Friday, April 19, 2024

Are Old Pokemon Cards Worth Anything

Must read


First Edition Holographic Gyarados

Pokemon Cards for Beginners Crash Course 101 Are Old Pokemon Cards Worth Money? Which ones? Why?

Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $1,800

This serpentine creature is an extremely temperamental and destructive Pokémon that relies on both its water and flying abilities to unleash its wrath.

Its tough scales are practically impenetrable while its sharp fangs are capable of crushing rocks.

Because it lives in both fresh and saltwater, it’s best to stay clear of water in general if you want to avoid Gyarados.


What Makes Pokemon Cards Valuable

Over the past year, online personalities such as Logan Paul have propelled Pokemon card collecting back into popularity. With some cards being valued at over $100,000, its understandable why theres so much excitement around the hobby.

But what makes Pokemon cards valuable? It all comes down to the rarity of the card and what condition the item is in. These two factors determine how much collectors are willing to pay and why some cards go for mind-boggling amounts of money.

What 2021 Pokmon Tcg Cards Were Worth The Most Money

Pokémon TCG’s most expensive cards of 2021 were Secret Rare Alternate Art VMAX cards of popular characters, from Umbreon to Gengar to Rayqyaza.

2021 was a tumultuous year for Pokémon TCG collectors. The explosion of box openings on Twitch as well as the pandemic pushed cards to heights in both popularity and price. For people who enjoy the card game for its gameplay, many of the important Pokémon cards to Standard have stayed inexpensive and unbanned, but many of the most popular Secret and Alternate Art Rares have ballooned to triple-digit prices.

Both fortunately and unfortunately, the most popular cards remain the ones that are based on the most popular Pokémon. Classic Pokémon draw a lot of collectors to box openings – theres still a sense of nostalgia and excitement to pulling an Eeveelution or a Charizard. Obtaining these special cards can be exciting but for collectors looking for the most premium copy, these cards demand a high price on secondary markets.


Related: When Pokémon BDSP Cards May Launch In The Pokémon TCG

Recommended Reading: Gengar Best Moveset Pokemon Go

Find The Year Your Pokemon Card Was Made

Look at the bottom of the card and find the year it was printed. Thats the first key indicator when identifying your card.

For example, the Base Set Pokémon Cards have 4 different print runs while looking almost identical each time. Of those sets, the UK 4th Print Base Set identifies as 1999-2000, which is the key indicator to separate those cards from the rest.

Tropical Mega Battle No 2 Trainer

Found my old Pokemon cards, are they worth anything ...
  • Release Date: 1999
  • Grading: PSA Authentic
  • Pokemon card value at auction: $50,300

Interestingly, this is the first Pokemon card in the top 20 that is so poor quality-wise, it didnt even receive a grade. In situations like this, PSA will still give it an official Authentication. Dont let the grading fool you, though, as the Tropical No. 2 Trainer card is pristine except the back which has color loss and fading due to the sun.


Given out originally at the 1999 Mega Battle tournament in Japan, only the top players received this Pokemon card. In total, PSA has only seen five of these, making it one of the rarest Pokemon cards in existence. Its so scarce that its still worth a jaw-dropping amount despite its quality setbacks think about that.

According to PWCC, one of these green Exeggutor prizes was sold at an auction in October 2020 for $50,300. Its fascinating to think that even a damaged card can sell for as much as a sports car. And this Pokemon cards value will only continue to climb given that they just dont exist.

Read Also: First Pokemon Ever Made

Pokmon Japanese Promo Tropical Mega Battle Tropical Wind

Only 12 Tropical Wind cards were produced as promo cards for the 1999 Pokémon World Championships, making them some of the rarest in existence. Only 50 people from around globe were allowed to compete and they had a tough time just getting there!

The only way you could participate is if your local region granted an invite through winning battles against other players- which made this event exclusive because not everyone who was good enough got invited.


