4 min read

If you have been collecting Pokémon cards for a while, you certainly know Base Set 1. This set is the beginning of everything. The very first cards, the first holos and of course that iconic Charizard. Even after all these years, Base Set 1 remains a holy grail for collectors. Why? Simple. Nostalgia, rarity and a sky-high value. Let's look at what makes this set so special.

What is the Pokémon Base Set 1?

Base Set 1 is where it all began. In January 1999 this set was released in the US for the first time. In Japan the set had already appeared in 1996. Those first cards were not just pieces of cardboard. They were the start of a phenomenon that would conquer the world.

The set consists of 102 cards. In it you find iconic Pokémon such as Charizard, Blastoise and Venusaur. The artwork? Classic and simple. But that is exactly what makes them so sought after.

What we personally find so strong about the Base Set is that every card has its own charm. No excessive glitter or complex designs. Just that pure, nostalgic look that instantly brings back memories of your first booster pack.

Why is Base Set 1 still so popular?

As you know, the hype around Base Set 1 has only grown over the past few years. But why?

  1. Nostalgia: these are the cards it all started with. Everybody remembers that first Charizard pull or opening a Blastoise pack.
  2. Rarity: few people kept their cards in perfect condition. And certainly not that first set. Cards in mint condition are therefore rare and valuable.
  3. Investment: the Base Set is the ultimate investment. Cards such as Charizard PSA 10 have only become worth more over the years.

And honestly? We think that hype is here to stay for a while. Pokémon keeps growing and new collectors keep discovering the charm of that first set.

Which cards are in Base Set 1?

Base Set 1 contains a mix of Basic Pokémon, Trainers and Energy cards. But the real gems are of course the holos.

Holo Rares:

  • Charizard: the king of the set. If you have this card in mint condition, you are sitting pretty.
  • Blastoise: a strong card in the game and a visual gem.
  • Venusaur: often overlooked, but still an icon.
  • Raichu: the evolution of Pikachu that many collectors want to complete.
  • Alakazam: powerful Psychic Pokémon, loved by players and collectors alike.
  • Nidoking: maybe not as sought after as Charizard, but still a beautiful card.

Non-Holo Rares:

  • Dragonair: often underrated, but visually impressive.
  • Dugtrio: simple, but a must-have for set completers.
  • Electabuzz: one of the few Electric Pokémon in the set.

Uncommons & Commons:

  • Pikachu (Red Cheeks): this variant has become an icon in its own right.
  • Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle: the starters in their most classic form.
  • Machop, Machoke, Machamp: a complete evolution line in one set.

Prices of Base Set cards – raw vs. graded

The value of Base Set 1 depends heavily on the condition of the card. A raw card can quickly bring in a few hundred euros. But if you have a PSA 10 version, the value can go through the roof.

Raw prices (ungraded):

  • Charizard Holo: €300 - €1,000, depending on condition.
  • Blastoise Holo: €150 - €500.
  • Venusaur Holo: €100 - €400.
  • Alakazam Holo: €70 - €300.
  • Raichu Holo: €50 - €200.
  • Pikachu (1st Edition Red Cheeks): €150 - €400.

Graded prices (PSA 10):

  • Charizard Holo (PSA 10): €25,000 - €30,000. And yes, that is not a typo.
  • Blastoise Holo (PSA 10): €4,000 - €5,000.
  • Venusaur Holo (PSA 10): €3,000 - €4,000.
  • Raichu Holo (PSA 10): €1,500 - €2,000.
  • Pikachu Red Cheeks (PSA 10): €2,500 - €3,500.

Boosters and the art set of Base Set 1

Another reason the Base Set stays so popular are the booster packs. Every pack contains 11 cards and the chance of a holo is 1 in 3 packs.

The set has four different artworks:

  • Charizard: the most iconic artwork. Prices for an unopened Charizard pack can run up to €2,500.
  • Blastoise: less expensive than Charizard, but still popular. Prices around €1,800.
  • Venusaur: a bit more affordable, but still loved. Prices around €1,500.
  • Raichu: often the cheapest of the four, but still worth a solid €1,200.

A complete art set of four boosters can run up to €6,000 - €8,000. Those are prices that make you scratch your head for a moment.

Is Base Set 1 a good investment?

Without a doubt. But you do need to know what you are getting into.

  • Raw cards can still rise in value, but only if they are in near mint condition.
  • PSA 10 versions are the real grail. The Charizard Holo in particular is an absolute knockout.
  • Unopened boosters are risky, but can be enormously valuable if you have the right pack.

If we may give you one piece of advice: do not only look at Charizard. Blastoise and Venusaur may get less hype, but they offer more growth potential. Certainly if you can find them in PSA 10 quality.

Our conclusion?
Base Set 1 is and stays a legendary set. It is where Pokémon began. And the value keeps climbing. Whether you go for raw cards, PSA 10 versions or unopened packs – there are always opportunities. But do your research, buy from reliable sellers and be patient. This set is a marathon, not a sprint.