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Mega Venusaur ex Stage 2
#177/132
Special Illustration Rare

Mega Venusaur ex

#177/132 · from Mega Evolution · released September 26, 2025
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Holofoil
80/ 100
A-Tier Chase

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Mega Evolution's signature Venusaur, and the set's top chase.

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Quick take

  • One of three original starter Mega Evolutions
  • Special Illustration Rare with full artwork treatment
  • Grass-type representation from Gen I
  • Appeals to collectors who appreciate the underdog starter

Collector's readWhat it means for your master set

Set position
5 of 310
Among the higher-value cards in the set
Demand vs rarity Est.
2.7×
Well above its rarity · others at this rarity sell for about $54.76
Cost to complete
≈10%
of the ~$1521 to finish Mega Evolution
Completion difficulty Est.
Very Hard
A pricey pickup for set completers
Where it sits in the price lifecycle
Release Hype
Post-Release Correction
Stable / Reprint Risk
End-of-Print Spike
Out-of-Print Maturation
Buy timingMega Evolution is still in print, so prices can soften if it gets reprinted. No rush unless you spot a good deal.
Still in print · pricing trending down · estimated

Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Mega Evolution

fewermore cards
Common
67
67
Uncommon
42
1
43
Rare
12
12
Double Rare
9
1
10
Ultra Rare
2
12
7
1
22
Illustration Rare
14
5
3
22
Special Illustration Rare
3
4
3
10
Mega Hyper Rare
2
2
all
121
11
28
12
7
4
5
188
0.5
1
5
15
50
150
150+
Columns = resale price up to $X (log) · shade = cards in cell (log) · right & bottom = totals · white ring = this card

VariantsCard variants

Holofoil 177/132 · $150.27 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.

Mega Venusaur ex Special Illustration Rare from the Mega Evolution set brings one of the original starter trio to premium treatment. Venusaur has always played third fiddle to Charizard and sometimes Blastoise, but Grass-type collectors and Gen I loyalists appreciate the flower dinosaur. The Mega form's enhanced bloom makes for distinctive artwork.

The storyThe Third Starter Gets Its Due

Venusaur exists in Charizard's shadow. That's been true since 1996. But Venusaur has its collectors. The Grass-type faithful. The people who picked Bulbasaur first and stuck with it.

“One of three original starter Mega Evolutions”

Mega Venusaur enhanced everything that defined the original. Bigger flower. More foliage. The same tank that could take hits and hit back. The SIR treatment gives that design proper presentation.

In the Mega Evolution set hierarchy, Venusaur sits below Charizard, Lucario, and Gardevoir. But it's still a starter Mega with Gen I nostalgia. That counts for something.

By the numbersMarket analysis

Price context

Mid-tier among Mega Evolution SIRs. Below Charizard, Lucario, and Gardevoir. Above trainers and less popular Pokemon. The starter status provides baseline support.

Price trend

Following Mega Evolution set patterns. New release volatility applies. Venusaur should stabilise in its expected position below the top tier but above lesser cards.

Investment outlook

Venusaur has consistent baseline appeal. Not Charizard demand, but steady. The Mega form adds visual interest. Solid fundamentals for Grass-type collectors.

Demand drivers
Gen I starter nostalgiaGrass-type collector communityMega Evolution era appreciationUnderdog starter appealBulbasaur line collector completionism
Graded premium

PSA 10 copies command premiums. Modern print quality is generally consistent. Check centering before grading.

Approx. pull rate

SIRs in Mega Evolution sets have low pull rates. Getting this specific card requires luck or direct purchase.

Rarity context

Same rarity tier as other Mega Evolution SIRs. Price differences reflect Pokemon popularity. Venusaur falls in the middle tier.

ArtworkWhy the art matters

Card artwork
Artist · Unknown

Artist information pending verification from card database updates.

The artwork

Mega Venusaur in its enhanced form with the massive flower in full bloom. The Grass/Poison type's bulk is emphasised. Foliage and floral elements surround the Pokemon. The SIR treatment displays the intricate botanical details.

Technical details

Special Illustration Rare with textured holofoil. The green and pink flower colours interact with the foil. Premium production across the full card face.

What makes it special

Mega Venusaur's design focused on the flower becoming more elaborate. The SIR treatment lets those botanical details shine. It's nature's tank in full bloom.

BackgroundAbout Mega Venusaur ex

Venusaur appeared in Generation I with Pokemon Red and Blue (1996). The final evolution of Bulbasaur, one of three starter options. Often overshadowed by Charizard but maintains a dedicated fanbase. Mega Venusaur came with X and Y (2013), adding Thick Fat ability.

Why fans love it
  • ›Original starter final evolution
  • ›Grass/Poison typing is unique among starters
  • ›The flower design appeals to nature theme collectors
  • ›Underdog status creates loyal following
  • ›Mega form enhanced the botanical aesthetic
Notable appearances
  • ›One of three original starters in Red/Blue
  • ›Featured in early Pokemon anime
  • ›Red's Venusaur in Pokemon Origins
  • ›Regular competitive presence
Competitive relevance

Mega Venusaur was competitively viable with Thick Fat reducing Fire and Ice weaknesses. The TCG card has usable stats. Collectors keep SIR versions protected.

Own it wellCollector guide

Condition notes

Green and pink colours should be consistent. Check centering on both axes. The botanical detail areas should be examined for print quality.

Grading recommendation

Value supports grading for clean copies. Verify centering before submitting. The detailed artwork benefits from protected display. Read the grading guide →

Storage advice

Sleeve immediately in perfect fit. Use rigid protection. Keep away from light to preserve colour vibrancy. See the storage guide →

Buying advice

TCGPlayer and eBay have listings. Compare prices within the Mega Evolution SIR tier. May be more accessible than top-tier options. See the singles buying guide →

Authentication tips

Value warrants attention. Authentic cards have proper texture and foil patterns. Consider graded copies for significant purchases.

Word on the streetCommunity sentiment

Reception

Grass-type collectors specifically target this card. The underdog starter appeal resonates with some collectors. Part of starter trio completion goals.

Notable sales
  • ›Performs in line with mid-tier Mega Evolution SIRs
  • ›Part of starter trio collection discussions
Social buzz

Featured in Mega Evolution set content. The Venusaur versus Charizard value gap is discussed. Grass-type appreciation posts include this card.

Good to knowFrequently asked questions

Charizard has broader appeal and established premium status since 1996. Venusaur is popular with Grass-type collectors but doesn't command the same universal demand. Same rarity, different market dynamics.
Yes. Charizard, Blastoise, and Venusaur all received Mega Evolution treatment. Collectors targeting the original trio include this card. Completing all three is a recognised goal.
The Mega form enhanced the flower to dramatic proportions. More petals, more foliage, bigger presence. It emphasised the botanical nature that makes Venusaur distinctive among starters.
For clean copies with good centering, yes. The value supports grading. PSA 10 copies command premiums. The detailed artwork benefits from protected display.

Keep collectingRelated cards

Game data
Type
Pokémon
Element
Grass
Stage
Stage 2
HP
380
Rarity
Special Illustration Rare
AbilitySolar Transfer
As often as you like during your turn, you may use this Ability. Move a Basic Grass Energy from 1 of your Pokémon to another of your Pokémon.
GGGGJungle Dump
240
Heal 30 damage from this Pokémon.
Weakness
FFirex2
Resistance
None
Retreat
CCCC

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