Blastoise

Best Graded Blastoise Cards: The 10 Best and Most Expensive Blastoise Cards

By Kyle Eggleston · Published May 13, 2026

Updated Sep 20, 2026

Best Graded Blastoise Cards: The 10 Best and Most Expensive Blastoise Cards

Blastoise is one of the original starter Pokémon, and its graded card market has remained one of the most active in the entire Pokémon TCG hobby since the very beginning. The Base Set Blastoise holo. Especially the Shadowless version. Is one of the definitive vintage Pokémon cards, recognized by collectors and non-collectors alike as a symbol of the original game and 1990s nostalgia. What makes Blastoise particularly compelling as a graded collecting target is the layered nature of its vintage demand. The Shadowless Base Set copy is more scarce than the Unlimited version. The Japanese CD promo predates the English release entirely. The Expedition holo represents one of the most condition-sensitive early 2000s holos. Each of these cards has its own price history and collector audience, making a comprehensive Blastoise collection genuinely diverse. Unlike some modern Pokémon, Blastoise's collector appeal is rooted primarily in nostalgia and vintage scarcity rather than modern alternate art demand. That makes condition research. And specifically understanding what a PSA 10 actually represents for each era's cardstock. Essential before purchasing. The original starters never go out of fashion. Blastoise has appeared in every generation of the TCG in some form, and its Base Set holo remains one of the cards that new collectors most commonly seek when building their first serious graded collection.

Why Blastoise Cards Are Popular With Collectors

Blastoise's collector appeal is rooted in the original starter Pokémon identity that millions of players formed during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Choosing Squirtle as a starter. And evolving it to Blastoise. Was a defining childhood experience for an enormous number of collectors now active in the hobby. That emotional connection translates directly into sustained buying interest.

The Base Set specifically carries a cultural weight that no other Pokémon set has fully replicated. As one of the three original Base Set holos representing the starter evolution line alongside Charizard and Venusaur, Blastoise holds permanent relevance in the vintage Pokémon card market.

Japanese Blastoise cards add depth through unique promos and alternative artworks. The CD promo from 1998. Issued before the English game even launched. Is among the earliest official Blastoise cards with its own distinct history and collector value.

What Makes a Graded Blastoise Card Valuable?

Shadowless vs Unlimited: The Shadowless Base Set print has demonstrably lower supply and higher demand than Unlimited, resulting in significant price separation at PSA 10.
Print era: 1999 Base Set cards on original cardstock carry vintage premiums; condition is harder to achieve.
PSA 10 scarcity: Base Set holos in PSA 10 are rare relative to total graded copies.
Set significance: Base Set, Expedition, and Japanese promos each carry their own collector audiences.
Variant specificity: Confirming Shadowless vs Unlimited, 1st Edition vs Unlimited, or specific Japanese releases is essential before comparing prices.
Artwork and era: Older cards with distinctive artwork carry nostalgia premiums.
Recent sold data: Completed sales, not listing prices, reflect actual market value.

Quick Buying Checklist for Blastoise Slabs

Confirm Shadowless vs Unlimited for Base Set copies. This distinction dramatically affects value.
Verify card number and set before comparing sold comps.
Check recent completed eBay sales specifically for that print variant and grade.
Examine centering carefully. Base Set holos are notoriously off-center in many prints.
Consider grading company liquidity: PSA 10 generally has the broadest buyer pool.
Note language. Japanese and English versions carry different market prices.
Track acquired cards in a portfolio to monitor value changes.

The 10 Best Graded Blastoise Cards to Collect

1. Blastoise #2. Base Set Shadowless

The Shadowless Base Set Blastoise is the most valuable version of the original Blastoise holo, distinguished from the Unlimited print by the absence of a drop shadow beneath the image box on the card face. Shadowless cards were printed during the initial US production run before the shadow detail was added, making them relatively scarcer than Unlimited copies. In PSA 10 the Shadowless Blastoise commands a significant premium and represents one of the most recognizable vintage Pokémon grading achievements.

