Few modern releases have captured the hobby quite like Pokémon 151. Built around the original Kanto Pokédex, it blends nostalgia for the first 151 Pokémon with the premium artwork and rarities of the Scarlet & Violet era.
For collectors, one question comes up again and again:
What are the chase cards in Pokémon 151, and which are the best cards to grade?
With borderless Special Illustration Rares, textured full arts and some of the most iconic Kanto starters ever printed, 151 is a set collectors will be chasing for years. In this guide we break down the biggest Pokémon 151 chase cards, why they matter, and what to look for before you send one in for grading.
Pokémon 151 Chase Cards at a Glance
| Card | Rarity | Why Collectors Want It | Grading Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charizard ex | Special Illustration Rare | The flagship chase and set grail | Extremely High |
| Blastoise ex | Special Illustration Rare | Kanto starter with striking water art | Very High |
| Venusaur ex | Special Illustration Rare | Completes the starter trio | Very High |
| Zapdos ex | Special Illustration Rare | Legendary bird fan favourite | High |
| Mew ex | Hyper Rare | Gold rarity of the set’s mascot | High |
Why Pokémon 151 Is Such an Important Set
Pokémon 151 celebrates where it all began, giving every original Kanto Pokémon a place in a modern set. That combination of heritage and contemporary card design is exactly what drives long-term collector demand.
The set is now out of print, which has only increased interest in its premium pulls. The headline rarities include:
- Special Illustration Rares (borderless, full-scene artwork)
- Ultra Rare full arts with textured foiling
- Hyper Rare gold cards
- Iconic Kanto starters and Legendary birds
The Biggest Chase Cards in Pokémon 151
Charizard ex – Special Illustration Rare (#199)
If there is one card that defines Pokémon 151, it is the Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare. The borderless fire-tornado composition is widely regarded as one of the strongest modern Charizard artworks, and it sits comfortably at the top of the set’s chase hierarchy.
As the single most recognisable card in 151, it anchors the entire set from a collector’s perspective and remains the card most people open packs hoping to find.
Why collectors want it:
- Iconic Charizard artwork
- Borderless Special Illustration Rare
- The set’s clear grail
- Strong, sustained demand
Grading potential: Extremely High
Blastoise ex – Special Illustration Rare (#200)
Blastoise rounds out the Kanto starters with a dynamic, water-soaked Special Illustration Rare. It is a firm favourite for collectors building the full starter run and carries plenty of nostalgia from the original games.
Why collectors want it:
- Classic Kanto starter
- Beautiful full-scene art
- Popular with starter-set collectors
Grading potential: Very High
Venusaur ex – Special Illustration Rare (#198)
Completing the starter trio, the Venusaur ex Special Illustration Rare is essential for anyone chasing all three Kanto starters in their premium form. Its lush, detailed artwork makes it a standout display piece.
Why collectors want it:
- Third of the Kanto starter trio
- Detailed, display-worthy art
- Set-completion appeal
Grading potential: Very High
Zapdos ex – Special Illustration Rare (#202)
The Legendary birds have always enjoyed a devoted following, and Zapdos ex brings that appeal to 151 with an energetic Special Illustration Rare. It is a strong pick-up for both Legendary collectors and electric-type fans.
Why collectors want it:
- Legendary bird fan base
- Vibrant, high-energy artwork
- Cross-generational appeal
Grading potential: High
Mew ex – Hyper Rare (#205)
As the mascot of the set, Mew gets the full gold Hyper Rare treatment. The gold cards are among the rarest pulls in 151, and Mew’s status as the face of the release makes this a memorable card to protect.
Why collectors want it:
- Set mascot
- Rare gold Hyper Rare finish
- Distinctive display piece
Grading potential: High
Grading Pokémon 151 Cards: What to Look For
Because 151 is a special set, its top cards use borderless and textured finishes that reward careful inspection before submission. The population of high-grade copies for the biggest cards is significant, so a gem mint result is what separates a premium slab from an ordinary one.
Before you commit a 151 pull to grading, check these areas closely:
- Centring – borderless Special Illustration Rares make off-centre printing very obvious, so hold the card up and compare the artwork margins on all four sides.
- Surface – the textured foil can show fine scratches and print lines under bright light, particularly on the darker areas of the Charizard art.
- Corners and edges – inspect under magnification for whitening or tiny nicks, which are easy to miss on colourful borderless cards.
- Print defects – look for dimples, indents or foil imperfections that can quietly cap a grade.
If a card looks flawless on all four fronts, it is an excellent candidate for a high grade. If you spot edge wear or a surface line, it may be better enjoyed raw. Our card grading UK guide walks through the process in full, and the Imperium 10 explains how our top grade is awarded.
Should You Grade Pokémon Cards in the UK?
Professional grading offers several benefits for Pokémon collectors, whether you are protecting a prized pull or building a display collection:
- Authentication and peace of mind
- Long-term protection in a sealed slab
- Improved presentation and display
- Easier collection management
- Greater confidence when buying or selling
For premium cards, grading is an excellent way to preserve condition while showcasing some of the most impressive cards in your collection. If you are ready to submit, take a look at our Pokémon grading UK service to see how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most valuable card in Poku00e9mon 151?
The Charizard ex Special Illustration Rare (#199) is the flagship chase card and the most valuable card in the set, thanks to its iconic artwork and Charizard’s enormous popularity.
Which 151 cards are worth grading?
The Special Illustration Rares of Charizard, Blastoise and Venusaur are the strongest grading candidates, followed by the Zapdos ex Special Illustration Rare and the Mew ex Hyper Rare provided they are in gem mint condition.
Why is centring so important on 151 cards?
Many of the set’s chase cards are borderless, which makes any off-centre printing immediately visible in the artwork. Strong centring is one of the biggest factors in achieving a top grade.
Pokémon 151 has all the ingredients of a modern classic: heritage, standout artwork and a chase line-up led by one of the best Charizard cards in years. If you are opening packs and wondering which cards deserve extra protection, the Special Illustration Rares should be top of your list.
If you are looking to grade Pokémon cards in the UK, Imperium Grading can help you protect and showcase your best pulls. Before you post, read our how to pack Pokémon cards for grading UK guide, and explore label choices for your display slabs.
Read more: Ascended Heroes chase cards, Card grading UK guide.
