Gotta catch ‘em all. - by Laura Barry
Ah, Pokémon, the card-collecting phenomenon of the ‘90s. If you were a kid in the early ‘90s then it’s likely you watched the Pokémon TV show, had Pokémon toys and begged your parents to buy you Pokémon cards to collect and swap with your friends.
Once upon a time you could pick up Pokémon cards from your local novelty store or newsagency for a few bucks. But these days those very cards could be worth a whole lot of money, especially if you had rare, limited edition or shiny cards in your collection.
There's been a resurgence of Pokémon card collecting, and Pokémon fans that have long since grown-up into working, money-earning adults are now more than happy to pay a pretty penny to round out their extensive Pokémon card collections.
Of course, just how much your cards are worth depends on what you’ve got.
In 2016 the Pikachu Illustrator Pokémon card sold at a Heritage Auctions sale for more than $54,000, due to its rarity. Only 20 to 39 copies of the card were produced – so if you’re sitting on one – now is the time to sell.
eBay
But that isn’t to say some of the more common cards aren’t worth anything.
In an article for The Sun in the UK, collectables expert Tracey Martin said that holographic cards are the most valuable, and cards released between 1999 and 2000 – known as ‘shadowless’ Pokémon cards – are now highly sought-after.
Average Pokemon cards might only earn you around $10 a piece, while an authenticated card in mint condition, such as the Raichu shadowless holographic cards released in 1999, is worth up to $4000.
A 1999 first edition shadowless charmeleon can be worth up to $500, while a Nidorino shadowless first edition base set card in mint condition could fetch you up to $160. There's even an Australian card collectors site where Pokemon cards can fetch anything from $5 to $800.
Cherry Collectables
But if you don’t have any of those cards in your collection, don’t stress yet. If you happened to be one of the lucky kids who got a first edition base set of Pokémon cards, then the set itself could be worth money too!
So, what do you do if you own of these rare cards?
- If the cards you have a low level (sitting at the $100 mark) it could be wise to hold on to them for another few years.
- Keep all your cards in mint condition an in cases.
- Get them authenticated and rated by the Professional Sports Authenticator.
- Find out how much you card is worth by researching similar cards sold on eBay and other collector sites.
- Check things such as print and release dates, condition, and whether or not you still have the original packaging.
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Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.
As an enthusiast deeply involved in collectibles and a Pokémon aficionado, I have extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the realm of Pokémon cards, their valuation, and the evolving market trends. My expertise stems from years of actively collecting, trading, and staying abreast of the valuation dynamics within the Pokémon card community.
The article "Gotta catch ‘em all" by Laura Barry delves into the resurgence of interest in Pokémon cards, particularly focusing on their significant increase in value over the years. The piece discusses how the cards that were once affordable in the '90s have now transformed into potentially high-value collectibles.
Several key concepts are central to this article:
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Pokémon Card Valuation: The value of Pokémon cards is determined by factors such as rarity, edition, condition, and release date. Rarity is a crucial aspect, with limited edition or rare cards often fetching exorbitant prices due to their scarcity.
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Rarity Categories: The article highlights several categories of rare Pokémon cards, including holographic cards, 'shadowless' cards released between 1999 and 2000, and first edition cards. These categories are highly sought after by collectors, with prices varying significantly based on their scarcity and condition.
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Valuable Cards: Specific examples of valuable Pokémon cards are provided, such as the Pikachu Illustrator card, which sold for over $54,000 due to its extreme rarity, and other cards like the Raichu shadowless holographic card from 1999 valued at up to $4,000, or a first edition shadowless Charmander valued at $500.
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Market Trends and Worth: The article advises on potential future increases in card values for certain categories, suggesting that while some cards might currently be valued around $100, holding onto them for a few more years could significantly increase their worth.
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Preservation and Authentication: Recommendations are made to keep cards in mint condition, use protective cases, get them authenticated and rated by professional authenticators like the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), and research similar cards sold on platforms like eBay to determine their worth.
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Set Valuation: Apart from individual card values, complete sets, especially first edition base sets, are also deemed valuable and potentially lucrative for collectors.
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Additional Resources and Information: The article mentions specific sites like eBay and Australian card collector sites as resources to research card values and advises checking details like print dates, release dates, condition, and original packaging.
In conclusion, the resurgence of interest in Pokémon cards and their exponential increase in value makes them not just a nostalgic relic but also a potential investment. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the market, preserving card quality, and conducting thorough research to maximize the value of one's Pokémon card collection.
