💡 The icon of the 1999 Base Set — Charizard (Rare Holo). With artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita, it's the card that started Pokémon collecting. As of June 2026, the TCGPlayer market price is about $614 for the holofoil.
Card Basics
Name: Charizard
Set: Base Set (released 1999)
Number: 4 / 102
Rarity: Rare Holo
Type: Fire / HP 120
Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
Stats & Features
Its Pokémon Power, Energy Burn, lets you turn all Energy attached to Charizard into Fire Energy during your turn. Its main attack, Fire Spin, needs four Fire Energy and deals 100 damage but forces you to discard two Energy cards.
Attack: Fire Spin (Fire ×4) — 100 damage, discard 2 Energy
Weakness: Water ×2
Retreat Cost: 3 Energy
Price & Where to Buy
As of June 2026, the TCGPlayer market price is about $614 for the holofoil. Prices vary enormously depending on 1st Edition / Shadowless / Unlimited, the card's condition, and PSA/BGS grade. (This is a point-in-time price, not investment advice.)
Where to buy: overseas marketplaces like TCGPlayer and eBay have the most stock; local card shops and resale markets are options too. For a high-value card, always verify authenticity and grading slabs.
Why It's So Famous
Charizard is the most popular of the Gen 1 starter final evolutions, and the Base Set is Pokémon TCG history itself. Combined with Arita's striking art and 90s nostalgia, the Base Set Charizard remains the single most iconic card people picture when they think 'Pokémon card.'
FAQ
Q. How much is a Base Set Charizard worth now?
A. As of June 2026, the TCGPlayer market price is about $614 for the holofoil. It varies greatly by grade and edition.
Q. Where can I buy one?
A. TCGPlayer and eBay carry the most stock; local shops and resale markets also work. Always confirm authenticity and grading for such a pricey card.
Q. What's the difference between 1st Edition and the regular print?
A. The 1st Edition stamp on the left makes it the rarest and priciest. Next is Shadowless (no stamp, no shadow), and the most common is the Unlimited print.
Q. Is it worth grading with PSA?
A. For a clean copy, PSA 9–10 grades command a large premium over raw cards. Weigh the grading cost against the card's condition first.
* Card images and data are copyright of Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK / The Pokémon Company.