Set
Obsidian Flames
Card number
#228/197
Rarity
Special Illus. Rare
Pull rate
~1 in 180 packs
Why does the Charizard ex SIR hold its value?
Charizard is the single most recognisable Pokémon in the TCG — every era has a chase Charizard card, and the Obsidian Flames SIR is the definitive one for the Scarlet & Violet generation. It was the most anticipated set of 2023 and the Charizard SIR was the most sought-after card from day one.
Charizard demand never fades
Institutional-level collector demand across all ages. Whether you played Gen 1 or started with SV, Charizard is the card everyone wants.
Special Illustration Rare — not reprinted
SIRs are printed once per set. Obsidian Flames is no longer in wide distribution, locking supply while demand compounds year over year.
Full-bleed illustration by Mitsuhiro Arita
The same illustrator behind the Moonbreon. Arita cards carry a premium; collectors actively seek his work, driving extra demand beyond just "Charizard."
Gateway card for new collectors
New EU collectors entering the hobby almost always learn about the Charizard ex SIR within weeks. Constant influx of new demand keeps the floor firm.
Current price on CardMarket (EUR)
For EU collectors, CardMarket is the authoritative price source. Prices vary significantly by condition and whether the card is raw or graded:
| Condition | Approx. price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Near Mint (NM) | €110–€140 | Standard collector grade |
| Excellent (EX) | €85–€110 | Minor surface wear |
| PSA 9 | €140–€180 | Graded, pop-dependent |
| PSA 10 | €280–€380 | Gem mint premium |
| BGS 9.5 (Black Label) | €400+ | Ultra-premium, rare |
* Prices are indicative as of 2025. Use CardSense for live CardMarket prices updated twice daily.
Price history and trend
Obsidian Flames launched in August 2023. The Charizard ex SIR launched at approximately €180–€200 on CardMarket and corrected down toward €100–€120 over the following 6 months as pack openings flooded the market — typical post-launch behaviour for a heavily-opened set.
Since mid-2024, as Obsidian Flames moved out of mainstream distribution, the price has stabilised and begun a slow upward trend. NM copies now consistently hold €120–€140 with no significant downward pressure.
Key price milestones (NM raw)
Is it worth grading your Charizard ex SIR?
With a PSA 10 selling at roughly €320 and NM raw at ~€130, there is a theoretical margin — but grading economics only work if you achieve a 10. A PSA 9 at €160 barely covers grading costs on a card you bought at €130.
Sample ROI calculation (PSA Standard tier)
Bottom line: only grade if you have a card that came from a pack you opened yourself (minimal handling), shows no visible whitening on edges under direct light, and has perfect centering. Use CardSense's grading ROI calculator to model the exact numbers for your copy.
How it compares to other Charizard cards
| Card | NM price | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Charizard ex SIR (OBF #228) | €120–€140 | Special Illus. Rare |
| Charizard VMAX Alt Art (SWSH7 #74) | €180–€220 | Alt Art |
| Charizard ex IR (OBF #224) | €25–€35 | Illus. Rare |
| Charizard ex (OBF #125) | €6–€10 | Double Rare |
CardMarket
Largest EU marketplace · Verified sellers
PokeNerds
DE-based · Fast EU shipping
Total Cards
UK-based · Ships to EU
Prices are indicative · CardSense may earn a small commission via affiliate links
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