1st Edition Base Set Charizard (The Grail)

How to tell 1st Edition from Shadowless from Unlimited — and what each is worth.

Updated June 2026 · 6 min read

The 1999 Base Set Charizard is the most famous Pokémon card in existence — but its value swings enormously depending on which print you have. Here's how to tell them apart and what they're worth.

1st Edition

Look for the small "Edition 1" stamp on the left of the art. 1st Edition Base Set Charizard is the rarest print and the true grail — six to seven figures in PSA 10.

Find this card on eBay:
Cheapest rawPSA 10

Shadowless

No 1st Edition stamp, but no drop-shadow on the right of the art box. Shadowless is the second print — much rarer than Unlimited and very valuable in high grade.

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Cheapest rawPSA 10

Unlimited

Has the drop-shadow and no stamp — the most common Base Set print. Still a beautiful, desirable card and the most affordable way to own a Base Set Charizard.

Find this card on eBay:
Cheapest rawPSA 10

Watch for fakes — and grade it

The most faked card in the hobby. Buy graded (PSA/CGC/BGS) whenever possible, and learn the tells — see how to spot fakes and how to tell if a card is rare. For a card this valuable, a PSA 10 is the only safe store of value.

See where it ranks among the best Charizard cards and vintage cards worth money.

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FAQ

How do I know if my Base Set Charizard is 1st Edition?
Look for the small 'Edition 1' stamp on the left side of the art. No stamp but no drop-shadow on the art box means Shadowless; a drop-shadow with no stamp means the common Unlimited print.
How much is a 1st Edition Base Set Charizard worth?
It's the ultimate grail — six to seven figures in gem-mint PSA 10, with value dropping steeply by grade. Shadowless and Unlimited prints are worth progressively less. Always price off recent sold comps.

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