If you have been in the Pokémon world for a while, you probably know it already: Charizard has always been a crowd favourite. Add a nostalgic set like Scarlet & Violet 151 to that and you get fireworks. Literally and figuratively.

In this blog we explain why this particular Charizard from the 151 set is so popular, why this card is a real chase card and what you pay for it these days. We also share handy facts for collectors like you.

Why is Pokémon 151 so popular?

To understand why the Charizard is so sought after in this set, we first have to look at the 151 set itself.

This set is a tribute to the original 151 Pokémon, the Pokémon it all started with. For many collectors it instantly brings back memories of their first cards, their first Game Boy game or even the first episodes of the anime.

What makes the set unique:

• Plenty of familiar names such as Pikachu, Mewtwo, Gengar and of course Charizard.
• The cards are numbered completely in Pokédex order, something collectors love.
• There is a combination of new artwork and modern card mechanics such as ex cards.

In short: 151 is pure nostalgia with a modern twist. And it lands. Hard.

Why has Charizard always been popular?

Charizard is no ordinary Pokémon. He is an icon. From the moment he appeared in the original Base Set as a Holo Rare, he has been the favourite of many. The combination of his dragon-like looks, powerful presence and rarity made him a legend early on.

What makes Charizard so special:

• He is the evolution of Charmander, one of the best-loved starters ever.
• He has a powerful, intimidating design, especially in his ex and VMAX forms.
• In the TCG, Charizard is often rare and strong.
• And let's be honest: everyone remembers that one friend at school who had a Charizard (or claimed to have one).

The perfect combination: Charizard in the 151 set

So what do you get when you combine a hugely popular Pokémon (Charizard) with a nostalgic, sought-after set (151)? Exactly, a chase card everyone wants.

The Scarlet & Violet 151 set holds a Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare. This card shows Charizard in beautifully dynamic artwork that has drawn a lot of praise from collectors and players.

It is not just any holo. It is a:

• Special Illustration Rare (246/165)
• Full Art card with detailed artwork
• Hard to pull (low pull rate)
• Sought after by TCG players and investors alike

Is it really that hard to pull this Charizard?

Yes. As you know, the pull rates for Special Illustration Rares are low. With the 151 set there is the added fact that it holds several popular cards – think Mew, Blastoise, Venusaur – which makes the chance of landing that one Charizard smaller still.

On average people get one Special Illustration Rare per 1–2 booster boxes, and there are several of them in circulation. So the chance that you pull the Charizard specifically is slim. That automatically makes him more exclusive and more valuable.

What is the market value of this Charizard?

As always, prices swing based on condition and grading. But here are the current market prices (September 2025):

• Raw (ungraded):
  Near Mint: €220
• Graded (PSA 10):
  Average: €1,000

This card stays relatively stable on price, because it is loved by casual collectors and serious investors alike.

Do you expect it to drop in value? Honestly, we do not. Thanks to the combination of nostalgia, popularity and scarcity, this stays a solid investment.

Our advice as collectors

If you want to add this Charizard to your collection:
✅ Buy it graded if you want certainty about the condition.
✅ Rather pull it yourself? Count on a serious investment in booster bundles or displays.
✅ Store it well: sleeves, toploader or slab – whatever you can manage.

Oh, and do not forget: you do not just have a card, you own a piece of modern Pokémon history.