Squirtle Squad
Blastoise is one of the most iconic Pokémon in the entire franchise — a hulking water cannon turtle that's anchored collections since the very first card set in 1999. But not all Blastoise cards are created equal. Some are worth a few dollars. Others? Tens of thousands. If you're building a Blastoise collection or thinking about investing in high-value Pokémon cards, this guide breaks down every card worth knowing about.
Whether you're a nostalgic collector hunting down Base Set holos or a modern TCG player chasing alt-art hits, this list covers the full spectrum of Blastoise cards that command serious money — and why they're worth it.
Why Blastoise Cards Hold Such Incredible Value
Blastoise's value comes from a combination of factors that very few Pokémon can match. As one of the original Kanto starters, Blastoise carries decades of nostalgia. Its iconic design — dual water cannons mounted on a massive shell — translates beautifully to card art. And as a Stage 2 evolution of Squirtle, its competitive history spans every major era of the TCG.
The Base Set Blastoise, with its Raindance ability and unlimited access to Water Energy, was a cornerstone of early competitive decks. That competitive legacy adds collector value that purely decorative Pokémon rarely achieve.
[→ Shop Blastoise card lots on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=blastoise+pokemon+card&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
The Most Valuable Blastoise Cards Ever Printed
1. Base Set Blastoise (1st Edition) — Shadowless Holo
This is the crown jewel. A PSA 10 first edition shadowless Blastoise is one of the most coveted cards in all of Pokémon collecting. The "shadowless" printing (the very first run before Wizards of the Coast added drop shadows to card borders) combined with 1st Edition stamps makes this card extraordinarily rare in gem-mint condition.
Estimated value: $2,000–$15,000+ depending on grade. PSA 10s have sold for over $10,000 at auction.
The Base Set art by Ken Sugimori is timeless — Blastoise posed with cannons raised, the dramatic blue background. In top grade, this card is the centerpiece of any serious vintage collection.
[→ Shop Base Set Blastoise cards on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=base+set+blastoise+holo+pokemon+card&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
2. Base Set Blastoise (Unlimited) — Holo Rare
The unlimited print run is far more accessible but still commands respect. A PSA 9 unlimited Base Set Blastoise typically fetches $150–$400, and PSA 10s can approach $1,000+. If you want the iconic original art without paying 1st Edition premiums, this is your entry point into vintage Blastoise collecting.
Raw (ungraded) copies in near-mint condition run $30–$80 depending on the seller, making them achievable for newer collectors.
3. Blastoise-GX (Hidden Fates) — Full Art & Shiny
Hidden Fates, released in 2019, introduced shiny versions of Pokémon in the "Shiny Vault" subset. The Shiny Blastoise-GX full art features stunning teal-blue shiny coloring and became one of the chase cards from the set. PSA 10 copies regularly sell for $150–$300.
The Hidden Fates set is also famous for limited print runs and high demand, meaning even raw copies of shiny Vault cards hold value well above pack price.
[→ Shop Hidden Fates Blastoise cards on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hidden+fates+blastoise+gx+pokemon+card&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
4. Blastoise VMAX (Vivid Voltage) — Rainbow Rare
Vivid Voltage introduced Blastoise VMAX as a massive 320 HP behemoth with G-Max Bombard. The Rainbow Rare version, with its prismatic full-bleed treatment, is the most visually striking modern Blastoise card ever printed.
Estimated value: $40–$120 in PSA 10. Rainbow Rares from this era have held value well due to Blastoise's enduring popularity among collectors.
The regular VMAX and the Full Art V version are also worth tracking — the Full Art Blastoise V regularly sells for $20–$50 in top condition.
5. Blastoise ex (Scarlet & Violet 151) — Double Rare & Special Illustration Rare
The Pokémon 151 set brought back the original 151 Pokémon with updated art, and Blastoise got stunning treatment. The Special Illustration Rare (SIR) Blastoise ex, featuring full-bleed watercolor-style artwork by a renowned illustrator, is one of the most beautiful modern Blastoise cards ever made.
Estimated value for SIR: $80–$200+. The 151 set has proven to have remarkable staying power in secondary market value, and the Blastoise SIR remains a top target.
[→ Shop Pokémon 151 Blastoise cards on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pokemon+151+blastoise+ex+special+illustration+rare&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
6. Blastoise-EX (Evolutions) — Full Art
The 2016 Evolutions set recreated the original Base Set in modern card format. The Blastoise-EX full art, with its updated take on the classic Ken Sugimori pose, resonates deeply with collectors who grew up with the original cards. PSA 10 copies fetch $80–$200.
Evolutions as a whole has aged very well in value — the nostalgia factor is off the charts.
7. Blastoise Star (EX Team Rocket Returns) — Holo Star
Pokémon-star cards from the EX era (2004–2007) are extremely rare — only one per deck was legal to run, and they were pulled at incredibly low rates. The Blastoise Star, with its shining gold star treatment and stunning artwork, is one of the rarest Blastoise cards in existence.
Estimated value: $400–$1,500+ depending on condition. Finding these in NM condition is genuinely difficult.
8. Blastoise (Japanese CD Promo) — Trophy/Promo
Japanese promotional Blastoise cards, including CD promos and tournament prizes from the early 2000s, are some of the rarest Pokémon cards in existence. These rarely hit public auctions and command premium prices when they do — often $500–$3,000+ depending on the specific promo.
