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Squirtle #148 Illustration Rare Pokemon Stellar Crown PSA + CGC Pop Report: Rarity vs Price 2026

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PSA has graded 13,737 copies of Squirtle #148 at Gem Mint 10, with a median sale price of $460.00. The raw card price sits at $113.42, indicating a significant premium for top-tier grading. Based on current population data and market trends, this Squirtle #148 Illustration Rare is a strong hold for collectors.

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

PSA has certified 13,737 copies of Squirtle #148 at Gem Mint 10, with a median sale price of $460.00. At $113.42 raw, this represents a multiplier of approximately 4.05x. The high number of graded copies suggests a saturated market at the highest tier, but consistent demand for iconic Pokémon like Squirtle could still support its value. This analysis delves into the population data to determine the long-term outlook for this popular illustration rare. Last updated: May 2026.

The Population Report

The combined grading population data for Squirtle #148 from Pokemon Stellar Crown, encompassing both PSA and CGC, paints a clear picture of its market presence. As of May 2026, a total of 36,292 copies have been graded, with PSA accounting for the vast majority at 34,704 and CGC grading 1,588. The most sought-after grade, PSA 10 Gem Mint, boasts an impressive 13,497 copies graded by PSA alone, contributing to a combined total of 14,589 Gem Mint specimens across both grading companies. The median sale price for a PSA 10 currently stands at approximately $452.48.

Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the population data across various grades:

A total of 36,292 graded copies across PSA and CGC. The median PSA 10 sells for $452.48. PSA’s API confirms 13,737 copies at PSA 10, which aligns closely with PriceCharting’s aggregate count. This indicates a high degree of accuracy in the available population data for this popular Pokémon card.

Data sources: What The Slab checks eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices, and PriceCharting pop pages (PSA + CGC), plus PSA public API. All figures as of May 2026.

Reading the Scarcity Signal

The population report for Squirtle #148 from Stellar Crown reveals a significant supply of graded cards, particularly at the higher tiers. With 13,737 PSA 10 Gem Mint copies out of a total of 35,908 certified by PSA, the gem-mint rate stands at a robust 38%. This figure, while impressive, places the card in a “saturated” scarcity tier. In the context of Pokémon TCG collecting, a saturation tier for Gem Mint 10s typically signifies that the market has received a substantial influx of perfectly graded specimens. For comparison, consider the Charizard Illustration Rare from Paldean Fates; it also possesses a high PSA 10 population, contributing to its status as a widely available chase card within its set. Conversely, a card like the original Base Set Charizard PSA 10, despite its fame, has a considerably lower population count, contributing to its extreme rarity and corresponding valuation. The 38% gem-mint rate for this Squirtle suggests that while it’s attainable in top condition, it’s not an exceptionally rare find once graded.

Rarity × Demand Quadrant

To understand the investment potential of Squirtle #148 Illustration Rare, we can place it within a rarity versus demand quadrant. Based on the population data, the card exhibits a high population of PSA 10s (13,737), firmly placing it in the “High Pop” category. Demand for this card is demonstrably strong, evidenced by its raw price of $113.42 and a PSA 10 median of $460.00, indicating a significant premium over the raw value, and the sheer volume of sales and interest in the Stellar Crown set. This positions Squirtle #148 in the “High Pop + High Demand” quadrant. Cards in this quadrant are typically commodities that are liquid and hold value due to consistent collector interest, though the potential for exponential growth might be limited by the supply.

What the Pop Data Says About Grading New Copies

The high gem-mint rate of 38% for Squirtle #148, with 13,737 PSA 10 copies, strongly suggests that the market for newly graded copies is becoming increasingly saturated. For collectors considering submitting raw copies for grading, the diminishing returns should be a key consideration. The raw price is $113.42. Factoring in an estimated grading fee of $25 and estimated selling fees of 13% (approximately $59.80 on a $460 sale), the break-even point for a PSA 10 sale would be around $113.42 (raw card) + $25 (grading) + $59.80 (fees) = $198.22. While this shows a positive margin, the large number of existing PSA 10s means that any new submission must be virtually flawless to command a premium. The substantial spread between the raw price and the PSA 10 price is driven more by the desirability of the Pokémon and the illustration rare rarity than by a lack of supply in the graded market. If you are considering grading, focus on cards with impeccable centering and surface condition to stand out. For those looking to acquire the card, purchasing a pre-graded PSA 10 is generally more cost-effective than raw + grading. You might find more value in exploring other options for building your collection, such as those discussed in our guide to Best 12-pocket Binders for Pokemon Collectors (2026 Guide).

