Charizard didn't stop being the chase card after Base Set — a few years later, the ex era gave collectors a whole new reason to hunt for one.
The ex mechanic arrives
From around 2003 to 2007, the Pokemon TCG ran a series of expansions built around "Pokemon-ex," oversized-stat cards marked with a gold border that gave up two prize cards when defeated instead of the usual one. Charizard received the ex treatment multiple times across this stretch, appearing in sets tied to the FireRed & LeafGreen and other EX-series expansions.
A different flavour of chase card
Where the original 1999 Base Set Charizard earned its reputation largely through nostalgia and being one of the first great holo rares, EX-era Charizard ex cards built their appeal on flashy gold foil, aggressive attack numbers, and being genuinely powerful tournament cards in their day. Collectors who grew up in the mid-2000s often treat a favourite Charizard ex the way an earlier generation treats Base Set Charizard.
Where it sits in the market
Reportedly, most Charizard ex cards trade for a fraction of what a graded Base Set Charizard commands, since they were printed in larger numbers and lack the same first-set mystique. Even so, sought-after prints in top grades have shown steady demand, and Charizard's pull as a character means an ex-era card rarely stays cheap for long.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Charizard ex card?
Charizard ex cards are gold-bordered rares from the EX era of the Pokemon TCG, roughly 2003 to 2007, built around the ex mechanic that gave up two prize cards instead of one when knocked out.
How is Charizard ex different from the original Base Set Charizard?
The Base Set Charizard from 1999 is a standard holo rare tied to the game's launch, while Charizard ex cards came several years later with their own gold-foil border, higher stats, and a distinct place in Pokemon TCG history.
Are Charizard ex cards valuable today?
Many Charizard ex prints command solid secondary-market prices, especially in high grade, though they generally trade well below the vintage Base Set Charizard due to differences in age, scarcity, and nostalgia.