The Pokemon Base Set was released in 1999 and, as a result, is one of the most popular sets in the history of Pokemon. The set contains 102 cards, including 16 rare holos. All of the classic Pokemon you grew up loving are featured in this set. This is the set where they were created and became what they are today. With that in mind, we want to provide you with all the information you need regarding the 1999 Pokemon Base Set and its First-Edtion cards.
Pokemon Base Set Complete List and Guide
Here, we will look at all 102 cards in the Pokemon Base Set. The set contains 69 Pokemon, 26 Trainers, and 7 energy cards.
Alakazam #1
The first card in the Pokemon Base Set is Alakazam. Alakazam is a psychic-type Pokemon. This card is one of 16 rare holos in the set.
Blastoise #2
Blastoise is a fan favorite, partially because it is the second Pokemon featured in the Pokemon Base Set. It is a water-type and one of the set’s 16 rare holos.
Chansey #3
Chansey is another one of the 16 rare holos. It is a normal-type Pokemon and the third Pokemon in the set.
Charizard #4
The number four card in the set features Charizard, and this rare holo is widely regarded as the most valuable Pokemon card in the world. Charizard is a fire-type. As a result, if you can get your hands on one, you can sell it for a hefty sum.
Clefairy #5
Clefairy is a fairy-type Pokemon and the fifth Pokemon featured in the 1999 Pokemon Base Set. It is a rare holo.
Gyarados #6
Gyarados is another water-type Pokemon and a rare holo. It is the sixth Pokemon featured in the set.
Hitmonchan #7
Hitmonchan is a fighting-type Pokemon that first appeared as the number seven card in the Pokemon Base Set. It is one of 16 rare holos.
Machamp #8
Machamp is another fighting-type Pokemon, and it is one of the 16 rare holos in the Pokemon Base Set.
Magneton #9
Magneton is a lightning-type Pokemon. It is another rare holo in the set, and it is the last card with a single-digit label.
Mewtwo #10
Mewtwo gets us started in the double-digit cards as a psychic-type Pokemon. It is a rare holo and one of the most popular cards in the set.
Nidoking #11
Nidoking is the first grass-type Pokemon featured in the Pokemon Base Set. It is also one of 16 rare holos in the set.
Ninetales #12
Ninetales is the second fire-type featured in the set, only coming after Charizard. Unfortunately, it does not have the same value despite being a rare holo.
Poliwrath #13
Poliwrath is another water-type pokemon, making it the first type to have three rare holos in the set.
Raichu #14
Raichu is the evolution of Ash Ketchum’s favorite Pokemon, Pikachu. As a result, it is a popular card, especially among rare holos.
Venusaur #15
Venusaur is the second grass-type Pokemon featured in the Pokemon Base Set. It is one of the most popular cards in the set.
Zapdos #16
The final rare holo in the set is Zapdos. It is a lightning-type Pokemon, joining Magneton and Raichu as the second trio of one type with a rare holo in this set.
Beedrill #17
The 17th card in this set features Beedrill, and it is the first card that is not a rare holo. Instead, it is a regular rare card.
Dragonair #18
As you would expect from a name like Dragonair, it is a dragon-type Pokemon. It is a rare card in the Pokemon Base Set.
Dugtrio #19
Dugtrio is another rare card, and it is a fighting-type Pokemon. It is the 19th card in the set.
Electabuzz #20
Electabuzz is a lightning-type Pokemon, which should surprise nobody. It is the 20th card in the set, and it is a rare card.
Electrode #21
Once again, you should not be surprised at the type of this card based on the name. The electrode is a lightning-type Pokemon and rare.
Pidgeotto #22
Pidgeotto is the final Pokemon in this set with a rarity of rare. It is a normal-type Pokemon and the 22nd card in the set.
Arcanine #23
At this point, the cards available to you drop in value considerably because of their increased availability. Arcanine is an uncommon card, but don’t get fooled by the label, they are not overly uncommon.
Charmeleon #24
Charmeleon is an uncommon card and the first evolution of Charmander. Charmeleon evolves into Charizard, making this one of the most valuable uncommon cards in the set.
Dewgong #25
Dewgong is a water-type and uncommon card. It is the 25th card in the set. It is a solid investment option.
Dratini #26
Dratini is one of the few dragon-type Pokemon in the Pokemon Base Set. It is an uncommon card.
Farfetch’d #27
With a unique name like Farfetch’d, you would expect more than a normal-type Pokemon. Unfortunately, that is the only interesting this about this uncommon card.
Growlithe #28
Growlithe brings us back to fire-type Pokemon. It is the 28th card in the Pokemon Base Set.
Haunter #29
Haunter is another uncommon card, and it is a psychic-type Pokemon. This card rounds out the 20s as the 29th card in the set.
