How much are my pokemon cards worth?
If you’ve recently found an old binder of Pokemon cards in the attic, you’ve probably asked yourself one question.
“How much are my Pokemon cards worth?”
It’s a good question, and the answer can vary a lot. Some cards might be worth pennies, while others can be surprisingly valuable depending on what you’ve got your hands on.
The value of a Pokemon card usually comes down to a few key things. Rarity, condition, the set it came from, and whether the card has been graded are all important factors in how valuable a card can be. If you’ve got an old collection and you’re curious about the value, this guide shows you some of the main things collectors look at when working out pokemon card value.
Rarity Makes a Big Difference
One of the biggest factors in pokemon card value is rarity.
Most cards have a small symbol near the bottom of the card that tells you how rare it is. Common cards are usually very easy to find, so (for the most part) they don’t tend to be worth much.
Rare cards, holographic cards, and secret rares are where things can get interesting. Cards featuring household names like Charizard, Pikachu, or Mewtwo often attract a lot of collector interest.
If you’ve got some vintage holographic cards on your hands, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look.
Condition Is Very Important
Condition plays an enormous role when determining pokemon card value.
Collectors usually look for cards that have:
• Clean rounded corners
• Minimal edge wear
• No creases or bends
• A clean surface with few scratches
Cards that were kept in sleeves or binders tend to hold their value much better than cards that were unsleeved or handled a lot.
Even a rare card can drop quite a bit in value if it has heavy wear.
Older Pokemon Cards Are Often More Valuable
Some of the most sought after Pokemon cards were printed in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This was the early period of the Pokemon Trading Card Game, and cards from this era are often referred to as vintage Pokemon cards.
Sets like Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, and Team Rocket are some of the most recognisable.
Cards from these sets are often very valuable, especially if they’re holographic or first edition versions.
That said, modern cards can also be worth money if they’re chase cards or hard to pull from packs.
What About Graded Pokemon Cards?
You might have seen Pokemon cards sealed inside plastic cases including a label with a number. These are graded Pokemon cards.
Companies like PSA, ACE, and CGC evaluate a card and give it a condition score from 1 to 10. A high grade can make a big difference to the value of some cards.
For example, a vintage card graded PSA 10 are worth far more than the same card in average condition.
Some Cards Are Worth More Than You Think
Certain types of cards tend to attract more attention from collectors.
These include things like:
• vintage holographic cards
• first edition cards
• secret rare cards
• full art chase cards
• cards featuring popular/cult-classic Pokemon
If you have an old binder, it’s always worth checking through it carefully. You never know what might be hiding in there.
Thinking About Selling Your Pokemon Cards?
If you’re still wondering how much your Pokemon cards are worth, the easiest way to find out is with a pokemon card valuation.
At Chasing Cards we regularly review collections from people who have rediscovered their old cards. Whether it’s a childhood binder, graded cards, or a full collection, we’re always happy to take a look.
Once we’ve reviewed the cards, you’ll have a clear idea of the value of your collection. If you decide you’d like to move forward afterwards, we can also help you sell pokemon cards quickly and easily. If not, that’s completely fine too!