Most expensive Charizard card ever: Shadowless 1st Edition

By Jessie Schreuders
3 min read

If you've been around the Pokémon card world for a while, you know there's one card that always tops price lists and wish lists: the Charizard First Edition Shadowless. This card is the holy grail among collectors. But why is this particular version so incredibly valuable? In this article, I'll tell you everything you need to know, from the perspective of a collector who's been following the game for years.

What exactly is the Shadowless Charizard First Edition?

This card is from the Pokémon Base Set, which was released in the United States in 1999. It's a 1st Edition version, meaning it's one of the very first printings of the set. But what makes this card even more special is its "shadowless" design. This refers to the lack of a shadow border on the right side of Charizard's image.

The shadow was only added later in the reprint. That small visual adjustment makes a world of difference in value.

Shadowless vs. Shadowed: What's the Difference?

As you know, there are three versions of Charizard from the original Base Set:

  1. 1st Edition Shadowless – the very first and most valuable printing

  2. Shadowless (no 1st Edition stamp) – also early, but slightly less rare

  3. Unlimited (with shadow) – later edition, mass printed

The Shadowless maps have a slightly lighter background color, no shadow border, and sometimes narrower fonts. All of this makes the map aesthetically unique and historically significant.

How do you recognize a real 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard?

  • At the bottom left of the picture is a black “Edition 1” stamp

  • No shadow along the right side of the art frame

  • Lighter shade of red than later printings

  • Card number 4/102

  • Only comes from the 1st Edition Base Set Booster Packs

Why is this card so incredibly expensive?

There are several reasons why this card has such a high value:

  • Nostalgia : Generations grew up with this Charizard as the ultimate card

  • Rarity : There are extremely few copies in perfect condition (PSA 10)

  • Supply and demand : Everyone wants it, but almost no one has it

  • Historical Importance : It's the card that made the Pokémon TCG a million-dollar market

How much did this card sell for?

The highest selling price so far was a whopping $420,000 for a PSA 10 example in 2022. Its value has since dropped slightly, but still ranges between €250,000 and €350,000, depending on the auction and timing.

Even a PSA 9 easily fetches €30,000 to €60,000, and a raw version in Near Mint quickly goes for between €8,000 and €15,000.

Is it a good investment?

To be fair: yes, if you have the budget. This card's value has only increased over the years. As you know, in the world of Pokémon, the earlier and rarer, the better. And this Charizard ticks all the boxes.

There are only a few copies left in perfect condition, and with every sale, another one disappears into a private collection. The chance that this card will become even rarer (and therefore more valuable) is high.