💡 Venusaur is the Grass-type final-evolution member of the 1999 Pokémon Base Set "big three." The standard Rare Holo trades around $154 as of June 2026, while 1st Edition and Shadowless copies go far higher. With Charizard and Blastoise, it completes the Base Set starter trio every collector chases.
Card Basics
Name: Venusaur
Set / Number: Base Set · 15/102
Rarity: Rare Holo
Type: Grass · HP 100
Illustrator: Mitsuhiro Arita
Release: January 9, 1999
Stats & Features
Venusaur pairs an energy-managing Pokémon Power with a big attack, making it a centerpiece of early Grass decks.
Pokémon Power [Energy Trans]: As often as you like during your turn, move 1 Grass Energy from one of your Pokémon to another. Can't be used while Asleep, Confused, or Paralyzed.
Attack [Solarbeam] (Grass·Grass·Grass·Grass) 60: 60 damage for four Grass Energy.
Weakness: Fire ×2 · Retreat Cost: 2
Thanks to Energy Trans freely shuffling Grass Energy around, Venusaur acted as the energy engine of Grass decks and enabled stable, flexible play.
Price & Where to Buy
As of June 2026 on TCGPlayer, the standard Unlimited holofoil Venusaur has a market price of about $154.39. The same artwork in 1st Edition (left-side stamp) or Shadowless (no drop shadow) is far scarcer and can trade for thousands of dollars.
Note: prices swing widely by grade, print, and timing. This article is for information only and is not investment advice.
Buying tip: first check whether the copy is 1st Edition, Shadowless, or Unlimited — the value gap is huge.
High-value trades are mostly graded slabs (PSA/BGS). Raw cards carry condition risk, so buy carefully.
Why This Card Is Famous
Venusaur is the Grass starter's final evolution from the original Game Boy games and, with Charizard (Fire) and Blastoise (Water), forms the Base Set "big three." As one of the three Gen 1 icons, it's a must-have for completing a Base Set collection, keeping demand steady.
FAQ
Q. What's the current price of Base Set Venusaur?
A. About $154 for the standard Unlimited holo as of June 2026 (TCGPlayer). 1st Edition, Shadowless, or high PSA grades cost considerably more.
Q. Is Venusaur the cheapest of the Base Set big three?
A. Generally Charizard is the priciest, followed by Blastoise and Venusaur. At the same grade and print, Venusaur is usually the most accessible of the three.
Q. Where can I buy it?
A. TCGPlayer and eBay internationally, plus specialty card shops and resale platforms locally. For expensive copies, graded slabs (PSA/BGS) are the safer route.
Q. Is it worth getting graded?
A. A clean 1st Edition or Shadowless is well worth grading. For an average Unlimited copy, grading fees and shipping may outweigh the upside, so judge the condition honestly first.
Card images and data are copyright Nintendo / Creatures / GAME FREAK / The Pokémon Company.