🥇 Why 1st Edition Machamp Isn’t as Rare or Valuable as You Think

Wondering why 1st Edition Machamp is so common and cheap? Learn the real reason behind its low value, print history, PSA population, and pricing.

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Busting the 1st Edition Myth

If you've ever pulled out your old Pokémon cards and spotted a 1st Edition Machamp, you probably got excited — maybe even thought you’d struck gold. After all, “1st Edition” usually means rare and valuable, right?

Well… not always.

In this article, we’re breaking down why 1st Edition Machamp isn't worth as much as you’d expect, even in mint condition. From unusual print runs to PSA population data, we’ll explain what makes this card so different from the rest of the Base Set.

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What Makes Most 1st Edition Pokémon Cards Valuable?

Before diving into Machamp, it helps to understand what typically makes 1st Edition cards so desirable:

• Limited print runs
• Low PSA 10 population
• Nostalgia and early availability
• Shadowless and error versions

Cards like 1st Edition Charizard and Blastoise tick all these boxes — and they fetch thousands as a result.

But Machamp followed a very different path.

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The Real Reason 1st Edition Machamp Is So Common

The big twist? Every single Machamp from the Base Set was printed with the 1st Edition stamp.

That’s because Machamp was only available as part of the two-player starter deck — and every one of those decks included a 1st Edition Machamp.

So instead of being a rare pull from booster packs, Machamp was:

• Mass produced
• Included by default
• Packaged in the thousands (if not more)

That means there are tons of them out there, and most collectors have at least one in their stash.

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Are There Shadowless 1st Edition Machamps?

Yes — 1st Edition Shadowless Machamps do exist, but they’re often misunderstood.

Here’s what really happened:

• All 1st Edition Machamps came from the two-player starter deck, not booster packs.
• The earliest print runs of that deck included Machamp cards that were both 1st Edition and Shadowless — meaning they lack the drop shadow on the right side of the card frame.
• Later print runs of the same deck still had the 1st Edition stamp, but the Machamp card now included the standard shadowed border.

So within the 1st Edition Machamps, there are two variations:

1. 1st Edition Shadowless Machamp – rarer and more collectible

   

2. 1st Edition (with shadow) – the most common version, mass-printed in starter decks

   

The difference is visual, but it also impacts value slightly — especially for PSA 10 copies of the shadowless version.

What About the 2000 Cosmos Holo 1st Edition Machamp?

Yes — there’s also a lesser-known version of 1st Edition Machamp printed in the year 2000, found in the CD-ROM 2-Player Starter Set.

This version looks similar at a glance, but has two major differences:

• It uses a Cosmos (Galaxy) holofoil pattern instead of the original “Base Set” starburst foil.
• It was printed later than the original 1999 Base Set prints, and is considered a reprint, even though it still has the 1st Edition stamp.

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What About PSA 10 1st Edition Machamp? Is That Rare?

Let’s look at the actual PSA population report:

PSA 10 Population: 426
Total Graded: 25,959

While over 25,000 copies of 1st Edition Machamp have been graded, only around 400 have earned a PSA 10. That’s actually in line with many other Base Set holographics — aside from the truly iconic ones like Charizard.

The real reason for Machamp’s lower value comes down to how it was distributed: since every 2-Player Starter Set included a 1st Edition Machamp, supply was much higher from the start. So while PSA 10 1st Edition Machamps are relatively scarce, they don't command the same prices as booster pack holos like Blastoise or Gyarados — simply because collector demand isn’t as high for a card that came in every starter deck.

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1st Edition Machamp Pricing – Recent Sales Data

Here’s what the latest eBay sales show:

• Raw cards (ungraded): $10–$40 depending on condition
• PSA 8–9: $100–$200
• PSA 10: $1,100

While it doesn’t reach the legendary status of cards like Charizard, a PSA 10 1st Edition Machamp still holds solid value — especially for a card that came in nearly every early deck.

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Should You Still Keep Your 1st Edition Machamp?

Absolutely. While it may not make you rich, it’s still:

• An iconic part of the original TCG experience
• A nostalgic piece for many collectors
• Easy to grade and display
• A solid binder card for Base Set completion

Plus, it’s a great example of how not all 1st Editions are created equal — a valuable lesson for anyone getting into vintage Pokémon cards.

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Final Thoughts: A 1st Edition, But Not a Gem

1st Edition Machamp looks like a grail card — but its mass distribution in starter decks means it’s more common than rare. Even in PSA 10, prices stay relatively low due to the huge supply.

So if you're wondering why your Machamp isn’t worth thousands… now you know.

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❓ FAQ – 1st Edition Machamp Value & Variants

Q: Is 1st Edition Machamp shadowless?

A small portion of 1st Edition Machamps are shadowless, from the earliest print runs. Most have a shadowed border and are more common.

Q: Why is 1st Edition Machamp not rare?

It was included in every Base Set 2-Player Starter Deck, making it mass-produced compared to other Base Set holographics pulled from booster packs.

Q: How can I tell if my Machamp is shadowless?

Look at the right border of the card. If there's no drop shadow around the image box, it's a shadowless print.

Q: What is the 2000 Cosmos Holo Machamp?

It’s a later reprint from the CD-ROM Starter Set. It has a Galaxy/Cosmos holofoil and still carries the 1st Edition stamp, but it’s less valuable than the original.

Q: How much is PSA 10 1st Edition Machamp worth?

As of 2025, PSA 10s sell for around $1,100, though prices can vary depending on demand and auction format.

Q: Was 1st Edition Machamp in booster packs?

No — it was only available in starter decks, which is why it's so common despite being 1st Edition.