5 Shocking Reasons The Base Set 2 Blastoise Is A Top-Tier Investment In 2025
The Base Set 2 Blastoise has unexpectedly surged in relevance, cementing its status as a premier vintage Pokémon collectible in the current market of December 2025. While often overshadowed by its older sibling, the original 1999 Base Set Blastoise, the 2000 Base Set 2 version—distinguished by its iconic "Base II" symbol—is proving to be a powerhouse investment, with top-tier graded copies commanding five-figure prices at auction and raw copies maintaining a steady climb.
For serious collectors and investors, understanding the nuances of this specific card is crucial. It represents a unique intersection of nostalgia, rarity, and market liquidity, driven by the enduring popularity of the original Kanto starters. This deep dive into the card's specifics, current market trends, and population data will reveal why the Base Set 2 Blastoise (Card #2/130) is one of the most compelling vintage cards to acquire right now.
The Definitive Profile: Base Set 2 Blastoise (Card #2/130)
Before diving into the market specifics, it is essential to establish the complete profile of this iconic Stage 2 Pokémon card. The Base Set 2 release, which arrived in 2000, was a re-release of the original Base Set and Jungle sets, designed to make the original cards more accessible to a growing audience. The Blastoise card is one of the "big three" chase cards from this era, alongside Charizard and Venusaur.
- Pokémon: Blastoise
- Card Number: 2/130
- Rarity: Holo Rare (★)
- Set: Base Set 2 (Released 2000)
- Set Symbol: A small "Base II" symbol, resembling a Poké Ball with the number '2' inside, is located to the right of the card text.
- HP: 100 HP
- Stage: Stage 2 (Evolves from Wartortle)
- Pokémon Power: Rain Dance (Allows the player to attach any number of Water Energy cards from their hand to their Water Pokémon during their turn.)
- Attack: Hydro Pump (60 damage + 10 more damage for each Water Energy attached to Blastoise but not used to pay for the attack's Energy cost.)
- Illustrator: Ken Sugimori
The "Rain Dance" power is a key entity for collectors, as it defines the card's original competitive utility and contributes significantly to its nostalgic value. This card is a direct reprint of the original Base Set Blastoise, but the Base Set 2 logo is the critical distinguishing feature for grading companies like PSA, CGC, and BGS.
The Explosive 2025 Market Value and Recent Auction Sales
The market for the Base Set 2 Blastoise has shown remarkable stability and significant growth potential into 2025, driven by the sustained interest in vintage Pokémon cards. Unlike the extreme volatility seen in some modern sets, the value of this classic Holo Rare is underpinned by its age, iconic status, and relative scarcity in high grades.
Raw and Mid-Grade Value:
As of late 2025, raw, Near Mint (NM) copies of the Base Set 2 Blastoise typically sell for around $99.98 to $115.50. However, the range for raw cards is broad, with sales for lower-condition copies (Lightly Played or Moderately Played) often beginning around $64.03. The current market price for an average copy is hovering around $107.45, making it a premium card for any collector.
The High-Grade Price Surge (PSA 10):
The true investment potential lies in Gem Mint condition copies, specifically those graded PSA 10. Recent auction data from 2025 confirms the card's elite status:
- A PSA 10 Base Set Blastoise (often categorized broadly on auction sites) sold for an incredible $5,750 on April 28, 2025.
- Another Gem Mint copy realized a price of $5,236 on February 23, 2025.
These figures demonstrate that a pristine, high-grade Base Set 2 Blastoise is a significant investment, comparable to many high-end collectibles. The PSA 10 price point is a major factor driving the overall market for this specific card, as collectors are increasingly "cracking" lower-grade slabs to resubmit for a higher grade, hoping to capture that premium value.
Understanding the Rarity: Base Set 2 vs. Original Base Set
A common mistake among new collectors is confusing the Base Set 2 Blastoise with the original 1999 Base Set Unlimited Blastoise (Card #2/102). While the artwork and text are nearly identical, the Base Set 2 version is distinct and holds a unique place in the graded population reports.
The "Base II" Symbol Difference:
The most important differentiator is the aforementioned "Base II" symbol. The original Base Set cards, including the 1st Edition and Unlimited prints, lack this symbol. The presence of the Base Set 2 logo is what makes this card a unique entity, even though the original Base Set is generally considered the most valuable vintage set.
Population Report Analysis:
The Base Set 2 Blastoise is not as rare as the 1st Edition Base Set version, but achieving a perfect PSA 10 grade is still a major challenge due to printing and centering issues common in the 2000 release. Analyzing the PSA Population Report provides critical insight into its scarcity:
- Total Graded Copies (PSA): The PSA population for the Blastoise Unlimited Holo - 2/130 (which includes Base Set 2) is significant, with 9,161 total copies graded.
- Gem Mint (PSA 10) Copies: Out of the total, only 1,038 copies have achieved the coveted PSA 10 Gem Mint status.
The low percentage of PSA 10s relative to the total number of graded cards highlights the difficulty in finding a truly flawless copy. This scarcity in the highest grade is the primary driver of the $5,000+ auction prices seen in 2025.
The Investment Thesis: Why The Base Set 2 Blastoise Will Outperform
The investment case for the Base Set 2 Blastoise is robust, making it a compelling alternative to the prohibitively expensive 1st Edition Charizard or even the Unlimited Base Set Charizard. The card benefits from several key market forces:
1. The Charizard Price Ceiling Effect: As the Charizard from Base Set 2 continues to climb—often reaching tens of thousands of dollars in PSA 10—collectors look for the next best option. Blastoise, as one of the original Kanto starter trio, is the natural beneficiary. The more expensive Charizard becomes, the more attractive the Blastoise's relatively lower entry price appears to new investors.
2. High Liquidity and Demand: Blastoise is an instantly recognizable entity. This high brand recognition ensures that the card has excellent market liquidity. It sells frequently, with PriceCharting data indicating multiple sales per week for graded copies, ensuring that investors can move their assets easily.
3. The Vintage Pokémon Card Market Trend: The broader market for vintage Pokémon cards remains strong in 2025. Market analysis consistently shows that the original sets (Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, and Base Set 2) maintain their value better than most modern sets, with a particular emphasis on the PSA 9 vs. PSA 10 performance of these classic cards.
4. Nostalgia Factor for the "Newer" Vintage Collector: Base Set 2 was released at the peak of Pokémon's initial popularity in 2000. Many current adult collectors who missed the 1999 release started their journey with Base Set 2. This powerful nostalgia ensures a continuous flow of dedicated buyers into the market for this specific set.
5. A Stronger Long-Term Hold: For a collector seeking a generational asset, the Base Set 2 Blastoise offers a powerful combination of iconic artwork, playability (Rain Dance), and certified rarity. Its strong performance in the 2025 auctions suggests it is a card that will appreciate steadily, rewarding patient holders who prioritize condition and certification.
In conclusion, the Base Set 2 Blastoise is far more than just a reprint. It is a critical piece of Pokémon TCG history and a verified blue-chip investment. Whether you are a dedicated collector chasing the iconic trio or an investor looking for a strong vintage hold, the Base Set 2 Blastoise, especially in a high grade, offers a compelling opportunity in the current 2025 market.
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