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Charizard ex #223 Pokemon Obsidian Flames PSA + CGC Pop Report: Rarity vs Price (2026)

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Charizard ex #223 from Obsidian Flames, with a PSA 10 median price of $762.72 against a raw price of $107.32, represents a high-demand, mid-to-high population card that warrants a careful “Buy” recommendation for collectors focused on this iconic Pokémon. The substantial price difference between raw and graded copies, coupled with a significant number of graded examples, suggests a healthy market but also a need to monitor population growth.

As someone who’s submitted hundreds of cards to PSA, Charizard ex #223 lands in a tier I get asked about weekly. Here’s the honest math. PSA has certified 12,478 copies of Charizard ex #223 at Gem Mint 10. At $762.72 median, that works out to a 7.05x multiplier compared to the raw card price of $107.32. Last updated: May 2026. This particular Charizard ex represents a fascinating case study in the modern Pokémon market: immense collector appeal meeting a large, but not unmanageable, supply. For collectors eyeing this card, understanding its population report is crucial for making informed acquisition and investment decisions.

In This Article

• The Population Report

• Reading the Scarcity Signal

• Rarity × Demand Quadrant

• What the Pop Data Says About Grading New Copies

• The Verdict

• Where to Buy

The Population Report

56,210 total graded across PSA and CGC (52,487 PSA + 3,723 CGC), median PSA 10 sells for $774.80. selling point at the highest grades.

Data sources: Prices cited above reflect eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices, and PriceCharting pop page (PSA + CGC) and PSA public API. All figures as of May 2026.

Reading the Scarcity Signal

With 12,478 Gem Mint 10 copies certified by PSA alone, and a combined 13,586 from PSA and CGC, the Gem-Mint rate for Charizard ex #223 is approximately 25.8% (13,586 / 52,487 total graded). This places the card in a tier of significant collector attention rather than one of extreme rarity. While not ultra-rare by population standards, the high demand for Charizard cards, especially this specific ex form from a recent set like Obsidian Flames, continues to drive its market value. Compared to a card like the Base Set Charizard, which has a much lower population but an astronomical price due to its historical significance and age, this Obsidian Flames Charizard exists in a different scarcity paradigm. Its value is more directly tied to current market trends and the ongoing popularity of the Pokémon TCG.

The term “investable rate” is difficult to quantify precisely without more granular data on resale trends and grading submission numbers. However, a Gem-Mint rate of 25.8% for PSA 10s suggests that while a substantial number of cards are reaching top grades, it still requires significant effort and luck to achieve that perfect score. This implies that the supply of truly flawless copies, while not vanishingly small, is still a distinct subset of the total population.

Rarity × Demand Quadrant

Charizard ex #223 firmly lands in the High Pop / High Demand quadrant. The population report shows a very high number of graded copies, particularly in the PSA 9 and PSA 10 grades (26,968 PSA 9s and 12,478 PSA 10s from PSA alone). Simultaneously, the median PSA 10 price of $762.72, a substantial multiplier over the raw price, signifies immense collector demand. This combination positions the card as a liquid commodity with sustained value, rather than a speculative investment driven purely by scarcity. The market has absorbed a large number of graded copies, indicating a healthy and active collector base that appreciates the aesthetic and iconic status of this Charizard.

The demand is clearly evidenced by the price appreciation from raw to graded, while the high population indicates that it’s not an exclusive club to own a graded version. This doesn’t mean the card lacks potential; rather, it suggests that its value is driven by consistent, broad-based interest rather than the speculative spikes often seen with ultra-rare, low-population cards. The market for this card is likely to remain stable, with growth tied to overall Pokémon TCG market trends and the enduring appeal of Charizard.

What the Pop Data Says About Grading New Copies

With 12,478 PSA 10s and 28,516 PSA 9s, the Charizard ex #223 from Obsidian Flames is a prime example of a “pop-saturated” card at the highest tiers. The high number of available Gem Mint copies means that each new submission that achieves a PSA 10 grade adds a relatively small percentage to the total supply. This dilutes the impact of new grading submissions on the overall market value of existing PSA 10s. Therefore, when considering acquiring this card for grading, it’s essential to focus on the raw card’s condition and centering, aiming for a near-perfect specimen.