[→ Shop vintage Blastoise promo cards on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=blastoise+promo+pokemon+card+vintage&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
Blastoise Cards Value Comparison Table
| Card | Set/Era | Estimated Value (PSA 10) | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Set 1st Edition Holo | Base Set (1999) | $5,000–$15,000+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Base Set Unlimited Holo | Base Set (1999) | $500–$1,000 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Blastoise Star | EX Team Rocket Returns | $800–$1,500 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Blastoise SIR ex | Pokémon 151 (2023) | $100–$200 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shiny Blastoise-GX | Hidden Fates (2019) | $150–$300 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Blastoise VMAX Rainbow | Vivid Voltage (2020) | $60–$120 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Blastoise-EX Full Art | Evolutions (2016) | $80–$200 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
What to Look for When Buying High-Value Blastoise Cards
Grading matters enormously. The difference between a PSA 9 and PSA 10 Blastoise Base Set holo can be thousands of dollars. If you're buying raw cards as an investment, understand that even near-mint copies often grade PSA 8 or lower due to factory-level print lines and edge wear.
Authenticity first. Counterfeit Base Set Blastoise cards are common. Check card texture, font consistency, and the blue core when bending slightly. When buying online, purchase only from reputable sellers with clear photos of both sides.
Edition and print run. For Base Set Blastoise specifically, know the three variants: 1st Edition (most valuable), Shadowless Unlimited (second most valuable), and Standard Unlimited (most common). The stamp and shadow under the image box are your tells.
[→ Shop PSA-graded Blastoise cards on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=psa+graded+blastoise+pokemon+card&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
Building a Blastoise Collection on Any Budget
Under $50: Grab the Vivid Voltage VMAX in regular (non-rainbow) finish, the Evolutions regular holo, or the 151 Double Rare ex. All of these are beautiful cards that any Blastoise fan would be proud to display.
$50–$200: The Hidden Fates Shiny-GX and the Pokémon 151 Special Illustration Rare are both within range and represent some of the best modern Blastoise artwork ever printed.
$200–$1,000: A graded Unlimited Base Set holo in PSA 8-9 condition is achievable in this range and is a true vintage piece. The Blastoise-EX Evolutions Full Art in PSA 10 is also obtainable.
$1,000+: Now you're looking at 1st Edition Base Set territory, Pokémon-star cards, or ultra-rare Japanese promos. These are serious collector investments and should be purchased only from verified graders (PSA, BGS, CGC).
For more on where Blastoise fits in the overall evolution line, check out our [Wartortle and Blastoise evolution guide](/blog/wartortle-blastoise-evolution-guide) — understanding the full line makes collecting even more rewarding.
If you're new to the hobby and want to know which Squirtle-line cards deliver the most collectible bang for your buck, our [best Squirtle cards TCG history guide](/blog/best-squirtle-cards-tcg-history) is the perfect companion read.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable Blastoise card ever?
The most valuable Blastoise card is the 1st Edition Shadowless Base Set Holo. PSA 10 copies have sold at auction for $10,000–$15,000 or more. The combination of being from the very first print run, having no drop shadow, and carrying the 1st Edition stamp makes this a trophy-tier card in mint condition.
Is a Base Set Blastoise worth grading?
Absolutely — if your copy appears to be in near-mint condition. Even a PSA 8 graded unlimited Base Set Blastoise adds credibility and protects the card long-term. The 1st Edition version is worth grading even in played condition due to the base value. Grading costs $20–$30 for standard service through PSA or BGS.
Are modern Blastoise cards a good investment?
The Pokémon 151 Special Illustration Rare Blastoise ex has shown strong value retention since release. Modern SIR cards from high-demand sets have historically held value better than most pulls. That said, treat card investing like any collectible — buy what you love, and the financial upside is a bonus.
How can I tell if a Base Set Blastoise is fake?
Check the back of the card — fakes often have slightly off-color blue. The font on the card name and HP should be crisp and consistent. The card should have a blue core when viewed from the edge (real cards have a black/blue sandwich layer). The texture of the holo pattern on genuine holos has a distinct feel vs. printed fakes. When in doubt, buy graded.
Where can I buy valuable Blastoise cards safely?
[Amazon's collectible card marketplace](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=blastoise+pokemon+card+graded&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20) features verified sellers with detailed condition listings. eBay is the largest secondary market. PWCC Marketplace specializes in high-end graded cards. Always check seller feedback, photos of the actual card (not stock images), and return policies before purchasing any card over $50.
Final Thoughts
Blastoise occupies a special place in Pokémon card history. From the earliest Base Set prints to the breathtaking Special Illustration Rares of the modern era, there has never been a shortage of stunning, high-value Blastoise cards to chase. Whether you're going for broke on a 1st Edition PSA 10 or building a beautiful collection of modern hits, Blastoise rewards the collector at every level.
Start with what you love — the card that speaks to you — and build from there. The Squirtle line is one of the most beloved in all of Pokémon, and a well-curated Blastoise collection is something to be genuinely proud of.
[→ Shop Blastoise cards and collectibles on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=blastoise+pokemon+card+collection&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)