The card's position as one of the original starter Pokémon holos, combined with genuine supply scarcity in gem mint condition, gives it enduring market support from multiple collector audiences.

2. Blastoise #2. Base Set Unlimited

The Unlimited Base Set Blastoise holo may be more common than the Shadowless version, but it remains one of the most collected and recognized Pokémon cards in the hobby. In PSA 10 it is genuinely scarce due to the centering and print quality challenges common to 1999 Wizards of the Coast production runs. Many collectors use the Unlimited version as the accessible entry point to a vintage Blastoise collection before pursuing the Shadowless premium.

The card's broad cultural recognition means it trades actively and has well-established price reference points for comparison.

3. Blastoise #009. Japanese CD Promo

The Japanese CD promo Blastoise from 1998 predates the English release of the Pokémon TCG and was distributed alongside a Japanese music CD release. It features unique artwork distinct from the Base Set version and carries historical significance as one of the earliest official Blastoise promotional cards. In PSA 10, authentic examples are genuinely rare and highly sought by Japanese promo specialists and Blastoise completists.

Research is critical for this card. Authentication and confirming the specific promo release details matter before purchasing.

4. Blastoise Holo. Expedition

The Expedition Blastoise holo from 2002 is one of the more condition-sensitive vintage Blastoise pieces, printed on the Expedition e-Series cardstock with distinctive reverse holo border treatment. Expedition as a set had limited distribution relative to Base Set, and PSA 10 copies of the Blastoise holo are genuinely scarce. It appeals to E-Series collectors and Blastoise completists seeking complete vintage era coverage.

The distinctive foiling on Expedition holos makes surface scratches especially visible, adding to the condition challenge for PSA 10 grading.

5. Blastoise ex. FireRed & LeafGreen

The FireRed & LeafGreen Blastoise ex was released in 2004 as part of the nostalgic return-to-Kanto set that deliberately revisited original generation themes. In PSA 10 it fills the EX-era chapter of a comprehensive Blastoise collection. FireRed & LeafGreen's Kanto focus gave it strong nostalgic demand beyond the typical EX-era buyer pool, as collectors who grew up with Gen 1 Pokémon saw familiar Pokémon returning in new card formats.

6. Dark Blastoise #3. Team Rocket

Dark Blastoise from the Team Rocket set represents a thematic departure that many collectors find highly appealing. The familiar starter Pokémon re-imagined under Team Rocket's corrupting influence. The Team Rocket set was released in 2000 and has developed strong vintage collector demand independent of the Base Set Blastoise market. In PSA 10, Dark Blastoise presents well as both a Blastoise-themed card and a Team Rocket era piece.

7. Blastoise & Piplup GX Alternate Art. Cosmic Eclipse

The Cosmic Eclipse TAG TEAM alternate art featuring Blastoise and Piplup together is the closest modern Blastoise card to an alternate art chase piece. Its illustrated artwork pairing two Water-type Pokémon in a single full-art scene created strong demand among both Blastoise collectors and TAG TEAM alternate art specialists. PSA 10 copies present well and trade actively in the modern collector community.

8. Mega Blastoise EX. XY Evolutions

XY Evolutions was a deliberate tribute to the original Base Set, and the Mega Blastoise EX from that set benefits from the nostalgic demand that made Evolutions the most opened set of its era. The Mega EX treatment gives Blastoise a powerful visual presence, and collectors who built around the Evolutions set often include this card as a premium anchor piece.

9. Blastoise VMAX Promo. Sword & Shield

The Blastoise VMAX promo from the Sword and Shield era gave the original starter Pokémon the VMAX full-art treatment in a promotional format with limited distribution compared to standard set pulls. Promo exclusives with Blastoise branding draw from both VMAX collectors and dedicated Blastoise collectors, creating demand from multiple buyer audiences.