Which Pokmon Cards Are Worth Good Money

Although some Pokémon cards are not worth more than $1, some worth tens and hundreds of dollars due to their rarity and are regarded as the holy grail, especially the first edition cards. If you are lucky to have a few in your deck of cards, then you could be set up for hefty cash in. Those that have established new records in recent years include:

Also Check: All Pokemon Pictures And Names

Common Uncommon And Rare

First, we need to show you how to find out a cards rarity just by looking at it. This is represented by a symbol located in the bottom right corner of every card. There should be a shape that indicates what rarity the card is.

Common cards are marked with a black circle, uncommon cards have a black diamond, and rare cards always have a black star. This is the basic way to tell the rarity of a card.

Rare cards, for instance, are split into multiple different kinds of rarities. There are the standard rare plain-looking cards, but theres so much more after that.


Dont Miss: All Pokemon Indigo League

Recently Updated Pokemon Card Values

Are Korean Pokemon Cards Worth Anything? and My Most Expensive Korean Pokemon Cards!

The following is a list of all Pokémon cards that have recently had their price values updated. Clicking on a specific Pokémon card image will take you to that cards listing. Selecting the cards name will bring you to the individual Pokemon listing pages which are further broken down by TCG set.

Card Image

Don’t Miss: Pokemon Go Kindle Fire Gps Signal Not Found

Best Pokmon Card Storage Methods And Ideas

No matter if youre interested in selling your Pokémon cards or keeping them, its important to know how to store them. If youre interested in the former, properly storing your cards will maintain their value. And if even if youre not interested in selling, you dont want to ruin your belongings by improperly storing them.

Blastoise 1st Edition Shadowless Base Set

  • Release Date: 1999
  • Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
  • Pokemon card value at auction: $45,100

Not only is Blastoise one of the most beloved characters in the Game Freak RPG, but the Water-type starter has also become one of the most valuable Pokemon cards currently on the market.


Those who grew up with the 1999 Base Set easily equated the turtle on the same level as the highly sought-after Charizard, so it makes sense that decades later, many are willing to bust out their wallets for the iconic mon.

While its 1st Edition Shadowless Pokemon card from 1999 has always brought in good money, the popular item has seen a massive jump in value recently. In a PWCC auction held in November 2020, the rare Base Set Blastoise sold for $45,100.

Read Also: Shining Legends Booster Pack

Identifying Valuable Pokmon Cards

  • 1Check card rarity. Each Pokémon card has a rarity that determines how likely you are to open it in a booster pack. While this isn’t the only thing that determines a card’s a value, it’s probably the biggest. Look in the bottom right corner of the card to find the rarity symbol, next to the card number:
  • A circle means the card is common, while a diamond marks uncommon cards. These are easy to find, and not usually worth much unless the card was printed in 1999 or 2000.
  • A star means the card is rare, while a star H or three stars are special, extra-rare cards.XResearch source These rarities have the highest potential to be valuable, so separate them from the rest of your collection.
  • Other symbols typically mean the card was sold as part of a special product, not a booster pack. Try looking up the card as a “Promo”, “Deck Kit”, or “Boxtopper” version to check the price. These can range in price from a few cents to over $100, depending on the product.
  • 2Investigate early cards closely. Cards printed soon after the game was released are especially valuable, and even commons and uncommons might be worth $5 each or more.XResearch source Any card that says “Wizards of the Coast” at the bottom of the card is from 1999 or early 2000, and is worth investigating closely. If one or both of the following features are present, and the card is a rare, it could potentially sell for $100 or more:
  • The Masked Royal Prize Promo: $18000

    Are these old af Pokemon cards worth anything? just ...

    This is undoubtedly one of the most recent rare cards, featuring the Masked Royal character from Pokemon Sun & Moon and released as recently as 2017. This is essentially a promotional card that was given out to players in an invitation-only prerelease in Tokyo for the new Shining Legends set, where only 100 copies were made.