The Verdict

HOLD. The Squirtle #148 Illustration Rare from Stellar Crown is a solid HOLD for collectors and investors. With 13,737 copies already graded at PSA 10, the supply is substantial, categorizing it as a “saturated” card in terms of grading population. However, the demand for iconic Pokémon like Squirtle, coupled with the inherent desirability of illustration rares, ensures its continued market relevance. The current median price of $460.00 for a PSA 10, contrasted with its raw price of $113.42, indicates a strong and sustained premium for the graded condition.

This card occupies the “High Pop + High Demand” quadrant, signifying that it’s a liquid asset with consistent collector interest. While the massive population at PSA 10 means rapid price appreciation might be limited, its established demand and attractive artwork make it unlikely to see significant declines. For those looking to acquire this card, purchasing a graded PSA 10 is advisable over raw and grading due to the high grading saturation and associated risks. This approach allows for immediate enjoyment of the collectible with the assurance of a professional grade.

For collectors seeking more budget-friendly options within the same set, exploring cards like those in our Best Stellar Crown Pokemon Cards Under $25 (2026 Budget Guide) might be a worthwhile endeavor. However, for this particular Squirtle, patience and holding onto existing graded copies will likely yield satisfactory long-term results.

Where to Buy

For collectors looking to add this iconic Squirtle #148 Illustration Rare to their collection, several avenues exist to find graded copies. Given the high population of PSA 10s, eBay remains a primary marketplace for readily available listings.

Check active graded listings on eBay

It’s always advisable to compare prices across different sellers and pay close attention to the condition details, even for a PSA 10. For those interested in raw copies, or perhaps looking to sell existing graded cards, TCGPlayer offers a robust platform.

Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer

Always ensure you are buying from reputable sellers and utilizing secure payment methods when making any Pokémon card purchase. For those who prefer to explore a wider range of graded cards and potentially find other desirable specimens, browsing dedicated Pokémon card marketplaces can also be fruitful.

Pro Tip: While the PSA 10 population for Squirtle #148 is high, the PSA 9 population is even larger (18,681). If your budget is more constrained but you still want a high-grade copy, a PSA 9 offers a significant discount ($146.95 median) while still representing a strong grade for this sought-after illustration rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Squirtle #148 Illustration Rare cards have been graded by PSA?

As of May 2026, PSA has graded a total of 35,908 copies of Squirtle #148 from Stellar Crown. Of these, 13,737 have achieved the coveted PSA 10 Gem Mint grade.

What is the current median price for a PSA 10 Squirtle #148 Illustration Rare?

The median sale price for a PSA 10 Squirtle #148 Illustration Rare from Stellar Crown is currently $460.00, according to available data from May 2026.

Is Squirtle #148 Illustration Rare considered rare based on its population count?

With 13,737 PSA 10 Gem Mint copies, Squirtle #148 is considered to be in a “saturated” scarcity tier. While the illustration rare itself is a desirable designation, the high number of graded copies means it is not exceptionally rare in top condition.

Should I buy raw Squirtle #148 cards and send them for grading?

Given the saturated PSA 10 market for Squirtle #148, it is generally advisable to purchase pre-graded PSA 10 copies rather than raw cards and sending them for grading. The costs associated with grading, combined with the high likelihood of other perfectly graded copies already existing, often make this strategy less profitable.

How does the PSA 9 price compare to the PSA 10 price for Squirtle #148?

The median price for a PSA 9 Squirtle #148 is approximately $146.95, which is a significant discount compared to the PSA 10 median of $460.00. This offers a more budget-friendly entry point for collectors seeking a high-grade copy.

What makes the Illustration Rare cards in Stellar Crown desirable?

Illustration Rare cards, like this Squirtle #148, are highly sought after due to their unique artwork that often showcases Pokémon in more dynamic or scenic settings compared to standard full art or secret rare cards. This artistic appeal drives demand within the collecting community.

For more insights into the world of Pokémon collecting and grading, explore our comprehensive guides. Dive into the latest trends in the Pokemon Cards niche or enhance your collecting strategy with our detailed advice on card grading.