10. Japanese Blastoise Promos

Japanese Blastoise promos spanning magazine inserts, pack exclusives, and tournament distributions include unique artwork and condition stories tied to their original distribution context. Values vary significantly by specific promo. Japanese collectors and Western Blastoise completists both pursue notable examples in the PSA 10 format.

Vintage vs Modern Blastoise Cards

Vintage Blastoise cards are predominantly the more valuable pieces due to Base Set nostalgia and genuine supply scarcity in PSA 10. Modern Blastoise cards like the Cosmic Eclipse TAG TEAM and VMAX promo offer more accessible price points with stronger recent sold data and higher trade frequency. For most collectors, the vintage Base Set cards represent the primary targets while modern pieces fill supporting roles.

English vs Japanese Blastoise Cards

English Base Set Blastoise cards are the dominant targets for Western collectors, with deep liquidity and clear price reference points. Japanese Blastoise. The original Japanese Base Set copy, the CD promo, and various Japanese-exclusive releases. Carries independent collector interest rooted in historical priority and sometimes unique artwork. Japanese copies of the same era cards are often valued differently from English copies at identical grades.

PSA 10 Blastoise Cards vs Raw Copies

Base Set Blastoise holos in PSA 10 are among the most challenging original Wizards of the Coast cards to achieve gem mint grade on, due to centering, print lines, and the whitening common to 1999 cardstock. Raw near-mint copies frequently grade PSA 8 or 9. The PSA 10 premium for the most valuable Blastoise cards is significant and justified by genuine supply scarcity.

Are Blastoise Cards a Good Investment?

Blastoise has demonstrated two decades of consistent collector demand rooted in cultural nostalgia for the original Pokémon game. Values fluctuate with broader hobby market conditions, but the vintage Base Set cards have proven resilient across multiple market cycles. Collectors who research recent sold comps and track their portfolio values are best positioned to make informed decisions.

How to Track Blastoise Card Prices

eBay completed listings filtered by exact set, variant (Shadowless/Unlimited), grade, and grading company
PriceCharting for historical price trends
PSA population reports for gem mint supply reference
Graded card price lookup
Upload a Blastoise slab to your portfolio
Track your card portfolio

