Is the 151 Charizard ex Worth It?

The hottest modern Charizard chase — and whether to buy raw or graded.

Updated June 2026 · 5 min read

The Charizard ex special illustration rare from Pokémon 151 — the "upside-down" Charizard — is one of the most popular modern cards. Here's the honest read.

Why it's so popular

151 reimagines the original Kanto roster, and Charizard is its crown jewel. The SIR's striking art plus deep nostalgia from lapsed collectors give it broad, liquid demand — it's one of the most traded modern cards.

Find this card on eBay:
Cheapest rawPSA 10

Raw vs PSA 10

Raw is the affordable, great-looking way in. A PSA 10 carries a healthy premium and is the better store of value — but because 151 reprinted and graded populations are large, the PSA 10 premium is more modest than on scarcer cards. For a modern card like this, raw is often the smart collector buy.

Worth it?

Yes — it's a centerpiece modern Charizard with the safest demand of any current-era card. Buy at retail where you can: 151 restocks but sells fast (catch it with QuickCatch), and compare any price with the resale calculator. See best cards in 151.

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FAQ

Is the 151 Charizard ex a good buy?
Yes — it's one of the most popular and liquid modern cards thanks to Charizard plus Kanto nostalgia. 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.
What is the upside-down Charizard card?
It's the collector nickname for the Charizard ex special illustration rare from Pokémon 151, where Charizard is depicted diving head-down — the set's headline chase.

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