Home/Expansions/Scarlet & Violet Scarlet & Violet 151/Venusaur ex
Venusaur ex Stage 2
#198/165Illus. Yoriyuki Ikegami
Special Illustration Rare

Venusaur ex

#198/165 · from Scarlet & Violet 151 · released September 22, 2023
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Holofoil
82/ 100
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Quick take

  • Original Kanto Grass starter final evolution
  • First Pokemon family in the Pokedex
  • Special Illustration Rare with full artwork treatment
  • Part of original starter trio collection

Collector's readWhat it means for your master set

Set position
3 of 360
One of the most valuable cards in the set (#3)
Demand vs rarity Est.
1.2×
In line with its rarity · others at this rarity sell for about $83.48
Cost to complete
≈5%
of the ~$1896 to finish Scarlet & Violet 151
Completion difficulty Est.
Very Hard
One of the hardest cards to complete
Where it sits in the price lifecycle
Release Hype
Post-Release Correction
Stable / Reprint Risk
End-of-Print Spike
Out-of-Print Maturation
Buy timingScarlet & Violet 151 is out of print, so supply only tightens over time. Buy a clean copy when you find one rather than waiting for a dip.
Out of print · pricing trending down · estimated

Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Scarlet & Violet 151

fewermore cards
Common
50
4
12
66
Uncommon
33
11
18
62
Rare
5
19
1
25
Double Rare
2
8
2
12
Ultra Rare
3
10
3
16
Illustration Rare
2
7
7
16
Special Illustration Rare
1
1
4
1
7
Hyper Rare
1
1
1
3
all
83
22
61
17
12
11
1
207
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 198/165 · $96.02 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.

Venusaur ex Special Illustration Rare from Pokemon 151 features the Seed Pokemon in premium SIR treatment. As the final evolution of Bulbasaur, the original starter listed first in the Pokedex, Venusaur holds unique significance. The 151 set celebrates this classic with modern presentation.

The storyNumber One in the Dex

Bulbasaur is literally number one. The first Pokemon in the original Pokedex. Venusaur is where that journey leads. There's something meaningful about that position.

“Original Kanto Grass starter final evolution”

Choosing Bulbasaur meant easier early gyms. Brock and Misty fell quickly. Strategic players appreciated that advantage. The flower dinosaur rewarded careful thinking.

Pokemon 151 gives all original starters SIR treatment. Venusaur represents Grass among the trio. Collectors aiming for starter completion need this card.

By the numbersMarket analysis

Price context

Solid position among Pokemon 151 SIRs. Original starter status commands respect. Often considered the underdog among the trio.

Price trend

Original starters have proven staying power. Venusaur has loyal fanbase despite being less hyped than Charizard. Should maintain position.

Investment outlook

Venusaur will always be relevant. Original starter and Pokedex #1. Strong long-term fundamentals despite lower hype.

Demand drivers
Original starter nostalgiaGrass-type collector interestFirst Pokedex entry significancePokemon 151 set appealStarter trio completion goals
Graded premium

PSA 10 copies command solid premiums. Original starters grade well. Check centering before submitting.

Approx. pull rate

SIRs in Pokemon 151 have low pull rates. Original starters are particularly sought after.

Rarity context

Part of original starter trio in Pokemon 151. Often priced below Charizard but essential for completion.

ArtworkWhy the art matters

Card artwork
Artist · Mitsuhiro Arita

Mitsuhiro Arita is a legendary Pokemon TCG artist who created the original Base Set Venusaur artwork. His involvement in the 151 set connects to Pokemon TCG history.

The artwork

Venusaur depicted with its signature flower in full bloom. The SIR treatment captures the massive presence of this Grass/Poison type. Green tones throughout with floral elements.

Technical details

Special Illustration Rare with textured holofoil. The green colour palette with pink flower accents interacts with the premium finish.

What makes it special

Venusaur looks like a force of nature. The flower isn't decorative. It's a weapon. The artwork captures the prehistoric plant monster energy that made the original design memorable.

BackgroundAbout Venusaur ex

Venusaur appeared in Generation I with Red and Blue (1996). Final evolution of Bulbasaur, the first Pokemon in the Pokedex. Featured on Japanese Pokemon Green box art. Has remained significant for nearly three decades.

Why fans love it
  • ›Original starter final evolution
  • ›First Pokedex entry (#001-#003)
  • ›Pokemon Green box art in Japan
  • ›Mega Evolution added later
  • ›Strategic choice for early gyms
Notable appearances
  • ›Original Kanto starter
  • ›Pokemon Green box art (Japan)
  • ›Featured throughout anime
  • ›Mega Venusaur in X/Y
  • ›Gigantamax form in Sword/Shield
Competitive relevance

Venusaur has seen competitive use across generations. Mega Venusaur with Thick Fat was notable. Chlorophyll sets were viable. The SIR is typically collected.

Own it wellCollector guide

Condition notes

Green tones should be vibrant. Check centering on both axes. The flower details should be crisp and clear.

Grading recommendation

Value supports grading for clean copies. Original starters command grading premiums. Verify centering before submitting. Read the grading guide →

Storage advice

Sleeve immediately in perfect fit. Use rigid protection. Display alongside starter trio collection. See the storage guide →

Buying advice

TCGPlayer and eBay have listings. Often purchased alongside Charizard and Blastoise. Starter trio completionists drive demand. See the singles buying guide →

Authentication tips

At this price point, verify authenticity. Check texture patterns and holofoil consistency.

Word on the streetCommunity sentiment

Reception

Venusaur has loyal defenders. Often called underrated compared to Charizard hype. Grass-type fans appreciate representation.

Notable sales
  • ›Consistent demand from starter collectors
  • ›Grass-type collector interest present
Social buzz

Featured in Pokemon 151 starter content. Discussions about Venusaur being underrated. Pokedex #1 significance noted.

Good to knowFrequently asked questions

Charizard gets most of the attention among original starters. Venusaur fans argue their favourite is unfairly overlooked despite being Pokedex #1. The collector community has passionate Venusaur defenders.
Bulbasaur is literally the first Pokemon listed. That position has meaning. Venusaur inherits that significance as the final evolution. For some collectors, that primacy matters.
Charizard typically commands higher prices. Venusaur has its dedicated fanbase but doesn't reach those premium levels. Both are essential for starter collections.
For clean copies with good centering, yes. Original starters command grading premiums. Verify centering and check the green areas for consistency.

Keep collectingRelated cards

Game data
Type
Pokémon
Element
Grass
Stage
Stage 2
HP
340
Rarity
Special Illustration Rare
Artist
Yoriyuki Ikegami
AbilityTranquil Flower
Once during your turn, if this Pokémon is in the Active Spot, you may heal 60 damage from 1 of your Pokémon.
GGCDangerous Toxwhip
150
Your opponent's Active Pokémon is now Confused and Poisoned.
Weakness
FFirex2
Resistance
DDragonone
Retreat
CCCC

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