💡 Pokémon TCG Base Set (1999) Rare Holo card #6/102. Mitsuhiro Arita's dynamic holographic illustration makes this one of the most visually striking cards in the original set. June 2026 TCGPlayer market price ~$54.96 (Unlimited holofoil). Often overlooked in favor of Charizard, but a cornerstone of any serious Base Set collection.
Card Overview
Name: Gyarados
Set: Base Set (released January 9, 1999)
Card Number: 6/102
Rarity: Rare Holo ★
Type: Water
Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
Card Stats & Abilities
HP: 100 — Impressive for the era
Attack 1: Dragon Rage (WaterWaterWater) — 50 damage
Attack 2: Bubblebeam (WaterWaterWaterWater) — 40 damage + flip a coin; heads = Defending Pokémon is Paralyzed
Weakness: Grass ×2
Retreat Cost: Water×3 (heavy)
Price & Where to Buy
Prices as of June 2026 · Source: TCGPlayer. Actual transaction prices vary by condition, edition, and grading. This is not investment advice.
Unlimited Holofoil: ~$54.96
1st Edition Holofoil: PSA 7 ~$200–400, PSA 9 $1,000+
Where to buy: TCGPlayer, eBay, Mercari
Why This Card Matters
Gyarados has been one of Pokémon's most iconic and fearsome monsters since Generation I. In the original Base Set, Mitsuhiro Arita captured its raw power in a holographic illustration that shimmers brilliantly — making it one of the most visually satisfying cards to pull from a booster pack. While Charizard commands the spotlight, Gyarados offers a more accessible entry point into vintage Pokémon collecting without sacrificing prestige. It's an essential piece of any complete Base Set holo collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the current price of Base Set Gyarados?
A. As of June 2026, the TCGPlayer market price for an Unlimited holofoil is approximately $54.96. 1st Edition copies grade-dependent, ranging from $200 (PSA 7) to $1,000+ (PSA 9).
Q. Where can I buy Base Set Gyarados?
A. TCGPlayer, eBay, and Mercari are the most reliable marketplaces. Always check seller ratings and card condition scans before purchasing. Look for Near Mint or better.
Q. Is it worth getting PSA graded?
A. For Unlimited, grading costs typically aren't justified unless the card is in pristine condition. For 1st Edition, PSA 9 and 10 carry significant premiums, making professional grading highly worthwhile.
Q. How do I tell 1st Edition from Unlimited?
A. 1st Edition cards have a small 'Edition 1' stamp on the left side of the card art. Unlimited versions lack this stamp. 1st Edition copies are significantly rarer and more valuable.
Card images and data are copyright Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK / The Pokémon Company.