Squirtle
Best Graded Squirtle Cards: The 10 Best and Most Expensive Squirtle Cards
By Kyle Eggleston · Published May 13, 2026
Updated Sep 26, 2026
Squirtle is the next Pokemon in Slabfolio's graded-card content roadmap because it sits high in the GemRate sales-volume export after the characters already covered. The April 2026 export places Squirtle at overall character rank #25, with $2,654,465 in 2026 eBay singles sales through April and $812,604 in April alone. That matters for collectors because search demand and transaction volume usually create better price discovery: more comps, more active listings, and more realistic ways to compare PSA 10, PSA 9, raw, and alternate-print copies. This guide focuses on the Squirtle cards that are most relevant to graded collectors: vintage anchors, condition-sensitive older cards, modern chase cards, promos, and accessible display slabs that can round out a character portfolio.
Squirtle is one of the most beloved original starter Pokémon and a core part of the earliest Pokémon collecting experience. Cute, recognizable, and tied directly to Blastoise, Squirtle has lasting appeal among collectors who value Kanto nostalgia.
The best graded Squirtle cards often combine charm, history, and condition scarcity. While Squirtle may not always command the same prices as final evolutions, high-grade Squirtle slabs can be meaningful pieces in a starter-focused collection.
Why Squirtle Cards Are So Collectible
Squirtle is one of the original first-partner Pokémon, which gives it built-in nostalgia. Many collectors chose Squirtle in the early games or remember it from the anime’s Squirtle Squad storyline.
Collectors often chase Squirtle cards because of:
- original starter status
- Kanto nostalgia
- connection to Blastoise
- cute artwork
- vintage card history
- evolution-line display appeal
Squirtle also benefits from being accessible. Collectors can often build a strong Squirtle collection without immediately competing for the highest-priced cards in the hobby.
What Makes a Graded Squirtle Card Valuable?
Squirtle card value is usually driven by set importance, condition, artwork, and whether the card fits into a larger evolution-line or starter trio collection. Older Squirtle cards can be surprisingly difficult to find in PSA 10 because many were heavily played or casually stored.
Modern Squirtle cards can become desirable when the artwork is especially charming or when the card appears in a nostalgic set. Illustration-style cards and special releases can also attract collectors who want display appeal rather than pure rarity.
PSA, CGC, and BGS Considerations
PSA 10 Squirtle cards are usually the easiest to price and resell. CGC Pristine 10 and BGS high-grade examples may appeal to collectors who want premium versions of modern Squirtle cards.
For vintage Squirtle cards, inspect corners and edges carefully. For modern cards, centering and surface quality become more important.
Buying Tips for Squirtle Collectors
Squirtle collectors should consider building around themes. A graded Squirtle collection can focus on vintage cards, Japanese promos, starter trios, or full evolution lines with Wartortle and Blastoise.
Recent sold prices are helpful because Squirtle slabs can be less frequently traded than Charizard or Pikachu cards. Do not rely only on active listings, especially for older high-grade examples.
Long-Term Collector Outlook
Squirtle has lasting appeal because it is part of Pokémon’s original identity. The best graded Squirtle cards may remain desirable among collectors who want nostalgia, charm, and starter Pokémon history.
For Slabfolio users, Squirtle is a strong example of a character where sentimental demand and condition scarcity can both influence value over time.
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Squirtle
Base Set · 1999 · 63/102
Base Set 1st Edition Squirtle is the premier vintage Squirtle card. It is a common by rarity, but the combination of first-set nostalgia, starter demand, and high-grade condition makes PSA 10 copies serious collectibles.
The original Squirtle grail.
- 2
Squirtle
Base Set · 1999 · 63/102
Shadowless Base Set Squirtle gives collectors early-print nostalgia without the full 1st Edition premium. It is one of the most practical high-quality vintage Squirtle slabs to own.
Best vintage alternative to 1st Edition.
- 3
Squirtle
Pokemon 151 · 2023 · 170/165
Drew Peeples pulls the Squirtle from Pokemon 151Pulled by Drew Peeples, Feb 6. Watch on YouTube
Pokemon 151 Squirtle is the defining modern Squirtle card. The artwork, set theme, and starter nostalgia make it a strong PSA 10 target for collectors who want modern Kanto display appeal.
Best modern Squirtle illustration rare.
- 4
Squirtle
Legendary Collection · 2002 · 95/110
Legendary Collection reverse holo Squirtle turns a beloved starter into a flashy WOTC-era slab. The foil treatment is condition-sensitive, and strong grades can command serious premiums.
Flashiest vintage Squirtle reverse holo.
- 5
Squirtle
Team Rocket · 2000 · 68/82
Team Rocket 1st Edition Squirtle is a more affordable vintage option with strong set identity. It pairs naturally with Dark Wartortle and Dark Blastoise for evolution-line collectors.
Affordable WOTC Squirtle with Team Rocket identity.
- 6
Squirtle
Expedition · 2002 · 131/165
Expedition Squirtle adds e-Reader-era variety to a character page. It is not usually the headline card, but high-grade copies are useful for collectors who want Squirtle across every major vintage era.
Good e-Reader-era Squirtle depth.
- 7
Squirtle
FireRed & LeafGreen · 2004 · 82/112
FireRed & LeafGreen reverse holo Squirtle has Kanto remake appeal and mid-2000s condition sensitivity. It is a strong bridge between WOTC nostalgia and EX-era collecting.
Condition-sensitive EX-era Squirtle.
- 8
Squirtle
McDonald's Collection · 2021 · 17/25
McDonald's 25th Anniversary Squirtle is a budget-friendly holo promo with broad nostalgia. It should not be treated like a scarce grail, but it is a fun slab for starter collectors.
Affordable anniversary promo slab.
- 9
Squirtle
Detective Pikachu · 2019 · 15/18
Detective Pikachu Squirtle gives the character a unique movie-style look. It is a low-cost display piece that adds visual variety to a Squirtle portfolio.
Fun movie-era Squirtle slab.
- 10
Squirtle
Pokemon 151 · 2023 · 007/165
Pokemon 151 base Squirtle is the affordable companion to the illustration rare. It is best for collectors building a complete 151 starter line rather than chasing a high-end slab.
Budget Pokemon 151 Squirtle option.
Squirtle is exactly the kind of character that works well for a dedicated graded-card guide: strong search demand, meaningful sales volume, and enough card variety to support both high-end and budget collectors. The best approach is to choose one premium anchor, add cards from multiple eras, and avoid comparing unrelated variants as if they were interchangeable. Whether the target is a vintage holo, a special illustration rare, a full-art chase, or an affordable nostalgia slab, the key is to track the exact card and grade. Slabfolio is built for that workflow: upload the slab, confirm the card data, and watch the collection as a live portfolio rather than a static checklist.
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