Is the 151 Blastoise ex Worth It?

The modern Blastoise chase from the 151 set — raw or graded?

Updated June 2026 · 5 min read

The Blastoise ex special illustration rare from Pokémon 151 is one of the set's Kanto-starter chases alongside Charizard and Venusaur. Here's the read.

Why it's a top chase

151 reimagines the original Kanto roster, and the starter SIRs are core to the set's appeal. Blastoise's striking art plus deep nostalgia give it broad, liquid demand.

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Raw vs PSA 10

Raw is the affordable, great-looking buy. A PSA 10 carries a premium, though because 151 reprinted with large graded populations, the multiple is modest. For most collectors, raw is the smart pickup.

Worth it?

Yes — a centerpiece modern Blastoise with safe, liquid demand, and a must-have if you're building the starter trio. Buy at retail where you can: 151 restocks but sells fast (catch it with QuickCatch), and compare prices with the resale calculator. See best cards in 151 and the 151 Charizard ex.

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FAQ

Is the 151 Blastoise ex a good buy?
Yes — it's a top Kanto-starter chase from a very popular, liquid set. Raw is a great-looking, affordable buy; a PSA 10 is a better store of value, though the premium is modest since the set reprinted.
Should I collect all three 151 starter ex cards?
Many collectors do — the Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur ex SIRs form the Kanto starter trio and look great together. Charizard commands the most; Blastoise and Venusaur are more affordable.