Ivysaur #30
Ivysaur is the second evolution in a three-stage evolution. Bulbasaur evolves into Ivysaur at level 16, then Venusaur at level 32. Its relation to Venusaur and Bulbasaur makes Ivysaur one of the most popular uncommon cards.
Jynx #31
This card features interesting artwork and a unique style that makes it memorable. Jinx is an uncommon card and a psychic-type Pokemon in the Pokemon Base Set.
Kadabra #32
You can’t use a magic spell to summon this card, but it should not be too hard to find as one of several uncommon cards in the Pokemon Base Set. It is a psychic-type Pokemon.
Kakuna #33
Kakuna is the 33rd Pokemon featured in the Pokemon Base Set, and it is a grass-type. Furthermore, it is an uncommon card that should be easy to find and add to your collection.
Machoke #34
Machoke brings us back to fighting-type Pokemon. It is another uncommon card, the 34th Pokemon featured in the Pokemon Base Set.
Magikarp #35
Magikarp is a fan favorite, but because of its rarity, it is not one of the most popular cards in this set. It is only an uncommon card, and as a result, it is not as valuable as other options. It is a water-type Pokemon.
Magmar #36
We’ll give you one try to guess what type of Pokemon Magmar is. It’s a fire-type. Additionally, it is an uncommon card in the Pokemon Base Set.
Nidorino #37
Nidorino is a grass-type Pokemon and the 37th Pokemon in the set. The exciting thing about the art on this card is that it features fire in the background despite being grass-type.
Poliwhirl #38
Poliwhirl is another water type in the Pokemon Base Set. You should not have much trouble finding this card; it has a unique design.
Porygon #39
Porygon is one of the most basic Pokemon. It is a normal-type Pokemon, and it has a blocky design. That fact should not be surprised with a name like Porygon.
Raticate #40
Raticate is a normal-type Pokemon that evolves from Rattata at level 20. It looks like a fearsome mouse, so it should not be surprising that it is not very popular.
Seel #41
Seel looks like a seal (shocker). It is also a water-type Pokemon (shocker). Everything about this card is as you would expect it to be.
Wartortle #42
Wartortle resembles a turtle and as a result, is unsurprisingly a water-type. The most significant thing about this card is that it is the last uncommon Pokemon featured in the Pokemon Base Set.
Abra #43
Abra is the first standard card in the Pokemon Base Set, and like with the rare holos, it starts off with a psychic type. This card is the 43rd featured in the set.
Bulbasaur #44
Bulbasaur is a fan favorite, but they didn’t know that would be the case in 1999. As a result, Bulbasaur was relegated to a common card. Since the card is easy to come by it is not overly valuable, but it still sells for more than most common cards.
Caterpie #45
Caterpie is a common card and a grass-type. It can be purchased for incredibly cheap in most locations.
Charmander #46
Charmander is another Pokemon that became very popular in the years after the release of this set. It eventually evolves into Charizard, which has the most popular card in this set and all of Pokemon. As a result, this card has some extra value compared to other common cards.
Diglett #47
Diglett brings us back to fighting-type Pokemon, and the first among the common cards. It is a funky-looking card that holds some value.
Doduo #48
Doduo is a normal-type Pokemon and the 48th card in the Pokemon Base Set. It evolves into Dodrio when it reaches level 31.
Drowzee #49
Although not on the level of Charizard and Pikachu, Drowzee is a Pokemon with a cult following. Many people love the name and style of this Pokemon, and as a result, it is relatively valuable for a common card.
Gastly #50
Rounding out the first 50 cards in the set is Gastly. This card is a psychic-type Pokemon and its rarity is common.
Koffing #51
This Pokemon does not have the most flattering name, and as a result, it never got very popular. It is a grass-type Pokemon and a common card.
Machop #52
Machop is a fighting-type Pokemon that can be purchased for cheap because of how many copies were printed in the original run.
Magnemite #53
Magnemite is the first lightning-type Pokemon to be featured in a long time. It is the 53rd card in the set.
Metapod #54
Metapod is another Pokemon that grew in popularity in the years after the release of the Pokemon Base Set. Despite that, this common card is not overly valuable as there are a plethora of copies available.
Nidoran #55
Nidoran is another common card and a grass-type. It resembles a pink bunny with large ears.
Onix #56
Onix is a Pokemon that was made famous by the Pokemon TV series. However, that came after the release of this set, and as a result, the fighting-type Pokemon was reduced to a common.
Pidgey #57
Pidgey is a normal-type Pokemon that evolves into Pidgeotto at level 18. It also evolves into Pidgeot at level 36. Its rarity is listed as common in this set.
Pikachu #58
Pikachu is in the mix to be the most well-known Pokemon in the world. Pikachu was made famous as Ash Ketchum’s favorite Pokemon in the Pokemon TV show. As a result, this card is the most valuable common card in the set. Still, you will not make a massive profit from this card because of its rarity.