    Even though this is a relatively normal card by most standards, this short print run means its incredibly hard to get, especially since it was handed out in such a restrictive event. As a result, there are actually preserved tweets of players first opening it in places like Pokeboon, while Japanese trading sites like Miyabi Hobby have past listings of the card at ¥2,000,000, which currently is equal to around $18,000 USD.

    Don’t Miss: Is Altaria A Good Pokemon

    First Edition Holographic Chansey

    Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $3,500

    Chansey is a pink, normal-type Pokémon that, despite its short legs, is a fast runner and extremely difficult to catch making it one of the more elusive creatures on this list.

    Using the egg held in its pouch, Chansey will often complete its signature move known as “Soft-Boiled” to help heal both people and other Pokémon.

    Its gentle nature and kind heart are said to bring happiness to those who catch it while bringing lots of money to those who own this card.

    Pokmon World Championships No 1 Trainer

    Every copy of this rare and valuable promo card is one-of-a-kind

    Sold for $31,200 in April 2021

    The first of two rare and valuable Pokémon cards called No. 1 Trainer on this list, this particular card was awarded to winners of the regional Battle Road Spring tournaments held in Japan during early 2002.

    The regional tournaments were held as qualifiers for the Pokémon World Championships, with the small number of No. 1 Trainer cards produced for the few winners making them some of the rarest Pokémon cards in existence.

    Adding to the card’s rarity is the fact that each No. 1 Trainer card was customised with the name of the tournament winner printed onto the card, making each card one-of-a-kind. According to auction house Heritage Auctions, the personalised aspect of the cards also mean that they rarely appear at auction, making them an even rarer sight in the world of Pokémon cards.

    The 2002 No. 1 Trainer card was illustrated by Ken Sugimori, best known as being one of the original artists and designers for Pokémon’s first generation of 151 Pokémon. The text on it reads: “The Pokémon Card Game Official Tournament Battle Road Spring 2002 champion is recognised here, and his honour is praised.” Sugimori’s No. 1 Trainer artwork – featuring fan-favourite Pokémon such as Pikachu, Chansey and Marrill – is exclusive to the card, making it especially unique.

    Recommended Reading: Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu Pokemon List

    Are Old Pokemon Cards Worth Anything

    I have a bunch of old pokemon cards from back when the pokemon show was still about the original 150/151 and I was wondering if they are worth anything. They are in decent condition, not the best but still pretty good.

    If you’re still looking for an appraisal let me know.

    I’m a mod over on r/pkmntcgtrades and I suggest you check it out if you’re looking to trade or sell!

    I’ll take some pictures when I get the chance.

    Do not listen to the person who’s already commented . I am a card collector and TCG League leader, so I have some experience. To answer your question unless your card is a base set, 1st edition Charizard, or a rare promo that you somehow got your hand old cards aren’t worth anything amazing. It’s the most common misconception when it comes to older cards. They’re not worth anything.

    Edit : The guy removed his post…

    Thanks, I guess I’ll find something else to do with them.

    Not worth anything is not true. They are not worth alot, but there are still people trying to complete their elder sets who are willing to spend a couple of dollars for a holo. You won’t get rich by selling them, but at least you can make someone happy with them and obtain some money depending on what you have.

    EDIT: Head to r/pkmntcgtrades if you want to see who’s interested. There are a lot of collectors on that sub who will be giving you a fair price for your cards.

    Who Buys Pokmon Cards These Days

    Are My Pokémon Cards Worth Anything? 2021 A Quick Guide To Determine If Your Collection Is Valuable

    Celebs arent the only ones interested in becoming the ultimate Pokémon masters. People all over the internet are excited to bid on these valuable pieces of memorabilia. If youre new to selling Pokémon cards, the process might seem a little daunting, but before you give it a hard pass, think about the potential rewards.

    Don’t Miss: Alolan Muk Best Moveset Pokemon Go

    The Best Place To Sell Your Pokemon Cards Online: Ebay

    The main marketplace is for sure going to be eBay, Pratte says. Even if youre someone who just stumbled upon your childhood collection, its really easy to take a couple of pictures make a decent listing.

