Wartortle is a Stage 1 Water-type Pokémon with 70 HP. It was illustrated by Ken Sugimori and is card number 42 in the Base set, released in the vintage era…
Set: Base
Number: 42/102
Rarity: Uncommon
Set
About the Wartortle Pokémon Card
Wartortle is a Water-type Pokémon card with 70 HP from the Base set, part of the Base series. It carries the collector number 42/102 and is classified as Uncommon. The Base set was released on January 9, 1999.
The card includes the flavor text: “Often hides in water to stalk unweary prey. When swimming quickly, it moves its ears to maintain balance.”.
Wartortle Pokémon Card Details
Card name: Wartortle
Card number: 42/102
Set: Base
Series: Base
Rarity: Uncommon
Subtypes: Stage 1
Type: Water
HP: 70
Artist: Ken Sugimori
Release date: January 9, 1999
National Pokédex number: 8
Why Collect the Wartortle Pokémon Card?
Wartortle is most often collected as part of a complete Base set rather than as a standalone chase card.
Across the hobby, collectibility generally comes down to rarity, condition, artwork, and overall demand for the set.
Artwork and Illustration of the Wartortle Pokémon Card
Wartortle was illustrated by Ken Sugimori.
Artwork is one of the factors collectors weigh when deciding which copies to keep or send for grading.
Market Price and Value of the Wartortle Pokémon Card
The current aggregated market price for Wartortle is about $4.95. Recent listings range from roughly $0.90 (low) to
00 (high), with a mid-point near .99. These figures are aggregated from marketplace data and change over time; the live price and full price history are shown above on this page.
For context, the Base set has a median card value near .72 and an average near 0.62, so this card sits below the typical card in the set. The aggregated price has moved +29% over the last 7 days and +57% over 30 days.
Pokémon cards are best collected for enjoyment first. Where value matters, it is typically driven by graded population, the popularity of the Base set, the availability of sealed product, and broader Pokémon TCG market trends.
Grading the Wartortle Pokémon Card
Whether Wartortle is worth grading comes down to condition. Before submitting a card, collectors usually check front and back centring, corner sharpness, edge wear, surface defects, and any print lines or factory imperfections.
Across the hobby, top grades such as PSA 10, BGS/Beckett 9.5–10, and CGC Pristine 10 generally command a premium over raw or lower-graded copies.
PSA has graded 11,017 copies of this card, of which 1,302 earned a PSA 10 — a gem rate of about 11.8%. These population figures were last refreshed on June 15, 2026. Population counts only rise as more copies are submitted, so the gem rate and totals shift over time; nothing here is estimated or back-filled.
How Rare Is the Wartortle Pokémon Card?
As an Uncommon card, Wartortle sits just above commons in print frequency and appears regularly in booster packs.
Population data is one concrete measure of scarcity: PSA has graded 11,017 copies to date.
Other Printings of Wartortle
Wartortle appears on more than one card across the catalog. Other printings include Expedition Base Set 92 (around $92.49), 151 171 (around $76.68) and Southern Islands 15 (around $65.07).
These are distinct cards rather than a single listing; compare the set, collector number, and rarity when identifying a specific copy.
Final Thoughts on the Wartortle Pokémon Card
The Wartortle pokémon card is a Uncommon card from the Base set (Base series). It is a straightforward addition for collectors completing the Base set. Its current aggregated market price is about $4.95; the live figure and full price history appear above on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What set is the Wartortle card from?
Wartortle is from the Base set (Base series), numbered 42/102 with the Uncommon rarity.
What rarity is the Wartortle card?
Wartortle is classified as Uncommon.
How much is the Wartortle 42/102 card worth?
The current aggregated market price is about $4.95, within a recent range of roughly $0.90 to
00. The live figure and full price history appear above on this page.
Is the Wartortle card worth grading?
It can be, if the card is well-centred and free of noticeable edge, corner, or surface flaws. PSA has graded 11,017 copies so far, with about 11.8% reaching PSA 10. Top grades typically command a premium over raw copies.
What is the PSA population for Wartortle?
PSA has graded 11,017 copies, of which 1,302 are PSA 10 (a gem rate of about 11.8%). These figures were last updated on June 15, 2026.
How rare is the Wartortle card?
As an Uncommon card, Wartortle sits just above commons in print frequency and appears regularly in booster packs.
When was the Base set released?
The Base set was released on January 9, 1999.
Are there other printings of Wartortle?
Yes. Wartortle appears on 21 other cards across the catalog. Compare the set, collector number, and rarity to identify a specific copy.
