Charizard ex
Quick take
- The chase card of the nostalgia-focused 151 set
- Continues Charizard's role as the standard chase Pokemon
- Artwork by miki kudo captures the icon for modern collectors
- Special Illustration Rare with premium production quality
Collector's readWhat it means for your master set
Set landscapeWhere this card sits in Scarlet & Violet 151
VariantsCard variants
Holofoil 199/165 · $336.78 — the only variant this card was printed in (no reverse holo or special pattern), so a master set needs just this one copy.
The storyNostalgia Plus Charizard
The 151 set had one job. Celebrate where Pokemon started. Every Pokemon from the original games got a card. For collectors who grew up with Red and Blue, the set hit differently.
“The chase card of the nostalgia-focused 151 set”
But someone had to be the chase card. Nobody was surprised when Charizard took that spot. The original Base Set Charizard created the entire concept of chase cards in Pokemon TCG. Every Charizard since has carried that weight. This one carries the weight plus a nostalgia bonus.
The set celebrates Kanto. Charizard is the most famous Kanto Pokemon. The math was obvious before the set even released.
By the numbersMarket analysis
The most valuable card in 151 by a significant margin. Other popular SIRs like Mew ex and Alakazam ex sell for much less. Charizard tax applies even in a nostalgia set.
Initial release saw high demand followed by the usual price correction. The nostalgia factor has helped maintain collector interest beyond typical hype cycles. 151 as a concept resonates with a specific generation.
Charizard cards hold value better than most Pokemon. The 151 theme adds a nostalgia layer that should age well as the original fans get older and have more disposable income. Solid fundamentals.
PSA 10 and CGC 10 copies typically sell for 1.5x or more over raw prices. Modern printing quality is generally good. Check centering before submitting.
Special Illustration Rares appear in under 1% of packs. The 151 set structure makes any specific SIR a difficult pull.
Other SIRs in 151 have similar pull rates. Charizard commands the highest prices regardless. The Charizard tax is the difference between mathematical rarity and actual market value.
ArtworkWhy the art matters
Miki kudo is a Pokemon TCG illustrator whose work appears across modern expansions. The illustration style brings Pokemon to life with dynamic poses.
The artwork shows Charizard in a powerful stance with flames and dynamic background elements. It's the classic Fire/Flying Pokemon rendered with modern SIR production values. The pose emphasizes the power and presence that made Charizard famous in the first place.
The textured holofoil treatment enhances the fire effects and adds depth to the illustration. The premium finish distinguishes it from standard versions and gives the flames a luminous quality.
The artwork bridges eras. Old fans recognise echoes of the Charizard they fell in love with in 1996. New collectors see a modern premium card. That balance between honoring history and meeting current production standards is what the 151 set was trying to achieve.
BackgroundAbout Charizard ex
Charizard debuted in Generation I (1996) as the final evolution of Charmander, one of three starter Pokemon. It immediately became the most popular. The Base Set holographic Charizard became the holy grail of 1990s card collecting. That pattern continues. When Charizard appears in a set, that card becomes the chase.
- ›Fire-breathing dragon design is universally appealing
- ›Starter Pokemon creates personal attachment for players
- ›Ash's Charizard in the anime made it even more famous
- ›Base Set card created foundational collector nostalgia
- ›Strong across competitive formats throughout history
- ›Ash's signature powerful Pokemon in the original anime
- ›Mega Evolutions in Pokemon X/Y (both X and Y forms)
- ›Gigantamax form in Pokemon Sword and Shield
- ›Leon's ace Pokemon in Sword and Shield
Charizard has been competitive across multiple eras. The ex mechanic provides solid stats and abilities. The card is playable, though most collectors keep SIR versions protected.
Own it wellCollector guide
Check centering, edges, and surface. The textured holofoil should be examined for print lines or inconsistencies. First print run cards sometimes differ from later prints.
For clean copies, grading is worth it given Charizard prices. Verify centering before submission. PSA, CGC, and BGS all work for this card. Read the grading guide →
Sleeve immediately in a perfect fit, then into a rigid holder. Magnetic cases or graded slabs for valuable copies. Keep away from light and humidity. See the storage guide →
TCGPlayer and eBay are the main markets. Check seller reputation. The 151 set had strong print runs so supply is decent. Premium versions still cost premium prices. See the singles buying guide →
High-value Charizard cards get counterfeited. Authentic cards have proper texture, correct cardstock weight, and sharp printing. When spending serious money, buy graded.
Protect your card
High Chase Score — protect and consider grading. · Amazon affiliate links · Storage guideWord on the streetCommunity sentiment
The 151 set was well received for celebrating Kanto. Charizard emerged as the expected centerpiece. The artwork gets positive reviews as a worthy modern tribute to the classic design.
- ›PSA 10 copies perform consistently at auction
- ›High trading volume shows sustained market interest
The 151 set generates ongoing discussion. Charizard gets most of the attention. Pack opening videos featuring this card perform well. The set attracts collectors chasing Kanto nostalgia.
Good to knowFrequently asked questions
Keep collectingRelated cards
Plan your Scarlet & Violet Scarlet & Violet 151 master set
Track every card, see what you're missing, and lay out your binder page by page.
