Before the cardboard was even printed for the first run of Pokémon cards, Charizard adorned the cover of the franchise’s original GameBoy release. The powerful, dragon-like Pokémon became an early favorite among gamers in part because its stunning artwork never fails to draw attention, and it also didn’t hurt that this Fire-type Pokémon was one of the most powerful characters in the game. Since then, Charizard’s popularity shifted into the card realm and has even spilled into the mainstream, with ample face time on Pokémon’s animated series. There’s a reason Charizard cards remain popular among collectors, and even non-collectors can recognize its fiery-orange likeness. Charizard has been a very coveted character throughout its many iterations and sets. When fans of the franchise see that name on the set list, they rush to get their hands on it.
For this entry, we’ve slightly adjusted the Set Registry Starter Kit, pulling four more affordable issues from a larger, ever-expanding set, just to get you started.
1999 Pokémon Game #4 Charizard – Holo (Unlimited)
- PSA Population: 413 in PSA Gem Mint 10
- Average cost for PSA 10: $1,600
The Base Set started it all, introducing us to a new way to battle and catch ‘em all, apart from the original video game. This could be considered the Charizard Rookie in the U.S., as it was the first U.S. release. The Charizard was the star of the set with 120 Hit Points and a devastating Fire Spin that dealt 100 Damage. Although it was difficult to play the card, it definitely paid dividends when it hit the playing field. Artist Mitsuhiro Arita displayed this very powerful Fire-type with its wings flared out over the holographic background. The Unlimited version brings everything you want out of the popular card, with the exception of the coveted and rare 1st Edition Stamp.
2000 Pokémon Rocket #4 Dark Charizard – Holo
- PSA Population: 105 in PSA Gem Mint 10
- Average cost for PSA 10: $300
The next time we would see Charizard in card form would be under the Team Rocket Set from 2000. Like other Dark cards from the set, this Charizard packed a punch in battle but at the cost of having lower hit points. This time the card was illustrated by Ken Sugimori, displaying the Charizard’s back and large flame emanating from its tail. Although it has the holographic shine, this Charizard’s face is shadowed, indicating Team Rocket’s influence on this Pokemon.
2000 Pokémon Gym Challenge #2 Blaine’s Charizard
- PSA Population: 111 in PSA Gem Mint 10
- Average cost for PSA 10: $186
According to Pokémon lore, this Charizard was well trained by Cinnabar Island Gym Leader Blaine, who specializes in Fire-type Pokémon, making Charizard a perfect fit for the Gym Leader. Once again Ken Sugimori illustrated Charizard, this time front-facing on a holographic background and looking ready to give a flamethrower attack. Looks like Blaine has a much better handle on his Charizard than Ash ever did.
2002 Neo Destiny #107 Shining Charizard
- PSA Population: 251 in PSA Gem Mint 10
- Average cost for PSA 10: $700
Finally, we’ll wrap up this list with a shiny, brand-new look to Charizard with the Neo Destiny Set. It rumbles in with 100 Hit Points and a powerful White-hot Flame attack that uses both fire and electric energy. Artist Hironobu Yoshida designed the shiny Pokemon flying through a non-holographic background of canyons. Along with the Pokémon itself sporting a foil finish, the sleek black look of Charizard offers a flashy alternative to the classic orange we are used to.
Catching a Charizard might be more attainable than you think. The artwork alone showcased the Charizard many of us grew up with, and the franchise continues to capture that magic with new releases. Charizard was a staple in many video game lineups and decks over the years, so why not add these affordable cards to start your Charizard Master Set?
Visit the PSA Set Registry and try your hand at the Pokémon Charizard Master Set. Who knows? You might just catch ‘em all.
Start the Set TodayNote: Population numbers and values reflect those as of June 2019.
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