp | 159 |
| Shadowless Charizard | 119 |
| Unlimited Charizard | 374 |
| Ancient Mew | 100 |
As we can see, the 1st edition Charizard has a lower population than almost any other coveted card from the early Pokémon TCG sets. The extreme rarity created by such few PSA 10 examples drives prices into the stratosphere at auctions.
How Other Rare Charizards Stack Up
Let‘s now examine how some other ultra-rare Charizard cards stack up in value compared to the 1st edition Base Set version:
Shining Charizard (Neo Destiny)
The Shining Charizard, with its vivid shining holo treatment, is another highly desired card amongst collectors. Let‘s look at some recent sales:
- PSA 9 Shining Charizard – $13,000 (March 2021)
- BGS 9.5 Shining Charizard – $22,400 (April 2021)
- PSA 10 Shining Charizard – $311,800 (June 2021)
Certainly an impressive card, but 1st edition Base Set Charizard is still king when it comes to value in top grades.
Japanese Promo Cards
Some other examples:
- Bandai Promo Charizard – PSA 10 sold for $50,300 in December 2020
- GBI Promo Charizard – PSA 10 sold for $45,100 in July 2020
While these Japanese exclusives are insanely rare, the nostalgic appeal of the original English Base Set Charizard keeps its value unrivaled.
Base Set Shadowless
The Shadowless Charizard, with no shadow border around the artwork, carries a hefty premium over unlimited Base Set versions. But 1st edition still reigns supreme. Some recent sales:
- PSA 8 Shadowless Charizard – $12,000 (March 2021)
- PSA 9 Shadowless Charizard – $28,200 (Feb 2021)
Adding the special 1st edition stamp pushes values for a PSA 10 well over $200,000 based on recent auction records.
Expert Tips for Collecting 1st Edition Charizards
As a long-time investor in Pokemon cards myself, here are some expert tips for anyone looking to enter the market for these cards:
- Thoroughly verify authenticity – be wary of reprints or counterfeits by inspecting for the correct font, holo pattern, etc.
- Cherish mint condition examples – a PSA 10 commands 100X the value of a heavily played copy
- Consider buying professionally graded cards to ensure grading accuracy
- Safely store cards in sleeves/toploaders, avoid direct light or moisture
- Time investments wisely – huge price spikes often correct back down temporarily
The thrill of the chase driving this vintage Pokemon market can sometimes lead to overpaying. As an analyst, I always advise patience and doing due diligence before making an acquisition.
The Outlook for 1st Edition Charizard Values
As the undisputed Holy Grail of Pokemon cards, the 1st edition Charizard‘s long term value outlook seems extremely strong. However, some key factors to consider:
- As population increases, prices may soften over time
- Graded card supply is largely fixed barring re-grades
- Nostalgia will continue driving demand for the foreseeable future
- Potential for counterfeits requires diligence from buyers
- Volatility from bubbles or hype cycles not unusual for collectibles
Barring any black swan events for Pokemon, 1st edition Charizard should remain an apex asset amongst card collectors and alternative investors. Population rarity coupled with iconic status give it lasting value.
Short term gyrations in the market are to be expected. But the Charizard‘s sheer historical significance as the crown jewel of vintage Pokemon ensures demand from generations young and old alike, preserving its status as the ultimate chase card.
