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Bulbasaur 151 PSA 10: The Ultimate Collector’s Guide To The Illustration Rare’s Current Value And Population Report

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The Bulbasaur Illustration Rare (#166/165) from the *Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: 151* set has quickly become a cornerstone collectible for fans of the original Kanto starter Pokémon, and securing a Gem Mint PSA 10 copy is the goal of serious collectors. As of late , the value of this specific graded card remains highly dynamic, influenced by its stunning artwork, the immense popularity of the *151* set, and a rapidly growing PSA Population Report.

This deep dive provides the most current data on the Bulbasaur 151 PSA 10, breaking down its recent sales history, the significance of its population count, and why the Illustration Rare subset is driving massive collector demand in the modern Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) market.

The Bulbasaur 151 Illustration Rare: Card Profile and Artist Biography

To understand the value of the Bulbasaur 151 PSA 10, one must first recognize the card's unique identity. This is not the standard common Bulbasaur card from the set, but rather the highly coveted Illustration Rare (IR), card number 166 out of 165 in the English set (and SV2a in Japanese). This card is a modern "Alt Art" that captures the essence of the classic Pokémon.

  • Card Name: Bulbasaur (Illustration Rare)
  • Set: *Scarlet & Violet: 151* (English) / *Pokémon Card 151* (Japanese)
  • Card Number: 166/165
  • Rarity: Illustration Rare (IR)
  • Year of Release: 2023
  • Illustrator: Yoriyuki Ikegami

The Artist: Yoriyuki Ikegami

The aesthetic appeal of the Bulbasaur Illustration Rare is a primary driver of its value. The card was beautifully illustrated by Yoriyuki Ikegami, a celebrated artist known for their detailed, nature-focused TCG artwork. Ikegami’s art style often features Pokémon in lush, vibrant environments, which perfectly suits the Grass-type starter. The Bulbasaur card depicts the Pokémon nestled amongst forest foliage, providing a sense of tranquility and depth that resonates deeply with collectors who appreciate the TCG as an art form.

PSA 10 Value and Recent Sales Data (Current Date)

The market for the Bulbasaur 151 PSA 10 is characterized by a significant premium for the Gem Mint grade. While the raw, ungraded version of the Illustration Rare is affordable, the cost to acquire a perfect 10 is substantially higher, reflecting the difficulty of achieving the top grade and the collector's desire for perfection.

Current Market Value Analysis

As of late , the Gem Mint Bulbasaur 151 PSA 10 value shows a healthy range, demonstrating strong, sustained demand. The high-end sales for the English Illustration Rare (#166) are consistently in the mid to high three-figure range, though prices can fluctuate based on auction timing and market sentiment.

  • Recent High-End Sales (PSA 10): Prices have been observed reaching as high as $178 to over $228 in recent months. These sales often represent the English version of the card, which typically commands a higher price than its Japanese counterpart in the Western market.
  • Average PSA 10 Price: The typical market price hovers in the $100–$150 range, making it an accessible Gem Mint card compared to the set's top chase cards like the Special Illustration Rares.
  • The Gem Mint Premium: The value of a PSA 10 is dramatically higher than a PSA 9. A PSA 9 (Mint) copy of the same card has a recent sales value of approximately $35.00. This massive jump in price—nearly 3x to 6x the value—illustrates the "Gem Mint Premium," where a perfect grade commands a disproportionately higher price.

The Significance of the PSA 10 Population Report

For any modern card, the PSA Population Report is the single most important metric for long-term value and rarity. For the Bulbasaur 151 Illustration Rare, the population data offers a fascinating look into the card's true scarcity.

Bulbasaur 166 PSA 10 Population Data

As of the most recent reports (late 2024), the total graded population for the Bulbasaur Illustration Rare (#166) is significant, with a considerable number achieving the Gem Mint grade. The key statistics are:

  • PSA 10 Population: Approximately 6,117 copies.
  • PSA 9 Population: Approximately 9,805 copies.
  • Total Graded Population: Over 18,000 cards across all grades.

What the 6,117 POP Count Means for Collectors

While a population count of over 6,000 PSA 10 copies may seem high, it must be viewed in the context of the *Pokémon 151* set's popularity and grading trends.

  1. High Pull Rate & Grade-Friendly Set: The *Scarlet & Violet* era, including the *151* set, is generally known for better quality control than vintage sets, leading to a high "Gem Rate" (the percentage of cards submitted that achieve a PSA 10). The Japanese version of the set, for example, has an 81% Gem Rate. This means collectors are more likely to pull a card that can achieve a high grade.
  2. Massive Submission Volume: The *Pokémon 151* set is one of the most popular TCG releases in recent history, leading to an enormous volume of submissions to grading companies like PSA. Compared to older sets, modern cards will always have a much higher PSA 10 population simply due to the sheer number of cards being opened and submitted.
  3. Rarity in Context: Despite the high number, the Bulbasaur 151 PSA 10 is still a highly sought-after card. Its value is driven more by its iconic status as a starter, the stunning artwork by Yoriyuki Ikegami, and its necessary inclusion in the complete Illustration Rare "starter evolution line" (Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur) than by extreme scarcity.

Investment Outlook and Topical Authority for the Illustration Rare

The long-term investment potential of the Bulbasaur 151 Illustration Rare is strong, driven by several key factors that establish its topical authority in the modern TCG market.

The Power of the Kanto Starters

Cards featuring the original Kanto starters—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—have historically maintained their value better than almost any other Pokémon. The *Pokémon 151* set specifically capitalizes on this nostalgia, making the entire starter evolution line a long-term hold for many investors. The Bulbasaur Illustration Rare is a critical piece of the "Big Three" starter line, which includes the Ivysaur (#167/165) and the Venusaur ex Special Illustration Rare (#200/165).

LSI Keywords and Collector Entities

Collectors and investors often track the entire Illustration Rare subset from *151*. Key entities and LSI keywords that influence the Bulbasaur's value include:

  • The Full Illustration Rare Set: The values of the Charmander (#168), Squirtle (#170), and the highly-valued Special Illustration Rares (SIR) like the Charizard ex SIR (#183/165) and Blastoise ex SIR (#184/165) all affect the overall health of the set's market.
  • Grading Entities: PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), CGC (Certified Guaranty Company), and BGS (Beckett Grading Services) are the benchmark for quality and value.
  • Set Mechanics: Full Art, Art Rare (AR), Special Illustration Rare (SIR), and the overarching *Scarlet & Violet* block are important terms for market analysis.

In conclusion, the Bulbasaur 151 PSA 10 is a fantastic acquisition for any collector. Its value, currently ranging from $100 to over $200 depending on the sale, is stabilized by the card's stunning artwork by Yoriyuki Ikegami and its position as a key card in the highly popular *Pokémon 151* set. While the PSA 10 population of 6,117 is high, the card's iconic status and the unwavering demand for Gem Mint Kanto starters ensure its continued relevance and value in the TCG world.

Bulbasaur 151 PSA 10: The Ultimate Collector’s Guide to the Illustration Rare’s Current Value and Population Report
bulbasaur 151 psa 10
bulbasaur 151 psa 10

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