2014 Pokemon XY Flashfire Charizard EX Full Art #100

Charizard has been the undisputed king of Pokemon card collecting since the very first Base Set in 1999, and the 2014 XY Flashfire Charizard EX Full Art #100 continues that royal tradition in spectacular fashion. This card combines everything modern Pokemon collectors crave: a full-art illustration that extends across the entire card surface, the EX mechanic that defined competitive play during the XY era, and the one Pokemon that transcends the game itself to become a cultural touchstone.

The Flashfire expansion arrived at an interesting moment in Pokemon TCG history. The XY series was reinvigorating interest in the card game, full-art cards were establishing themselves as the premium chase cards of the modern era, and Charizard's eternal popularity ensured that any set featuring the fire-breathing dragon would attract intense collector attention. Card #100 delivered on all of those expectations and then some.

The Card

Design and Illustration

The Flashfire Charizard EX Full Art #100 features a dynamic illustration of Charizard in full flight, rendered in the textured, holographic full-art style that became the hallmark of the XY era. Unlike standard cards where the artwork is contained within a bordered window, the full-art treatment extends the illustration across the entire card face, with minimal borders and a textured surface that adds a tactile dimension to the visual experience.

The artwork depicts Charizard unleashing its signature fire attack, with flames and energy swirling around its body. The color palette emphasizes reds, oranges, and golds, creating a visually striking card that stands out even in a binder full of holographic and ultra-rare cards.

Card Details

• Set: XY Flashfire

• Card Number: 100/106

• Rarity: Ultra Rare (Full Art)

• Card Type: Pokemon EX (Fire Type)

• HP: 180

• Attacks: Stoke, Fire Blast (120 damage)

• Weakness: Water

• Retreat Cost: 2

• Illustrator: 5ban Graphics

• Release Date: May 7, 2014

What Makes It Special

Several factors combine to make this particular Charizard card a standout:

Full Art Treatment: In the XY era, full-art cards represented the highest rarity tier for EX Pokemon (before the introduction of Secret Rares and Rainbow Rares in later sets). The full-art Charizard EX was the premier chase card of the entire Flashfire expansion.

Textured Surface: Unlike regular holographic cards, the full-art cards feature a textured surface that creates a unique tactile experience. This texture also plays a role in grading, as surface imperfections are more visible and more difficult to assess.

The Charizard Factor: Any Charizard card carries an inherent premium in the Pokemon collecting world. The combination of Charizard with the full-art treatment created immediate demand upon release.

The Flashfire Set

XY Flashfire was the second expansion in the XY series of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. Released on May 7, 2014, it contained 106 cards in the main set plus additional Secret Rare cards. The set was themed around fire-type Pokemon and Mega Evolution, featuring both Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y alongside the standard Charizard EX variants.

The set contained multiple Charizard cards, which was unusual and contributed to its popularity:

• Charizard EX (#11, regular art)

• Charizard EX (#12, regular art, alternate version)

• Mega Charizard EX (both X and Y forms)

• Charizard EX Full Art (#100, this card)

• Various Secret Rare Charizard variants

This abundance of Charizard cards made Flashfire one of the most opened sets of its era, yet the full-art Charizard EX remained difficult to pull due to its ultra-rare status.

Grading and Population

Professional grading is standard for valuable Pokemon cards. PSA and BGS/CGC are the primary services.

PSA Population and Values (2024-2026)

Grade	Approximate Population	Estimated Value
PSA 10 (Gem Mint)	~3,000-4,000	$350 - $600
PSA 9 (Mint)	~5,000-6,000	$100 - $175
PSA 8 (NM-MT)	~2,000-3,000	$50 - $80
PSA 7 (Near Mint)	~800-1,200	$30 - $50
Raw (ungraded, NM condition)	N/A	$40 - $100

CGC Population and Values

Grade	Estimated Value
CGC 10 (Pristine)	$800 - $1,500
CGC 9.5 (Gem Mint)	$200 - $400
CGC 9 (Mint)	$80 - $150

Condition Grading Factors

Grading Pokemon full-art cards from the XY era involves several specific considerations:

• Surface Texture: The textured surface must be free from scratches, print lines, and factory defects. The texture itself can make surface imperfections harder to detect with the naked eye but easier to see under magnification.