    Why eBay? Its home to several high-profile deals, and it also caters to the $20 and $30 transactions. In short, eBay is the perfect meeting ground for nostalgic buyers and sellers and those whove been wheeling and dealing Pokemon cards since the 90s.

    Most Valuable First Edition Pokemon Cards

    Originally released in Japan as a video game, Pokémon later transformed into a trading card game that began hitting store shelves in the U.S. in 1999.

    Today, these trading cards are some of the hottest non-sports cards in the hobby.

    And with a catchphrase like Gotta Catch Em All., it’s easy to understand why.

    On top of common and rare cards in the base set, there are variations such as Shadowless and First Edition Pokémon cards needed to complete an entire run.

    Those First Edition cards are especially some of the rarest and some are even considered to be among the most expensive Pokémon cards in general.

    And in this guide, we take a look at the 25 most valuable.

    Let’s jump right in!

    More…

    Also Check: Pokemon Sun Eevee Evolutions

    St Edition Shadowless Blastoise

    It might not be quite as popular as Charizard, but Blastoise comfortably beats out the likes of Venasaur and Chansey for the second spot when it comes to valuable base set cards. A mint condition copy of the card was sold for a little over $45,000 just last November, once again through a PWCC eBay auction.

    It’s one of 100 copies of the card to have been given the GEM-MT 10 rating by the PSA making it one of the more common base set holographic cards in perfect condition. As with Charizard though, the relatively high population doesn’t seem to have impacted its value all too much most probably because so many of them are already in the hands of collectors.

    So What Do You Do If You Own Of These Rare Cards

    Are these Pokemon cards worth anything? : whatsthisworth
    • If the cards you have a low level 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.

    You might also like:

    Also Check: Best Team For Let’s Go Eevee

    First Edition Holographic Mewtwo

    Estimated PSA 10 Gem Mint Value: $2,000

    A member of the exclusive and powerful Legendary Pokémon group, Mewtwo is considered to be one of the best Pokémon of all-time.

    Instantly recognizable, the psychic-type Mewtwo was created when a scientist altered its original DNA via gene-splicing techniques that transformed the creature into one of the most vicious and savage of all Pokémon.

    Harnessing its psychic energy, Mewtwo unleashes physical damage on its enemies via its signature more, Psystrike.

    Most Old Pokemon Card Collections Arent Worth Anything

    The only rare Pokemon card I can distinctly remember having was a holographic Blastoise, which I destroyed in the YMCA pool.

    I cringed when that memory resurfaced. Surely that card is worth more than a used car today

    Turns out, you can actually buy a collector-condition Blastoise on Amazon for about $100.

    In fact, holographic Charizards arent selling for much more than that:

    So what gives? Why are some Charizards worth $100 and others worth $200,000?

    Well, unlike the $110 eBay Charizard, Logics prized Charizard is a:

    • First Edition.
    • Shadowless.
    • PSA Gem Mint 10.

    Any card falling short of those high standards wont be worth even 5% as much. So whether youre looking to start investing in Pokemon cards or simply selling your old collection, lets cover how to spot and appraise valuable Pokemon cards!

    You May Like: Ditto Den Location

    Tamamushi University Magikarp Trophy Promo

    • Release Date: 1998
    • Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
    • Pokemon card value at auction: $66,100

    In 1998, Shogakukans Magazines in Japan offered a contest for school students. Fans that took the various tests offered in the publication could send them back to the company to have them graded.

    Those studious enough to pass with high scores were then invited to a special conference held in Osaka of that year. Once there, the children got to participate in a unique Pokemon card battle tournament. Winners of the rare contest ultimately received the Magikarp Trophy Pokemon card Promo.

    Due to the insane obscurity of how the TCG item was given out, its easily one of the rarest Pokemon cards on our list. It was not very surprising then when the Trophy collectible went up for auction in February 2021 and sold for $66k at PWCC.

    More articles

    Popular Articles

    Name All Gen 1 Pokemon