Flagship Collector Dossier
Center Print ~11,000 Global
1999 Base Set 1st Edition Charizard #4/102
The undisputed holy grail of modern card collecting. Illustrated by Mitsuhiro Arita, printed January 1999, with only ~124 verified PSA 10 Gem Mint copies in existence.
| Grade Tier | Verified Market Benchmark | Collector Liquidity |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Near Mint | $16,800 | Private collector escrow / high counterfeit risk |
| PSA 7 (NM) | $24,500 | Solid collector grade |
| PSA 8 (NM-MT) | $38,000 | The Liquidity Anchor: High demand, realistic grade |
| PSA 9 (Mint) | $55,000 | Elite investor tier (~680 copies) |
| PSA 10 (Gem Mint) | $504,000+ | Trophy record asset (124 global copies) |
🛡️ Caleb's Collector Verdict
Always grade this card. Because counterfeit rates are exceptionally high, buyers will automatically discount raw copies down to PSA 5–6 value when negotiating. Slabs eliminate return disputes and unlock high-net-worth buyers on eBay and premier auction houses.
The 4 Base Set Charizard Print Variations
| Variation | 1st Edition Stamp | Art Frame Drop Shadow | HP Font Weight | Copyright Notice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Edition (Shadowless) | Present (Left of Art) | None (Shadowless) | Thin Red "120 HP" | © 1995, 96, 98, 99 Nintendo, Creatures, GAMEFREAK |
| Shadowless (Non-1st) | None | None (Shadowless) | Thin Red "120 HP" | © 1995, 96, 98, 99 Nintendo, Creatures, GAMEFREAK |
| Unlimited Base Set | None | Heavy Dark Drop Shadow | Thick Bold "120 HP" | © 1995, 96, 98 Nintendo, Creatures, GAMEFREAK (No '99) |
| 4th Print (1999–2000 UK) | None | Heavy Dark Drop Shadow | Thick Bold "120 HP" | © 1999-2000 Wizards (UK/European Print) |