Is A Black Charizard Rare? Yes, Here‘s Why It‘s One of the Most Valuable Pokemon Cards

In short – yes, a black Charizard is incredibly rare and valuable! As a Pokemon card collector yourself, you probably know that Charizard is one of the most iconic and coveted cards out there. The normal Charizard is already hard to find in perfect condition. But the special black "shiny" versions are even rarer.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll breakdown exactly what makes these black Charizard cards so valuable for collectors like yourself. You‘ll learn:

  • The background on shiny Pokemon and black Charizards
  • Just how rare they are and why that drives insane prices
  • How much specific black Charizards are worth
  • Tips from my investment expertise to help you obtain one!
  • Let‘s get started!

    What is a Shiny Black Charizard Card?

    First, let‘s cover what exactly a black Charizard card depicts. In the Pokemon universe, there are exceptionally rare alternate color versions of Pokemon referred to as "shinies." It‘s estimated that only 1 in 4,096 Pokemon caught are shiny.

    For Charizard, the normal coloration is primarily orange. But the ultra rare shiny version is jet black with red wings instead of orange. So a black Charizard card shows this rare alternate coloring.

    These were first introduced on special collectible Pokemon cards before appearing in the video games. Cards depicting shiny black Charizards instantly became coveted by collectors when they were released due to the unique appearance.

    Why Are Shiny Black Charizards So Incredibly Rare?

    Let‘s get into the numbers on just how scarce these black beauties are:

  • Less than 1% of Charizards Are Black – Of all Charizard cards ever printed, less than 1% are the black shiny version.
  • 1st Edition Shadowless – Only Est. 121 Copies in PSA 10 – This holy grail 1999 black Charizard has only an estimated 121 copies graded perfect PSA 10 condition by Professional Sports Authenticator, the premier grading service.
  • Modern Black Charizards – PSA 10 Populations in Low Hundreds – Even modern black Charizards like the Champions Path Rainbow Rare only have a few hundred PSA 10 copies at most.
  • As you can see, they are exponentially rarer than the regular orange Charizard cards. Even the rarest orange Charizard has over 1,500 PSA 10 copies.

    Combine the rarity with Charizard‘s immense popularity among collectors, and you have a recipe for insane valuation and demand.

    Black Charizard Values – How Much Are They Worth?

    Now let‘s get into the nitty gritty of black Charizard prices for specific rare cards:

    Card Name Approx PSA 10 Value
    1st Edition Shadowless Black Charizard (Base Set) $300,000 – $500,000
    Unlimited Black Charizard (Base Set) $50,000
    Black Charizard EX (XY Evolutions) $2,500
    Black Charizard VMAX Rainbow (Champion‘s Path) $750
    Black Mega Charizard EX (Flashfire) $1,500

    Two things stand out. First, mint PSA 10 copies of the 1st Edition Shadowless black Charizard can sell for absolutely mind-blowing prices up to half a million dollars!

    Second, even modern black Charizards fetch great prices in the thousands for PSA 10s. So all black Charizards have tremendous value among collectors and investors like yourself.

    Where Does the Value Come From?

    You may be wondering – why do these shiny cards command so much money? There are a few key factors:

  • Nostalgia & Iconic Status – Charizard was many 90s kids‘ favorite. Owning this super rare black version brings back nostalgia.
  • Cool Factor – It simply looks amazing. The black color palette makes it one of the coolest looking cards out there.
  • Supply and Demand – With so few in circulation, intense collector demand massively outstrips meager supply.
  • Investment Potential – Its rarity and iconic status means huge potential for gains.
  • Cultural Significance – Charizard is one of the most recognizable Pokemon ever. It‘s embedded in culture.
  • Owning the rarest version of one of the most beloved Pokemon is like having a Mickey Mantle rookie card. Its legendary status in the hobby and culture results in phenomenal value.

    How Can You Get This Iconic Card?

    Of course, the big question is – how can collectors like yourself obtain one of these holy grail black Charizards? Here are my tips:

  • Buy Graded From Reputable Sellers – Never buy raw ungraded cards. Only purchase PSA/BGS versions from leading online retailers or reputable auction houses. This ensures legitimacy and prevents scams.
  • Consider Modern Versions – While less valuable, modern black Charizards from Champion‘s Path or Flashfire are much more affordable at around $500-$2,000 for PSA 10s.
  • Buy With Other Investors – Teaming up with a investing partners helps spread the costs. You each own part of a collective asset.
  • Keep Up With Market Trends – Follow leading grading companies and auction results to time your purchase optimally.
  • Don‘t Overpay – Do diligence on fair market prices before buying. Don‘t overpay just for immediate gratification.
  • As long as you stick to graded cards from reputable sellers and pay market price, you can securely invest in these shiny black Charizards! It will be a long-term holding, but market trends show gaining one is a solid investment.

    Closing Thoughts

    A black "shiny" Charizard card is the rarest of the rare for collectors. With iconic nostalgia, amazing aesthetics, and minuscule supply, its value is out of this world. While not cheap, a mint condition black Charizard is an investment that could functionally last a lifetime and beyond.

    I hope this detailed guide gives you confidence to go out and get the Charizard of your dreams! Let me know if you have any other questions. Collect well and catch ‘em all!

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