Base Set
The one that started it all — the 1999 Base Set holds the hobby's most iconic grails.
Why Base Set matters
Base Set is the foundation of Pokémon collecting: the original 102-card release, home to the Charizard, Blastoise and Venusaur holos. Its earliest print runs — 1st Edition and Shadowless — are among the most valuable cards in the entire hobby.
- +102 cards, released in English in 1999.
- +Three print runs: 1st Edition, Shadowless, then Unlimited.
- +The 16 holo rares are the set's chase cards; Charizard headlines them all.
Chase cards from Base Set
The cards collectors hunt from this set. Open one for live listings and a price alert.
Frequently asked
What is the most valuable Base Set card?
The 1st Edition Shadowless Charizard is the crown jewel, especially in high grade. Charizard leads the set by a wide margin, followed by the other holo rares.
How do I tell which Base Set print run I have?
Check for the 1st Edition stamp to the left of the art; if it's absent, look at the right edge of the artwork box — no drop-shadow means Shadowless, a drop-shadow means Unlimited.
Related sets
Track the whole set
Set target prices on the chase cards from Base Set and GrailHawk alerts you the moment one lists in range.
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