1999 POKEMON BASE SET SHADOWLESS 1ST EDITION HOLO CHARIZARD #4 PSA 10 GEM MINT

The decisions we make as children usually do not carry much weight. However, try telling that to any kid selecting their first starter Pokémon. Faced with the choice between water, grass, and fire, picking a starter was essentially a lifelong commitment, the forging of a bond that would carry them through tall grass, past gym leaders, and to seemingly alien locations where powerful legendary Pokémon dwelled. This choice became more difficult with each generation as new trios of partners were introduced, yet back in 1996, one starter Pokémon proved to be a near-unanimous favorite: Charmander. The adorable fire lizard won millions of fans from the moment Professor Oak presented players its Poké Ball. Yet, beyond its look and typing, Charmander’s appeal came from the promise of its legendary final evolution. Charizard was the kind of Pokémon that even older kids got excited about, a source of wonder and jealousy akin to a friend’s brand-new bike or the unhealthy snacks parents refused to pack in their school lunch. Everybody wanted one on their team, yet whether due to a lack of skill or simply the wrong choice of starter, the dragon-like Pokémon remained out of reach for many.