Squirtle Squad
Squirtle doesn't get the same hype as Charizard. It doesn't command the same prices as Pikachu. But for collectors who know, Squirtle cards are some of the most undervalued gems in the Pokémon TCG.
The rarest Squirtle cards combine nostalgia, scarcity, and iconic artwork. Here are the ones worth tracking down in 2026.
#1 — Squirtle First Edition Base Set (Shadowless)
The holy grail for Squirtle collectors. The shadowless First Edition Base Set Squirtle is one of the original 102 cards from 1999, printed in limited quantity before Wizards of the Coast added drop shadows to the card borders. In PSA 10 condition, this card can fetch hundreds of dollars.
Price: ~$100–$500+ (graded PSA 9/10) | [Shop on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=squirtle+first+edition+base+set+shadowless&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
#2 — Squirtle Topsun Card (Japanese 1995)
Before the TCG launched in the U.S., Japan had Topsun cards—a pre-TCG collectible series featuring simple, iconic artwork. The 1995 Squirtle Topsun is older than Base Set and far rarer in the West. It's a must-own for vintage collectors who want something truly unique.
Price: ~$40–$150 (ungraded) | [Shop on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=squirtle+topsun+card+1995+japanese&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
#3 — Squirtle Secret Rare (Celebrations)
When Pokémon celebrated its 25th anniversary, they reprinted classic cards with modern foiling. The Celebrations Squirtle isn't technically rare by print numbers, but its nostalgic appeal and stunning holo treatment make it a favorite. It's affordable now but gaining traction among newer collectors.
Price: ~$8–$20 | [Shop on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=squirtle+secret+rare+celebrations+pokemon&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
#4 — Blastoise GX (Hidden Fates Shiny Vault)
Okay, this is technically Blastoise, but Squirtle Squad fans collect the whole evolutionary line. The Shiny Vault Blastoise GX from Hidden Fates is one of the most beautiful cards in the modern era—full art, shiny treatment, and a pull rate that made it genuinely difficult to obtain when the set was live.
Price: ~$30–$60 | [Shop on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=blastoise+gx+shiny+vault+hidden+fates&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
> Serious Squirtle collectors often complete the full evolutionary line — check our [complete Blastoise card collection guide](/blog/complete-blastoise-card-collection-guide) to know exactly which Blastoise cards belong in your binder.
#5 — Squirtle 151 Special Illustration Rare
The Pokémon 151 set brought retro vibes with modern quality, and the Squirtle Special Illustration Rare is an instant classic. The artwork shows Squirtle in a playful scene that captures the spirit of the Kanto era. Pull rates were low, demand is high, and prices are climbing.
Price: ~$25–$50 | [Shop on Amazon →](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=squirtle+special+illustration+rare+151+set&tag=squirtlesquad0d-20)
Why Squirtle Cards Are Underrated
Charizard gets the headlines. Pikachu gets the merchandising push. But Squirtle has something those cards don't: room to grow.
Squirtle's starter status makes it culturally significant. The Squirtle Squad episode cemented its place in Pokémon history. And because fewer collectors chase Squirtle compared to the big two, prices remain accessible while still appreciating over time.
What to Look for When Buying Vintage Squirtle Cards
Centering — Vintage cards were notoriously off-center. A well-centered Squirtle card can jump multiple PSA grades and double in value.
Shadowless vs. Unlimited — Shadowless cards are rarer and more valuable. Look closely at the border around the artwork. No shadow = premium.
Print Lines and Scratches — Early print runs had quality control issues. Avoid cards with visible print lines unless you're getting a steep discount.
Where to Buy Rare Squirtle Cards
Amazon is solid for sealed products and newer singles. For vintage and graded cards, eBay and TCGPlayer are your best bets. Local card shops sometimes have hidden gems in their bulk bins—bring a loupe and patience.
Reddit's r/pkmntcgtrades and Facebook groups offer trade opportunities where you can negotiate directly with other collectors. Always ask for timestamp photos and verify seller reputation.
Grading: Is It Worth It?
If you have a First Edition Shadowless Squirtle in near-mint condition, yes, get it graded. PSA and Beckett grading authenticates the card, protects it, and significantly boosts resale value.
For modern cards like Celebrations Squirtle, grading only makes sense if the card is pack-fresh and you plan to hold long-term. Grading fees can eat into profits on lower-value cards.
The Most Affordable Rare Squirtle Card
Want to start collecting without breaking the bank? The Squirtle Celebrations reprint gives you vintage artwork, modern quality, and a price point under $20. It's the perfect entry card for new collectors.
The Best Long-Term Investment
If you're buying for value appreciation, the First Edition Shadowless Squirtle is the move. It's the original, it's scarce, and it's historically significant. PSA 9 or 10 copies are likely to continue appreciating as the Pokémon TCG market matures.
Squirtle Cards We're Watching in 2026
Squirtle VMAX Promo — Limited distribution and strong artwork make this a sleeper hit.
Japanese Squirtle Lottery Promo — Extremely rare, only available through Japanese lotteries. Hard to authenticate but worth the hunt.
Squirtle Expedition Reverse Holo — Underrated set, underrated card. Prices are low now but collectors are starting to notice.
Should You Collect Raw or Graded?
Raw cards are cheaper and let you handle the card, but graded cards offer authentication, protection, and higher resale value. If you're buying expensive vintage, always opt for graded. For modern cards under $50, raw is fine unless you plan to flip.
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Final Thoughts
Squirtle cards don't demand the same spotlight as Charizard, but that's exactly why they're a smart collect. The fan base is loyal, the cards are accessible, and the long-term outlook is strong.
Start with the Celebrations Squirtle. Graduate to First Edition Base Set. Build your collection with intention and patience, and you'll end up with something genuinely special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the rarest Squirtle Pokémon card? The shadowless First Edition Base Set Squirtle from 1999 is the rarest and most valuable. Shadowless cards were printed in a brief window before Wizards of the Coast added drop shadows to the card border, making them identifiable by the absence of a shadow on the illustration box. PSA 10 copies can command hundreds of dollars. The 1995 Japanese Topsun Squirtle is another ultra-rare vintage pick for serious collectors.
How do I tell if a vintage Squirtle card is shadowless? Look at the border of the artwork box on the card. A shadowless card has no drop shadow along the right and bottom edges of the illustration frame. A regular Base Set card has a slight shadow visible in those areas. You can also check by comparing the font on vintage cards — shadowless cards have slightly lighter type in certain print runs.
Are Squirtle cards a good investment? Squirtle cards are a smart collector play — not because they'll 10x overnight, but because the demand base is stable and growing. Base Set vintage (especially shadowless and 1st Edition in PSA 9+) has shown steady appreciation as supply of high-grade copies shrinks. The cultural resonance of the Squirtle Squad anime episode gives Squirtle unique long-term collector appeal beyond just being an original starter.
Which modern Squirtle cards are worth buying? The Squirtle Special Illustration Rare from SV 151 is the current top modern Squirtle card — fresh artwork, strong nostalgia pull from the set concept, and appreciating prices. The Celebrations Squirtle (25th Anniversary) is a beautiful and accessible display piece. For the evolution line, the Blastoise VMAX Rainbow Rare from Sword & Shield is the standout modern pick.
Should I buy graded or raw Squirtle cards? Buy graded (PSA, CGC, or Beckett) for any vintage Squirtle card over $30 — authentication protects against fakes and condition misrepresentation. Raw cards are fine for modern cards under $50 where you're buying from a trusted seller and can verify condition yourself. If you're buying vintage Base Set Squirtle without a grading slab, request clear photos of both sides and compare condition carefully before buying.
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