Poliwag #59
Poliwage is a water-type Pokemon that can be purchased for cheap due to its common rarity.
Ponyta #60
Ponyta rounds out the first 60 cards in the set, but there is not a lot special about it. It is a fire-type Pokemon.
Rattata #61
Rattata is the final Pokemon in a three-stage evolution that features Pokemon that resemble mice. It is a common card and a normal-type Pokemon.
Sandshrew #62
Sandshrew does its work in the desert, and it is a fighting-type Pokemon. It is the 62nd card featured in the set.
Squirtle #63
Squirtle is another common card that became very popular after the release of the set. Today Squirtle is one of the most recognizable Pokemon, but in 1999 it was just another water-type Pokemon. As a result, this card is not very valuable.
Starmie #64
Starmie is a water-type Pokemon that vaguely resembles a starfish. There is not a lot that makes this common card stand out.
Staryu #65
Staryu rounds out a stretch of three water-type Pokemon in a row. It is a common card and the 65th Pokemon in the set overall.
Tangela #66
Tangela is one of the final Pokemon featured in the set, and it is a grass-type Pokemon. It has some unique artwork that might make some collectors look to pick up this common card.
Voltorb #67
Voltorb is the last lightning-type Pokemon featured in this set. It looks like a Pokeball, and as a result, it is unique enough to garner some attention.
Vulpix #68
Vulpix looks friendly on the surface, but do not let this fire-type Pokemon fool you, it can do some damage. However, it will not damage your wallet to purchase it because its rarity is common.
Weedle #69
Weedle is the last of 69 Pokemon featured in the Pokemon Base Set. It is a grass-type and a common card. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot to say about the last Pokemon in the original Pokemon card set.
Clefairy Doll #70
Now is the time when the Pokemon Base Set gets a little different. Instead of looking at traditional Pokemon, we are looking at trainers. The first trainer featured in the set is Clefairy Doll. For fans of Super Smash Bros, it resembles Jigglypuff. This is a rare card.
Computer Search #71
Computer Search is another rare trainer featured as part of the Pokemon Base Set. The artwork features a blue computer with a green background.
Devolution Spray #72
Devolution Spray is the third rare trainer featured in the set, and it’s hard to pin down exactly what they were going for with the art. Still, it is a rare card, and as a result, it holds decent value.
Imposter Professor Oak #73
Imposter Professor Oak is a fun card to add to your collection as it features an ominous character with ill intentions. It is a rare trainer.
Item Finder #74
If you find Item Finder, you will be adding a rare trainer to your collection of Pokemon cards.
Lass #75
Lass features the first female Pokemon trainer in the Pokemon Base Set, and as a result, in the history of Pokemon. As a result, this is a valuable card that is sought-after by many collectors.
Pokemon Breeder #76
Another option available to you is Pokemon Breeder. This is a rare trainer that breeds Pokemon to fight for them.
Pokemon Trader #77
Pokemon Trader is doing exactly what you are doing, trading Pokemon. As a result, it only makes sense to add this rare card to your collection.
Scoop Up #78
A card you can consider scooping up is Scoop Up. This is a rare card and a trainer.
Super Energy Removal #79
Sometimes there is just too much energy in the room, and that is where Super Energy Removal comes in handy. This trainer specializes in dealing with Pokemon that use energy. It is also the last rare trainer in the set.
Defender #80
The Defender card is a Pokemon trainer that can be attached to one of your Pokemon to reduce damage from the next attack against it. It is an uncommon card.
Energy Retrieval #81
Although this card is known as an item card today, it was originally released as a trainer card. It allows you to trade a card in your hand for up to two energy cards from your discard pile.
Full Heal #82
Full Heal is a great trainer card to add to your collection because it removes all debuffs from a single Pokemon. It is an uncommon card in the Pokemon Base Set.
Maintenance #83
Maintenance is a great card for when you have a bad hand. It lets you shuffle two cards in your hand back into your deck so that you can draw a new card. This card’s rarity is uncommon.
PlusPower #84
PlusPower is another uncommon trainer card. However, today it is known as an item card. it is the 84th card total in the set.
Pokemon Center #85
Today this card is known as a stadium card, but back in 1999, it was released as a trainer card. It removes all damage counters from your Pokemon but discards energy cards attached to those Pokemon. This card’s rarity is uncommon.
Pokemon Flute #86
With this uncommon trainer card, you can take a card from your opponent’s discard pile and place it on their bench.
Pokedex #87
Although this uncommon trainer card is not flashy, it is a valuable option to have in your deck. It lets you look at the top five cards in your deck and rearrange them in any order you like. Not only does this help you get your best cards sooner, but it helps you plan your next five turns in advance.