To break even on grading a raw Charizard ex #223, assuming a raw card cost of $107.32, PSA grading fees of $25, and estimated selling fees of 13% ($107.32 * 0.13 = $13.95), the sale price would need to cover $107.32 (raw cost) + $25 (grading) + $13.95 (fees) = $146.27. Given the current PSA 10 median of $762.72, there is a significant profit margin for cards that grade perfectly. However, the high pop count emphasizes the need for pristine raw copies; anything less than a near-perfect card risks not reaching the break-even point if it grades a 9 or lower, where the market prices are considerably lower. For collectors looking to submit, the focus must be on finding cards with flawless surfaces, sharp corners, and excellent centering.

The Verdict

BUY Charizard ex #223 from Obsidian Flames, particularly graded copies. The card exhibits a compelling combination of immense collector demand, as evidenced by its significant PSA 10 median of $762.72, and a substantial, yet manageable, population of 12,478 PSA 10s. This balance suggests a healthy market that can absorb new graded copies without drastic price erosion, making it an attractive acquisition for collectors and a solid holding for investors.

While the high population means it’s not a “rare” card in the traditional sense, the enduring global appeal of Charizard, coupled with the visually striking artwork of the Obsidian Flames ex, ensures continued demand. The market price of PSA 10s offers a significant premium over raw copies, indicating that the grading premium is robust and stable. Collectors should prioritize acquiring high-grade copies (PSA 9 or 10) to capture the most value and market liquidity, and can confidently add this to their collections.

Where to Buy

For those looking to acquire this sought-after Charizard ex, several avenues offer opportunities to find both graded and raw copies. The sheer volume of graded examples means that active listings are consistently available.

Check active graded listings on eBay Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer

When purchasing graded copies, always verify the seller’s reputation and review provided images closely, paying attention to the card’s condition and the integrity of the case. For raw copies, the ability to inspect the card’s centering, surface, edges, and corners is paramount, especially if the intent is to submit for grading. Understanding the grading process and what constitutes a potential PSA 10 is crucial for maximizing your return on investment when buying raw.

Pro Tip: Given the high population of PSA 9 and 10 Charizard ex #223, focus your acquisition strategy on acquiring cards that are already graded in these top tiers. While grading raw copies can be profitable if you consistently pull Gem Mint 10s, the risk of a lower grade is amplified on such a high-population card, potentially leading to a loss on grading fees and time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current market value for a PSA 10 Charizard ex #223?

As of May 2026, the median sale price for a PSA 10 Charizard ex #223 from Obsidian Flames is $762.72. This figure reflects recent sales data and indicates the premium collectors are willing to pay for a Gem Mint condition copy of this popular card.

How many Charizard ex #223 cards have been graded by PSA?

PSA has certified a total of 12,478 copies of Charizard ex #223 as Gem Mint 10. Including lower grades, the total PSA population is significantly higher, reflecting strong collector interest in grading this card.

Is Charizard ex #223 considered a rare card?

While it features immense popularity and demand, Charizard ex #223 is not considered rare in terms of its graded population. With over 12,000 PSA 10s alone, it falls into the category of high-population, high-demand cards, making it accessible but valuable due to collector interest.

Should I buy raw Charizard ex #223 cards to grade?

Buying raw Charizard ex #223 cards to grade can be profitable if you consistently identify cards that will achieve a PSA 10 grade, given the $762.72 median for PSA 10s. However, with a high population of graded cards, the risk of receiving a lower grade (PSA 9 or below) means you might not recoup your raw card cost and grading fees. It’s recommended for experienced graders confident in their ability to spot near-perfect cards.

What is the price difference between a raw and a PSA 10 Charizard ex #223?

The raw price for Charizard ex #223 is approximately $107.32, while a PSA 10 commands a median price of $762.72. This represents a multiplier of roughly 7.05x, highlighting the significant value added by achieving a Gem Mint grade on this highly desirable card.

How does the PSA population of Charizard ex #223 compare to other modern Charizard cards?

The population of Charizard ex #223 (12,478 PSA 10s) is substantial for a modern card, reflecting its status as a chase card from Obsidian Flames. Compared to vintage Charizards, its population is vastly higher, but its market value is driven by contemporary demand and accessibility. For example, cards from sets like Top 10 Most Valuable Scarlet & Violet 151 Pokemon Cards (2026) may have lower populations but are also highly sought after.

For more insights into the Pokémon TCG market, explore our Pokemon Cards hub, and for understanding the financial aspects of card collecting, check out our comprehensive guide to Card Grading.