Buzz
Similar to how some individuals let wine mature in their basements, hoping that the passage of time enhances its value, many Pokémon card collectors are holding onto their cards in anticipation of a higher payout down the line. With online marketplaces providing global access, determining the worth of a card has become much easier. Below are some tools to help you assess the value of your cards, along with a glimpse of the most valuable Pokémon cards out there, which might even be waiting for you in your basement.
The growing trend of Pokémon card trading
There are several reasons why a children’s card game from the '80s has turned into a lucrative venture. The fact that those childhood players are now in their 40s with disposable income and nostalgic feelings could play a big role. The pandemic, in particular, fueled a surge in the market, which has continued to thrive since. Trading cards were already a solid investment before, and in 2020, they even outperformed the stock market. According to the PWCC 500 Index, akin to the S&P 500 for trading cards, the 15-year return on investment (ROI) was 855%, vastly surpassing the 175% ROI of the S&P 500.
Pokémon collectors have played a major role in fueling the hype. A sealed Pokémon card box from the early 2000s, originally priced around $100, is now worth as much as $50,000 two decades later, according to BBC News.
Sports cards are also in high demand, with notable sales such as a Michael Jordan rookie card fetching over $2 million and a rare LeBron James rookie card going for $5.2 million.
How to assess the worth of your Pokémon cards
With so many cards available, only a select few are truly valuable. It's a good idea to do some research yourself before considering hiring an appraiser. Cardboard Connection, a site dedicated to card collecting, recommends starting with eBay, especially the “sold items” section, which gives you an idea of your cards' worth without any cost. You can also find helpful price guide services.
If your cards are worth something, you'll want to have them authenticated and appraised by trusted card-rating services such as the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). Whether you decide to sell them is entirely up to you.
Is it wise to invest in cards today?
The key takeaway when it comes to trading cards is that their value is determined by what someone else is willing to pay for them. If demand drops suddenly, the book value listed in a price guide becomes irrelevant. Traders will also note that finding a buyer isn't always straightforward, and some cards can be more difficult to sell than others.
Additionally, knowing what to look for is crucial. The chances of stumbling upon a Honus Wagner card in your attic are extremely slim, so you'll need to stay informed about new collections and trends to spot undervalued cards (this is why many professional traders start out as hobbyists).
Finally, just because trading cards remain popular now doesn't guarantee that trend will continue. Will Gen Z collectors show the same passion for niche cardboard rectangles as boomers and millennials have over the years? And what impact, if any, will NFTs have on the market—is that just a passing trend? The future remains uncertain.
The most prized Pokémon cards, according to the PSA
Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to evaluate the worth of your trading cards, it's time to pull them out and hope you've got some hidden treasures in your collection.
Below are some of the most valuable Pokémon cards based on resell value, according to the PSA's latest appraisals. Keep in mind that the card's value will depend on its condition (as assessed by an appraiser), whether it’s a first edition, and the final grade assigned by the appraiser. The listed prices are for cards in 'mint' and 'near mint' condition:
1. Charizard (Holo): $181,900. Near mint: $7,500.
2. Blastoise (Holo): $38,600. Near mint: $1,400.
3. Chansey (Holo): $33,000. Near mint: $350.
4. Mewtwo (Holo): $20,600. Near mint: $500.
5. Venusaur (Holo): $20,000. Near mint: $1,000.
6. Clefairy (Holo): $15,000. Near mint: $500.
7. Gyarados (Holo): $12,000. Near mint: $375.
8. Ninetales (Holo): $9,700. Near mint: $400.
9. Alakazam (Holo): $8,200. Near mint: $400.
10. Hitmonchan (Holo): $7,800. Near mint: $350.
11. Raichu (Holo): $7,100. Near mint: $350.
12. Nidoking (Holo): $5,400. Near mint: $300.
13. Pikachu (Red Cheeks): $5,300. Near mint: $275.
14. Magneton (Holo): $4,600. Near mint: $250.
15. Poliwrath (Holo): $4,400. Near mint: $250.
16. Zapdos (Holo): $4,300. Near mint: $325.
17. Bulbasaur: $2,200. Near mint: $75.
18. Wartortle: $2,000. Near mint: $60.
19. Dragonair: Priced at $1,400. In near mint condition: $120.
20. Pikachu (Yellow Cheeks): Priced at $1,400. In near mint condition: $100.