Prices as of Oct 21, 2026

1
Blastoise #2 PSA 10
Base Set Shadowless · 1999 · 2
The Shadowless Base Set Blastoise is one of the most recognized vintage Pokémon cards, distinguished by the absence of the drop shadow below the image box present on Unlimited prints. PSA 10 copies are genuinely scarce and command a significant premium over the Unlimited version. This card anchors vintage Blastoise collections and represents one of the hobby's defining grading achievements.
The primary grail for vintage Blastoise collectors. Always confirm Shadowless status before comparing values. The price gap from Unlimited is substantial.
Estimated value: $249.03
2
Blastoise #2 PSA 10
Base Set Unlimited · 1999 · 2
The Unlimited Base Set Blastoise remains one of the most collected vintage Pokémon cards in the hobby despite being more common than the Shadowless version. PSA 10 copies are still scarce due to 1999 print quality challenges including centering and print lines. A natural starting point for building a vintage Blastoise collection.
An accessible entry into vintage Blastoise collecting compared to the Shadowless version. Deep liquidity and well-established sold comp data make pricing straightforward.
Estimated value: $89.99
3
Blastoise #009 PSA 10
Japanese CD Promo · 1998 · 009
The Japanese CD promo Blastoise from 1998 predates the English TCG launch and was distributed with a Japanese music release, making it one of the earliest official Blastoise cards with unique distribution history. PSA 10 authentic examples are genuinely rare. Authentication is important for this card given its age and promo-specific distribution.
A rare and historically significant piece for Japanese promo specialists and Blastoise completists. Authentication and provenance research are critical before purchasing.
Estimated value: $250
4
Blastoise Holo PSA 10
Expedition · 2002
The Expedition Blastoise holo from the E-Series features reverse holo border treatment that makes surface scratches especially visible, contributing to low PSA 10 populations despite the card being over 20 years old. Limited distribution of the Expedition set relative to Base Set adds additional scarcity.
A genuine condition challenge for vintage collectors. Expedition's limited distribution and foil treatment sensitivity make PSA 10 copies meaningfully rare.
Estimated value: $99.99
5
Blastoise ex PSA 10
FireRed & LeafGreen · 2004
The FireRed & LeafGreen Blastoise ex rode the nostalgia wave of the Kanto return set to attract broader collector interest beyond the typical EX-era audience. PSA 10 copies fill the EX-era chapter of a comprehensive Blastoise collection.
Essential for Blastoise collectors building era coverage. FireRed & LeafGreen nostalgia provides buyer support beyond typical EX-era demographics.
6
Dark Blastoise #3 PSA 10
Team Rocket · 2000 · 3
Dark Blastoise from the Team Rocket set presents the original starter under the corrupting Team Rocket theme, with distinctive artwork and a vintage 2000 release. Team Rocket has developed its own collector following independent of Base Set demand, giving Dark Blastoise appeal to two separate collector audiences.
Appealing to both Blastoise theme collectors and Team Rocket era specialists. The darker artwork contrasts nicely with Base Set Blastoise in a display collection.
Estimated value: $75.11
7
Blastoise & Piplup GX Alternate Art PSA 10
Cosmic Eclipse · 2019
The Cosmic Eclipse TAG TEAM alternate art is the most visually modern Blastoise collector piece, pairing Blastoise with Piplup in a fully illustrated scene. Strong demand from both Blastoise collectors and TAG TEAM alternate art specialists gives this card support from multiple buyer audiences.
The premier modern Blastoise collector card. TAG TEAM alternate arts from Cosmic Eclipse maintain strong collector demand across market cycles.
Estimated value: $81
8
Mega Blastoise EX PSA 10
XY Evolutions · 2016
The Mega Blastoise EX from XY Evolutions benefits from the nostalgic demand that made Evolutions the most opened set of its era. Its Mega EX treatment gives the card a powerful visual presence in a slab display.
A nostalgic modern piece that appeals to collectors who built around the XY Evolutions tribute set. Strong set identity provides floor support.
Estimated value: $5.4
9
Blastoise VMAX Promo PSA 10
Sword & Shield Promo · 2021
The Blastoise VMAX promo gives the original starter the modern VMAX full-art treatment in a limited distribution promotional format, attracting both VMAX card collectors and dedicated Blastoise theme collectors.
Limited distribution relative to standard VMAX set pulls gives this promo supply floor support that broadly available VMAX cards lack.
Estimated value: $28.99
10
Japanese Blastoise Promos PSA 10
Various Japanese Promos
Japanese Blastoise promos across multiple eras feature unique artwork and distribution histories with independent collector markets in Japan and internationally. Values vary significantly by specific promo and distribution context.
A collecting lane with cross-market demand. Research specific promo history and distribution details before comparing values across Japanese and English Blastoise markets.
Estimated value: $36.55

Blastoise's graded card market remains one of the most stable and recognized in Pokémon collecting because it is anchored by genuine vintage nostalgia and supply-constrained PSA 10 copies. The Shadowless Base Set holo is a defining vintage piece; the Unlimited Base Set holo remains broadly recognized; and a supporting cast of vintage, mid-era, and modern cards gives collectors a full-spectrum collection to build.

Understanding the Shadowless vs Unlimited distinction, and researching PSA 10 scarcity for each specific card, is the foundation of smart Blastoise collecting. Asking prices on listings rarely tell the full story. Completed sold data does.

Whether you are buying your first graded Blastoise card or managing a larger Pokémon card portfolio, tracking real market movement matters. Slabfolio helps collectors organize slabs, monitor values, and follow graded card price changes over time.

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Best Graded Blastoise Cards: The 10 Best and Most Expensive Blastoise Cards

Why Blastoise Cards Are Popular With Collectors

What Makes a Graded Blastoise Card Valuable?

Quick Buying Checklist for Blastoise Slabs