Little-known signs your old Pokémon collection could be worth millions
Discovering your old Pokémon cards when clearing out old cupboards can often bring back nostalgia, but it might also have the potential to be very lucrative.
This comes after a man from the UK uncovered his own Pokémon collection that had been left forgotten in an attic for years and sold them at auction for a whopping $2 million.
The anonymous man is a retired decorator who stumbled upon the collection he had left in his attic for around 25 years and decided to sell it.
The collection consisted of 41 sets, with one set, which featured a mint condition Charizard card, sold for over $100,000.
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Since the incredible sale, which took place last Wednesday (October 21), many people have been left wondering how much their own collections are worth.
Google searches for ‘Pokémon card value guide’ have gone up by 281% in the past year, with rare cards and sought-after collections still earning huge sums at auction.
How to check what your Pokémon collection is worth
If you’re also a keen collector of the cards and want to know how much they might sell for then you’re in luck, because experts at Stanhope Insurance have shared their insights on the five steps to determine how much specific Pokémon cards could be worth.
William Cooper, who is the managing director at Stanhope Insurance, shares: “Many people will have Pokémon cards tucked away in a drawer or stored in the loft, without giving much thought to what they could be worth today. While not every collection will contain a hidden gem, it is worth checking its value before you decide to sell or simply put it back into storage.”
Identify which card you actually have
According to the experts, it’s important to determine which card you have as small differences can have a major impact on the value.
First off, check the Pokémon’s name, the card number and which set it belongs to.
The expert advice continues: “Look for rarity symbols, such as circles, diamonds, and stars, as well as special illustrations, holographic finishes, and other distinctive features. Older cards, limited releases, and particularly sought-after versions can be more valuable than standard cards featuring the same Pokémon.”
The condition of the Pokémon card
While a rare card could come with a boosted value, if it’s in bad condition that could drop the price back down.
A card is only as valuable as someone is willing to pay for it so check the corners, edges and surface for scratches, creases, fading, stains, or other damage.
It’s important to avoid attempts to improve a card’s appearance by cleaning, polishing or repairing it, as this could end up causing further damage and ultimately affect its value even more.
Look up what other cards have sold for.
The experts explained that just because a card has been listed at a high price, doesn’t mean it’ll sell for that, so it’s important to check what the card has actually sold for previously.
Stanhope Insurance explains: “Use trusted online marketplaces to look for completed sales of the same card, focusing on its edition, condition and any professional grading. Recent sold prices can give you a more realistic indication of what buyers are prepared to pay.”
Keep your collection safe
If you’ve worked out what your cards are worth, then be sure to take good care of them in order to protect their value.
This includes using card sleeves and protective holders, and keeping them away from direct sunlight, moisture and extreme temperature changes.
Insure your Pokémon collection
If the collection is worth a significant amount, then it might be wise to check that they can be included in your home insurance. If not, it could be a good idea to insure them.
Cooper adds: “We have seen high-value Pokémon collections insured for millions of pounds, showing just how valuable collectables can become over time. Keep photographs, receipts and professional valuations somewhere safe, and check that your cover reflects the value of your collection.”