CGC Featured Card of the Month: (1996) Japanese Base Set Charizard

Game: Pokémon

Set: (1996) Japanese Base Set

Card: Charizard

What makes it special? Pokémon burst into pop culture 30 years ago with the release of the (1996) Japanese Base Set. The hottest card in the set was the Charizard Holo, with iconic art by Mitsuhiro Arita.

These Charizards are some of the most expensive trading card collectibles in the hobby today. An extremely valuable variety exists that is missing the rarity symbol at bottom right.

Did you know? On this card, the lizard-like creature is identified by his Japanese name, Lizardon, or リザードン. Fresh interest was generated for the design of this always-popular card when it appeared in 25th anniversary Promo Packs, emblazoned with a 25th anniversary logo to the right of the character.

Total graded by CGC: According to the CGC Cards Population Report, CGC has certified 3,009 examples of standard Charizard and 123 of the No Rarity Symbol variety. Additionally, CGC has certified 37 examples of the Japanese 25th anniversary Charizard — and more in other languages.

CGC median grade: CGC 6 for the standard 1996 Japanese one and CGC 5 for its No Rarity Symbol variety.

CGC highest grade: For the standard 1996 Japanese one, there are 17 examples in CGC Pristine 10, and one in the same grade for the No Rarity Symbol variety.

Sales highlights: A standard example of the 1996 Japanese card graded CGC Gem Mint 10 (pictured above) realized $2,520 at a Heritage Auctions sale in November 2023. A No Rarity Symbol example graded CGC Gem Mint 10 (pictured above) realized $57,500 at a Heritage Auctions sale in September 2023. A Japanese example of the 25th anniversary card graded CGC Pristine 10 (pictured above) is listed for sale on eBay for $800 or best offer.

CGC Cards Registry: A No Rarity Symbol Charizard graded PMG Gem Mint 10 has powered sets by TCA Gaming to the front of the pack in four Base Set - Japanese categories: Base Set (Expansion Pack) - Master Set (117 competitors), Base Set (Expansion Pack) - Main Set (135 competitors), Base Set (Expansion Pack) - Holos (52 competitors) and Base Set (Expansion Pack) - No Rarity Set (19 competitors). If you have a group of these cards, the CGC Cards Registry is a great place to show them off and to see whether any of your fellow Pokémon fans have been able to catch 'em all.

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