Top 10 Most Valuable Base Set Cards (Unlimited Edition)
The original holos that started it all, counted down from 10 to 1.
By Misprint Editorial | Published Mar 20, 2025 | 5 min read
Updated pricing as of March 2026
There is no set in the history of the Pokemon TCG that carries more weight than Base Set. Released in January 1999 in North America, it introduced an entire generation to the hobby and created a collecting market that is still thriving nearly three decades later. While 1st Edition copies command five- and six-figure prices, the Unlimited print run remains the most accessible way to own a piece of that original magic. These are the cards most of us actually pulled as kids, and their values reflect a blend of nostalgia, iconic artwork, and genuine cultural significance.
What follows is a countdown of the ten most expensive Base Set Unlimited holos, from number ten down to the undisputed king at number one. But first, a few cards that did not quite crack the top ten still deserve their moment.
Honorable Mentions
Not every Base Set holo can make the top ten, but calling any of these "cheap" undersells what they are. Any holographic card from the original 1999 print run in clean condition is a legitimate piece of Pokemon history.
Ninetales benefits from being one of the most visually striking cards in the set. The artwork captures the elegant, almost mystical quality of the Pokemon, and Fire-type collectors have always kept demand steady. Hitmonchan was genuinely feared in early tournament play. The "Haymaker" archetype built around its efficient 20-damage Jab attack was one of the first true competitive decks in the game's history, and that legacy gives the card a small but meaningful premium. Poliwrath saw some early competitive use as a solid Stage 2 attacker, but that was never quite enough to separate it from the pack in the collector market.
Magneton has always been one of the quieter Base Set holos. It never dominated competitive play and its design, while faithful to the original Ken Sugimori art, lacks the drama collectors gravitate toward. Clefairy occupies a similar space. Despite being a fan-favorite Pokemon in the anime and games, the card itself never generated the tournament hype or chase-card energy needed to push prices higher. All five of these cards can still be picked up in lightly played condition without breaking the bank, making them a solid entry point for anyone building a complete Base Set holo collection.
Now, the main event. Here are the ten most expensive Base Set Unlimited holos, counting down from number ten to number one.
#10. Raichu
Raichu punches above its weight class thanks to the enduring popularity of the Pikachu evolution line. It also has an interesting place in Pokemon lore as the subject of the infamous "Prerelease Raichu" error card rumor, which has kept it in the collecting conversation for years. That combination of character recognition and hobby folklore gives Raichu just enough edge to break into the top ten.
#9. Nidoking
Nidoking benefits from strong name recognition and imposing artwork. As one of the original fully-evolved powerhouses from Generation I, it has a built-in fan base that keeps demand consistent. The card radiates the kind of brute-force energy that made Pokemon feel dangerous and exciting to a generation of kids, and that visceral appeal has aged well with collectors.
#8. Chansey
Chansey was once considered one of the best defensive walls in the game. Its massive 120 HP was almost unheard of in 1999, and competitive players quickly recognized it as one of the most reliable stall options available. That reputation for being a genuinely powerful card in early tournament play, combined with Chansey's broad appeal as a beloved Generation I Pokemon, has translated into lasting collector value.
#7. Alakazam
Arguably the most beloved Psychic-type Pokemon from the original 151, Alakazam brought both style and substance to Base Set. Its Damage Swap Poke-Power made it a staple of early competitive decks, enabling some of the most creative strategies the game had seen in its infancy. The combination of playability history, striking artwork, and enduring character popularity gives Alakazam real staying power in the market.
#6. Zapdos
Zapdos has always been a collector favorite thanks to its dynamic, lightning-filled artwork and the general popularity of the Legendary Bird trio. It commands a premium over its siblings Articuno and Moltres, neither of whom appeared in Base Set, making it the definitive Legendary pull from the original run. There is something about that crackling electric energy on the holo surface that just looks right.
#5. Gyarados
This is a card that perfectly captures the ferocity of one of Pokemon's most iconic evolutions. The artwork of the sea serpent raging through a storm is among the most memorable images in the entire TCG, and that visual impact translates directly into market value. Gyarados also carries the nostalgia of being one of the most satisfying evolutions in the original games, a reward for anyone patient enough to grind through Magikarp's uselessness.
#4. Mewtwo
As the final boss of the original games and the star of the first Pokemon movie, Mewtwo carries enormous pop-culture weight that extends well beyond the trading card hobby. Its Base Set holo is one of the most recognized trading cards in the world, period. The combination of menacing artwork, franchise significance, and sheer name recognition keeps Mewtwo firmly planted among the most valuable cards in the set.
#3. Venusaur
Often called the most underrated of the three starters, Venusaur is exactly the kind of card savvy collectors have been quietly accumulating. It has historically lagged behind Blastoise and Charizard in price, but the gap has been narrowing as collectors seek to complete the trio. The artwork, featuring Venusaur in full bloom with its massive flower, is a classic piece of Pokemon illustration that holds its own against anything else in the set.
#2. Blastoise
Blastoise commands a significant premium and has always been the clear number-two card in Base Set. Its cannons-blazing artwork is instantly recognizable, and it was one of the first cards many players associated with raw power. Blastoise also benefits from strong representation across the entire franchise, from the games to the anime to competitive play. For collectors who find Charizard out of reach, Blastoise is the crown jewel of their collection, and it is a worthy one.
#1. Charizard
No card in the history of the Pokemon TCG, and arguably no trading card in the modern collectibles market, carries the cultural weight of a Base Set Charizard. It is the card that launched a thousand collections, the one that every kid in 1999 desperately wanted to pull. The fire-breathing dragon artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita is permanently etched into popular culture. Even the Unlimited version, which was printed in enormous quantities compared to 1st Edition, commands prices that dwarf every other card in the set. Charizard is not just a Pokemon card. It is a cultural artifact, and its place at the top of this list was never in doubt.
The Bottom Line
The Base Set Unlimited holos span a wide range of values, but every single one of them is a piece of the foundation that the entire Pokemon TCG was built on. Whether you are picking up a budget-friendly Magneton to start your collection or hunting for a clean Charizard to serve as its centerpiece, these cards represent the purest expression of what makes Pokemon collecting enduring. The Unlimited print run offers a realistic path to owning all 16 original holos without needing a second mortgage, and there is something deeply satisfying about assembling the complete set that started it all.
Prices referenced are approximate market values as of March 2026 and will fluctuate. Check current listings on Misprint for the latest prices.
