Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s has set a new world record for a PSA 10 1st Edition Base Set Charizard at auction. Let that settle in for a moment.
While the ‘Pikachu’ Illustrator PSA 9, which headlined our weekend sale, did not find its new home on the block, the "collector’s favourite" achieved an impressive final sale price of £442,800 (including buyer’s premium).
Ahead of the auction, all eyes were understandably on the Illustrator. As I discussed in my previous article, expectations were high following the recent Logan Paul sale. However, the market has spoken, and I believe we have witnessed a significant recalibration.
The Reign of the Charizard
Arguably one of the most recognisable trading cards of all time, the 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Charizard is considered the "Holy Grail" for TCG collectors. Only a very small number were ever produced and distributed in the United States, with a mere 125 ever graded by the prestigious PSA.
As the most iconic card from the original 1999 set, Charizard has long held the top spot for investors ahead of lead character Pikachu. The previous auction record for a Charizard stood at $550,000 (approx. £415,500). The winning hammer price of £360,000 at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s, plus a 23% buyer’s premium, brings the final total to £442,800 - a new all-time high.
Other notable results from the session include:
- Pokémon TCG Skyridge Master Set (#332 Cards, All Crystals): Sold for £73,800
- Pokémon Unlimited Edition Base Set Sealed Booster Box (1999): Sold for £30,750
A New Chapter for a 170-Year Legacy
Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s carries a 170-year legacy in the traditional fields of philately and numismatics. Venturing into comic books and trading cards is a relatively new chapter for the firm, but it is one we are committed to as part of our continued growth.
Thanks to the expertise of specialists like Roy Raftery, we have been able to bring world-class archives to the global stage. In total, including packs and collections, our auction realised over £741,000 in sales.
While the bidding has concluded, we remain open for private treaty offers on select items, including the ‘Pikachu’ Illustrator and a complete PSA 10 1st Edition Base Set. But for now, the Charizard has swooped in to claim the day.
