If you or your kids played Pokèmon back in the day, then you might be sitting on a goldmine. Pokèmon cards have delivered a nearly 4,000% monthly cumulative return since 2004, higher than the stock market during. With some cards worth thousands of dollars, your old collection could have a Pokémon card worth more than your monthly rent.
This article will break down exactly how to value your Pokèmon cards, as well as the top 10 cards that might be especially valuable.
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Why are Pokèmon cards valuable? 🤔
Many old Pokémon cards are collector’s items, so they’re valuable for the same reason an autograph or antique vase is valuable. Some collectors and traders are willing to pay big bucks for certain Pokémon cards, especially if those cards are old and in good condition.
Pokémon became popular in the 1990s, and features little monsters that you can capture, train, and battle. Since the 90s, new concepts like Pokémon Go and Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket have helped the franchise stay popular.
How to determine Pokèmon card worth 🔎
Pokémon card prices vary widely depending on the type of card, its condition, edition, and quality. A Pikachu card that’s first edition and in pristine condition (no bends or tears) might be worth thousands. But that same card with a big fold down the middle might be next to worthless. It all depends.
Here are a few factors to consider when determining Pokémon card worth.
Look for shiny cards
As a general rule, shiny or holographic cards tend to be extra valuable. The card’s shiny surface usually signals rarity, so these cards are likely to fetch higher values. Keep this in mind when digging through old Pokémon collections.
Look for cards in great condition
Collectors really value card quality, so cards with minimal tears or bends will likely be more valuable than ones that are a bit beat up. If you’re hunting around for cards in your attic, pay special attention to the cards that are in pristine condition.
Learn to read each card
Factors like the card’s set, number, edition, and foil tell you more about how valuable a card is. For example, first edition cards, which have a small stamp on the card, are typically more valuable than others. Learn more about how to read your Pokémon cards.
Use free pricing tools
Tools like Pricecharting.com can help you value specific cards that you think might be valuable. This is a free, easy way to determine if you have a Pokémon card worth trying to sell.
Get your cards professionally graded
If you find cards that you’re excited about, then it might be a good idea to get them professionally graded. This is similar to getting a diamond appraised by a professional jeweler. They’ll take a closer look and assess the card’s value.
Getting your card graded before selling it (especially if you plan to sell online) can help ensure that you’re selling your card for top dollar. Cards that have been professionally graded tend to earn higher values.
With all that in mind, let’s explore which Pokémon cards tend to sell for the most money.
The 10 most expensive Pokèmon cards
If you see any of these faces smiling up at you from an old shoebox, you’ll probably want to do more research. You might’ve found a Pokémon card worth an exciting amount.
Note: the value of Pokémon cards varies widely based on many factors.
1. Mewtwo (Base Set): Up to $1,300
2. Expedition Holographic Mew: Up to $4,000
3. Lugia (1st Edition Neo Genesis) – Up to $4,000
4. Raichu (1st Edition) #14: Up to $9,000
5. Typhlosion (1st Edition Neo Genesis): Up to $9,000
6. Umbreon (Gold Star): Up to $9,500
7. Espeon (Gold Star): Up to $16,000
8. Venusaur (1st Edition Base Set ): Up to $13,000
9. Blastoise (1st Edition Base Set ): Up to $30,000
10. Charizard (1st Edition Base Set) – Up to $260,000
Don’t own any Pokèmon? You can still get cash using MoneyLion
Even if you dig up an old box of Pokémon cards in the attic, the odds of finding a mint-condition, high-value card are pretty slim.
The good news? You don’t need a rare Charizard card to score extra cash. MoneyLion Instacash® helps you unlock up to $500 from your next paycheck.
Here’s how MoneyLion Instacash works:
- Link your qualifying bank account
- See if you qualify
- Request Instacash
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Learn more about MoneyLion Instacash today and get access to your cash when you need it most.
