1999 Pokemon Base Set 1st Edition Chansey Holo #3 Value & Price Guide

When the Pokemon Base Set launched in January 1999, every kid wanted a Charizard. The fire-breathing dragon dominated playground trading. But collectors who pay close attention to population reports know a different story. Chansey, the gentle pink egg-carrying Normal-type, has quietly become one of the hardest Base Set holos to find in pristine condition. With only 48 copies ever graded PSA 10 out of over 2,300 submissions, the 1st Edition Chansey holo has a 2% Gem Mint rate that makes it one of the most exclusive cards in the entire Base Set.

Quick Value Summary

Detail	Info
Item	1999 Pokemon Base Set 1st Edition Chansey Holo #3
Year	1999
Set	Base Set (1st Edition, Shadowless)
Card Number	#3/102
Category	Trading Cards (Pokemon)
Raw (NM)	$300 - $600
PSA 7 (NM)	$400 - $700
PSA 8 (NM-MT)	$800 - $1,500
PSA 9 (Mint)	$3,000 - $6,000
PSA 10 (Gem Mint)	$30,000 - $50,000
Record Sale	~$40,000 (PSA 10, January 2025)
Rarity	48 PSA 10s out of 2,327 submitted (2% rate)

The Story

Chansey was introduced in the original Pokemon Red and Blue games as a rare encounter in the Safari Zone. In the card game, Chansey was one of the original 16 holographic rare cards in the Base Set, with 120 HP, the highest of any Pokemon in the set. The card featured Ken Sugimori's illustration of the smiling pink Pokemon holding its signature egg.

The Base Set was first printed in a limited 1st Edition run before the much larger Unlimited print run. 1st Edition cards are identified by a small "Edition 1" stamp on the left side of the card below the artwork. These cards are also "Shadowless," meaning the card border has no drop shadow to the right of the illustration box.

Why is the Chansey so hard to grade? The card's design works against it. The predominantly white border and light pink illustration make every tiny imperfection visible. White-bordered vintage Pokemon cards are notorious for showing print lines, whitening, and edge wear that might be invisible on a darker card. The holographic surface adds another variable: any surface scratching is immediately apparent. Combine these factors, and you get a card where only 2% of submissions achieve PSA 10, compared to roughly 5-8% for other Base Set holos.

How to Identify It

• Card number: #3/102, printed in the bottom right corner

• Set symbol: None. The Base Set has no set symbol, which distinguishes it from all later sets.

• 1st Edition stamp: Look for the "Edition 1" logo on the left side of the card, below the illustration box and to the left of the rarity symbol.

• Shadowless: The card border should NOT have a drop shadow to the right of the illustration box. Shadowless cards have a lighter overall appearance.

• Holographic: The illustration has a holographic foil pattern. The foil should show rainbow holographic effects when tilted.

• HP: 120 HP displayed to the right of the Pokemon name.

Common Confusions

• Unlimited Base Set Chansey: Has a drop shadow and no 1st Edition stamp. Worth $20 to $50 raw.

• Shadowless (non-1st Edition) Chansey: No shadow but no 1st Edition stamp. Worth $100 to $300 raw. This is a bridge print between 1st Edition and Unlimited.

• Base Set 2 Chansey: From a later reprint set with a different set symbol. Worth $5 to $20.

Value by Condition

Raw (Ungraded)

A raw 1st Edition Chansey holo in apparent near-mint condition sells for $300 to $600. The wide range reflects the uncertainty of what grade it would receive. Given the 2% PSA 10 rate, most raw copies will grade 7 to 9.

PSA 7 (Near Mint)

Light wear on one or more corners, slight edge whitening. PSA 7 copies sell for $400 to $700. This is an affordable entry point for collectors who want a graded 1st Edition copy.

PSA 8 (NM-MT)

Minor imperfections visible under close examination. PSA 8 copies trade for $800 to $1,500. This represents the bulk of graded copies and offers good value relative to higher grades.

PSA 9 (Mint)

Sharp corners, clean surfaces, excellent centering. PSA 9 copies sell for $3,000 to $6,000. The jump from PSA 8 to PSA 9 is significant, reflecting the difficulty of achieving this grade on a white-bordered holo card.

PSA 10 (Gem Mint)

Flawless in every category. PSA 10 copies sell for $30,000 to $50,000. A PSA 10 sold for approximately $40,000 in January 2025 via eBay. With only 48 PSA 10 copies in existence and owners rarely selling, a PSA 10 Chansey can go an entire year without appearing on the market. When one does surface, it generates significant attention.

Population and Scarcity

The PSA population report tells the Chansey's story:

Grade	Population	% of Total
PSA 10	48	2.1%
PSA 9	~350	~15%
PSA 8	~600	~26%
PSA 7	~450	~19%
PSA 6 and below	~879	~38%
Total Graded	~2,327	100%

For comparison, the 1st Edition Charizard holo has a PSA 10 population of approximately 121 out of roughly 3,500 submissions (about 3.5%). The Chansey's 2% rate makes it objectively harder to find in perfect condition.

Authentication and Fakes

Counterfeit 1st Edition Base Set Pokemon cards are common. Here's what to watch:

• Holo pattern: Genuine Base Set holos have a specific "star" or "galaxy" holographic pattern. Fakes often use a different foil type.

• Card stock: Real Pokemon cards have a specific weight and feel. Fakes are often thinner or have a different texture.

• Font quality: Examine the text under magnification. Fakes often show fuzzy or inconsistent lettering.

• Blue layer test: A genuine Pokemon card, when viewed from the edge, shows a thin blue or black layer sandwiched between the front and back cardstock. This is extremely difficult to replicate.

• 1st Edition stamp: The stamp should be crisp and properly positioned. Fakes sometimes have stamps that are too dark, too light, or slightly misaligned.

For any 1st Edition holo purchase above $200, buy only PSA, BGS, or CGC graded examples.

Where to Sell

• eBay: The primary marketplace for Pokemon cards. Transparent pricing through completed sales. Expect 13% in total fees.

• PWCC Marketplace: Specializes in graded trading cards. Strong Pokemon collector base. Fees vary by consignment tier.

• TCGPlayer: Growing marketplace for Pokemon cards. Lower fees than eBay for some sellers.

• Local card shops: Many card shops buy graded Pokemon cards. Expect 60-75% of market value.

Grading costs: PSA charges $50 to $150 depending on service tier and declared value. For a card potentially worth $300 to $40,000, grading is essential. Budget 4 to 12 weeks for turnaround.

Not sure about the condition of your Chansey? Upload a photo to Curio Comp for an instant AI-powered estimate.

Explore More

The 1st Edition Chansey holo quietly sits among the most exclusive cards in the entire Pokemon Base Set. Its 2% PSA 10 rate makes it a white whale for condition-sensitive collectors.

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