• Centering: Cards should be well-centered front and back. The full-art design makes centering particularly noticeable, as even slight misalignment is visible against the borderless artwork.

• Edge Quality: Clean, smooth edges without whitening, chipping, or damage from packaging.

• Corner Sharpness: All four corners should be sharp and undamaged.

• Holographic Pattern: The holographic/foil layer should be free from clouding, scratches, or print irregularities.

• Print Quality: Colors should be vibrant and consistent, with no ink spots, roller marks, or other manufacturing defects.

Market History

The Flashfire Charizard EX Full Art has experienced significant price movement since its release:

• 2014-2016: Initial release period. Available in packs at retail, with singles selling for $20 to $40 raw.

• 2017-2019: Steady appreciation as the XY era ended and collectors began looking back at key cards. PSA 10 copies reached $100 to $200.

• 2020-2021: The Pokemon card boom (coinciding with the 25th anniversary, YouTuber pack openings, and broader collectibles mania) pushed prices dramatically higher. PSA 10 copies briefly exceeded $1,000.

• 2022-2023: Market correction brought prices back to earth. PSA 10 copies settled in the $300 to $500 range.

• 2024-2026: Stabilized market with steady demand. The card has found its natural price level as a desirable but not ultra-rare modern collectible.

Collecting Context

The Flashfire Charizard EX Full Art exists within a broader ecosystem of Charizard cards that collectors actively pursue:

Within the Flashfire set, the full-art EX competes for attention with the Mega Charizard EX cards and various Secret Rares. The full-art #100 generally commands the strongest premiums among the non-Secret Rare options.

Across the XY era, several other Charizard cards are similarly collectible. The XY Evolutions set (2016) created significant excitement with its Base Set nostalgia cards, and Charizard cards from that set are also highly valued.

In the broader Charizard hierarchy, this card sits in the upper tier of modern Charizard collectibles but below vintage heavyweights like the 1999 Base Set holographic Charizard or the 2002 Crystal Charizard.

Investment Analysis

The Flashfire Charizard EX Full Art represents a relatively accessible entry point into Charizard collecting:

Strengths:

• Charizard cards have consistently maintained and appreciated in value across all eras

• The XY full-art aesthetic is highly regarded by collectors

• Large PSA 10 population provides liquidity (easy to buy and sell)

• Price point is accessible to a broad collector base

Weaknesses:

• Higher PSA 10 population limits upside compared to truly scarce cards

• Modern printing quality means many copies can achieve gem mint grades

• Competition from newer, flashier Charizard cards in more recent sets

Best suited for: Collectors who want a beautiful, investment-grade Charizard card without spending five figures. A PSA 10 copy at current prices represents solid value in the Pokemon collecting landscape.

Storage and Preservation

For raw (ungraded) cards:

• Store in a perfect-fit inner sleeve, then a standard penny sleeve, then a top loader

• Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight

• Avoid rubber bands, paper clips, or stacking heavy objects on top of cards

For graded cards:

• The PSA/CGC/BGS holder provides excellent protection

• Store in padded cases or graded card boxes

• Avoid extreme temperatures and humidity

Why This Card Matters

The 2014 Pokemon XY Flashfire Charizard EX Full Art #100 represents the evolution of Pokemon card collecting from a children's game into a serious collectibles market. It bridges the gap between the vintage nostalgia era and the modern ultra-premium collecting landscape, offering Charizard's timeless appeal in a package that showcases the artistic and technical advances of the XY era. For any Pokemon collector, this card is a cornerstone piece that captures a specific moment in the hobby's history.

Browse all Trading Cards →

Related Items