Gyarados

Market outlook

Stable Outlook 7/10

Core Base Set holographics maintain steady demand due to nostalgia, but multiple reprints and high supply of ungraded copies limit significant price growth. High-grade 1st Edition copies may see modest appreciation due to scarcity[5].

Next months. Next 3-6 months: Prices expected to remain stable with minor fluctuations based on grading submissions and auction activity.

Long term. 1-3 years: Stable to slightly rising trend, particularly for graded 9+ 1st Edition copies driven by long-term collector interest in vintage Pokémon.

History

Gyarados is a Water-type Pokémon, originally numbered 130 in the National Pokédex. It is described in the card's flavor text as 'Rarely seen in the wild. Huge and vicious, it is capable of destroying entire cities in a rage.' It is a Stage 1 Pokémon, evolving from Magikarp[1][4].

The card was first released in the Japanese Expansion Pack (Japanese Base Set) with artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita, then released in the English Base Set on January 9, 1999 in the United States[2][4][9].

• The Base Set version features artwork by Mitsuhiro Arita, while a Japanese reprint used artwork by Ryouichi Abe from the CoroCoro Pokémon Snap Best Photo Contest and is extremely rare[4].
• The card was reprinted in Base Set 2 and Legendary Collection expansions[4].
• graded 10 graded copies of the 1st Edition version have a ratio of only 2.06%, making it 'Extremely Difficult' to grade at the highest level[5].

Rarity and print run

Tier

Rare

Print run

High

First printed in

Base Set

Demand

High

Supply

Medium

• Only 2.06% of 1st Edition submissions reach graded 10, making high-grade copies extremely scarce[5].
• The Japanese Abe artwork variant is 'extremely rare' with unknown existence numbers[4].
• High total print run across multiple sets reduces overall scarcity but high-grade 1st Edition remains limited[4].

Collector notes

Condition. Key flaws include centering issues, white borders showing wear, and holographic scratches. Grading difficulty is 'Extremely Difficult' for graded 10 due to frequent centering and surface flaws[5].

Storage. Store in a rigid top loader or magnetic holder, keep in a cool, dry environment away from direct light to prevent holographic fading, and avoid handling the card face directly[7].

Authenticity. Fakes often have incorrect font, misaligned borders, or duller holographic patterns. 1st Edition cards have a '1st Edition' stamp on the left; Shadowless versions lack the expansion border. Authenticate via graded or graded; note that graded 8.5 authenticated 1st Edition Shadowless copies exist[2][8].