How Many Shadowless Charizards Exist? (2025 Population Breakdown)

The Shadowless Charizard from the 1999 Pokémon Base Set is a beloved vintage card that sits between the legendary 1st Edition print run and the more common Unlimited version. Though it lacks the "1st Edition" stamp, this card still features the iconic artwork and is highly sought after by collectors for its rarity, clean design, and historical importance.

What Is a Shadowless Charizard?

Shadowless Charizards were part of the second printing of the English Base Set. These cards are nearly identical to the 1st Edition Charizards in design, with the key differences being:

• No "1st Edition" stamp
  
• Slightly different font and spacing

They’re considered the bridge between the 1st Edition and Unlimited versions, offering collectors a rare and visually clean version of Base Set Charizard.

How to Spot a Shadowless Charizard

Here are some tips to identify a Shadowless Charizard card:

• No shadow around the image box on the right side
• No 1st Edition stamp near the bottom left of the artwork
• Date line at the bottom reads "1995, 96, 98, 99" — Unlimited versions add a "99-00"

These small visual differences can help you distinguish a true Shadowless from Unlimited versions, especially in raw card form.

How Many Shadowless Charizards Exist?

Thanks to population reports from grading companies, we can estimate how many Shadowless Charizards have survived to this day. Here's a breakdown of the graded population as of 2025:

Graded Population of Shadowless Charizard

• PSA: 10,635 total graded — 58 PSA 10s
• CGC: 1,571 total graded — 27 CGC 10s (including 2 Pristine 10s)
• BGS: 1,679 total graded — 2 BGS 10s, 0 Black Labels

That’s a combined total of 13,885 Shadowless Charizards professionally graded — and likely many more ungraded copies still in binders or storage. However, high-grade copies are rare, with PSA 10s and BGS 10s being especially scarce.

Shadowless vs 1st Edition Charizard

While the Shadowless Charizard is often overshadowed by the 1st Edition version, it still commands serious respect and value in the collector market. Here’s a quick comparison:

While Shadowless cards are more abundant overall, mint-condition Shadowless Charizards remain incredibly rare and valuable.

Are Shadowless Charizards Worth Collecting?

Absolutely. For collectors who want a piece of Pokémon history without paying the premium of a 1st Edition, the Shadowless Charizard is a worthy alternative. Its rarity, vintage appeal, and scarcity in high grades make it a strong long-term collectible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Shadowless Charizard?

A Shadowless Charizard is a version of the 1999 Base Set Charizard printed after the 1st Edition run but before the Unlimited edition. It has no edition stamp and no shadow around the artwork box.

How many Shadowless Charizards exist?

Over 13,000 have been graded across PSA, BGS, and CGC, but many more may exist ungraded. However, high-grade copies are still rare.

Are Shadowless Charizards more valuable than Unlimited?

Yes. While not as valuable as the 1st Edition, Shadowless Charizards are rarer and more desirable than the mass-printed Unlimited versions.

Is it worth grading a Shadowless Charizard?

If the card is in good condition, absolutely. High-grade Shadowless Charizards can command significant value, especially from PSA or BGS.

Looking for more vintage Pokémon insights? 👉 Read our full breakdown on 1st Edition Charizards here.