The 1999 1st Edition Shadowless Holographic Charizard Pokémon card is considered the absolute "holy grail" for collectors, with PSA 10 graded copies selling for as much as $420,000 at auction. But exactly how rare is this card, and what factors drive its incredible value over 20 years later?
Fewer than 120 PSA 10 Graded Copies are Thought to Exist Worldwide
Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) has graded just 116 copies of the regular 1st Edition Charizard at a perfect Gem Mint 10 grade. When you consider that the total Base Set print run was likely no more than 100,000-200,000 booster boxes, packed with just 11 cards each, this PSA 10 population data indicates that only around 1 in 10,000 cards originally printed have survived in pristine condition.
Here‘s a breakdown of the known PSA 10 population for different 1st Edition Charizard variants:
| Card Version | Total PSA 10‘s |
|---|---|
| Standard 1st Edition | 116 |
| Shadowless | 16-18 |
| Shadowless Holographic | 4 |
Why So Few in Perfect Condition?
Printed on thin cardstock and handled extensively by children when first released, the vast majority of 1st Edition Charizards suffer from some amount of wear such as edge whitening, scratches or texture loss. Given the care required to keep these cards mint for over 20 years, it‘s no surprise that so few remain in flawless shape.
Booster Boxes and Packs Also Near Impossible to Find in Sealed Condition
While the total number printed is unknown, it‘s estimated only 2,000-3,000 Base Set booster boxes were ever produced. Of those, likely less than 100 still survive sealed in mint condition. Individual booster packs are also extremely difficult to find, especially weighed/unsearched ones that could contain a Charizard. This scarcity of sealed product fuels the potential for massive prices; a 1st Edition box sold for $408,000 in 2021.
Shadowless Variant is the True Holy Grail
Shadowless Charizards are even more coveted than the standard 1st Edition version. Early print runs lacked a shadow border around the card image. It‘s estimated only 18 PSA 10 Shadowless 1st Edition Charizards are known, compared to 116 standard. One recently sold at auction for $420,000, more than any other Pokémon card in history.
Charizard Instantly Became the Most Popular and Chased Card of Gen 1
Due to its fearsome dragon design and prominence in the anime series, Charizard quickly became a fan favorite and the "face" of the original 151 Pokémon. As the only holographic and most powerful Fire-type card, demand for the 1st Edition Charizard was intense right from the start.
Prices Have Risen Astronomically Since 1999 Release
It‘s hard to imagine these days, but 1st Edition Charizards could be pulled from packs as a normal card back in 1999. Here‘s a look at how PSA 10 prices have skyrocketed over time:
| Year | Average Sale Price |
|---|---|
| 1999 | $15-25 (pack fresh) |
| 2009 | $5,000 |
| 2016 | $20,000 |
| 2021 | $300,000+ |
Other recent sales include $369,000 in December 2020 and the record $420,000 in March 2021. Prices continue to break records thanks to strong demand and extremely limited supply.
Grading Company Experts Weigh In on Rarity and Signficance
According to PSA‘s account representatives, the 1st Edition Charizard stands alone not just for its low population but also because it marks the start of the global Pokémon phenomenon. The card‘s cultural significance, early production issues, and role in building the hobby add to its mythical appeal.
"This card was absolutely seminal to the early stages of the hobby…it‘s power as an icon of the hobby cannot be overstated," says Joe Orlando, President of PSA.
Is the Card Worthy of Its Lofty Valuations?
The 1st Edition Charizard has reached such heights thanks to perfect alignment of generational nostalgia, supply/demand fundamentals, and its unique place in hobby history. While some experts argue we‘re in a bubble and prices are inflated, others contend its rarity and popularity easily justify a 6-figure valuation.
No Pokémon card has resonated so strongly for as long as the Charizard. Until thousands more are uncovered in pristine shape (highly unlikely), its reign as the king of cards is almost certain to continue. But only time will tell whether the financial fire of this Dragon endures or its flame eventually burns out.