Professor Oak #88
Sometimes you need a fresh start, and that is what you get here. This uncommon trainer lets you discard your hand to draw seven new cards.
Revive #89
When your Pokemon die, they are usually dead until you start a new game. However, if you have this uncommon trainer in your deck, you can add one Pokemon from your discard pile to your bench.
Super Potion #90
Super Potion is the final uncommon trainer card in the Pokemon Base Set. It allows you to restore your Pokemon’s HP.
Bill #91
Bill is the first common trainer card in the Pokemon Base Set. It is a simple but useful card that when played allows you to draw two cards.
Energy Removal #92
Another trainer card available in the Pokemon Base Set is Energy Removal. This card allows you to discard one energy card attached to one of your opponent’s Pokemon.
Gust of Wind #93
The Gust of Wind card is another common trainer card that you can purchase from the Pokemon Base Set. It is a powerful card that lets you select one of your opponent’s benched Pokemon and switch it with one of their active Pokemon.
Potion #94
The Potion card is the second last trainer card in the Pokemon Base Set. It lets you remove up to two damage counters from one of your Pokemon. This card can help you keep your most powerful Pokemon alive.
Switch #95
The Switch card is the final trainer card in the Pokemon Base Set. It allows you to switch one of your benched Pokemon with an active Pokemon, bringing one of your strong Pokemon back onto the field.
Double Colorless Energy #96
Now we are getting into the energy cards that are available in the Pokemon Base Set. This is the only energy card that does not have a rarity level of common. Instead, it is an uncommon card.
Fighting Energy #97
The fighting energy card is dark red and is a good card to have in any deck. It provides fighting energy to your team.
Fire Energy #98
The fire energy card is a great card if you are using Pokemon such as Charizard in your deck. By using this card you will be able to get more of your Pokemon on the board.
Grass Energy #99
Grass-type Pokemon have a lot of value in certain decks and by adding this card you will be able to get them out quicker.
Lightning Energy #100
If you want to build a lightning deck, you should consider adding the lightning energy card.
Psychic Energy #101
As you could see from the list above, there are several psychic-type Pokemon in the Pokemon Base Set. If you are making a deck with that as the type of emphasis, you should add this card to your deck.
Water Energy #102
The final card in the Pokemon Base Set is the Water Energy card. If you want to complete your collection, you will need to add your card. It is also a great option if you are building a deck with water-type Pokemon.
Pokemon Base Set Cards Value
The Pokemon Base Set is the most iconic Pokemon trading card set in its history. Released in 1999, it was the first English Pokemon card set to be released, and as a result, it was very popular at the time.
To this day, it remains the most popular Pokemon trading card set to be released. Not only does it have all of the most iconic Pokemon in it, but the cards have great artwork that really makes every card pop.
Every card is not equally valuable, and that should not be a surprise. However, nearly every card is more valuable than cards of comparable rarities in other sets, from the rare holos to the commons.
The most valuable cards in this set can be sold for 10s of thousands of dollars, and sometimes even six figures in the case of the most popular cards like Charizard.
Pokemon Base Set Investment Outlook
If you are looking to get in on these cards now, it is an expensive proposition. The valuable cards are already incredibly expensive, and as a result, it is not reasonable for most collectors to purchase them.
However, if you are searching through your childhood cards and you find a couple of gems from this collection, you might be in for a big payday.
You will need to get your cards graded, but if they are still in good condition, you can sell them for a substantial amount.
If you do not know where to get your cards graded, we can help you out with that! Leave a comment or send us an email with at least two pictures of each card you want to get the estimated value for.
We will be able to give you a general idea of how much it is worth. Unfortunately, we cannot provide an official grading online. Instead, you need to go to a shop in person to get your cards officially graded.
Pokemon Base Set FAQs
Here you can get answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about the Pokemon Base Set.
When Was the Pokemon Base Set Released?
The Pokemon Base Set was released in 1999. It was the first Pokemon set fully released in English.
What Is the Most Valuable Card in the Pokemon Base Set?
The Charizard #4 card is the most valuable card in the set. Not only is it the most valuable card in this set, but it is the most valuable card in any Pokemon set. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $350,000.
How Easy Is It to Get Pokemon Base Set Cards?
The difficulty of acquiring cards depends on their rarity. Most cards can be purchased on eBay without much difficulty. However, if you are looking to buy a rare holo it will be very expensive. Conversely, uncommon and common cards will not have huge price tags attached to them.
Should You Invest In These Cards?
Investing in these cards (especially the rare ones) will be expensive. If you have the money, you can purchase any card you want and you will likely see its value rise over the years. However, if you do not have thousands of dollars to spend, we recommend investing in a different set.
Where can I go to have my cards rated?