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Listing your childhood toys online, particularly Pokémon cards, is not only a trip down memory lane but also a potentially profitable venture. If you’ve ever wondered how to sell Pokémon cards for a tidy sum, you’re in the right place. Pokémon cards can fetch thousands of dollars, proving that some enthusiasts are still on a quest to “catch ’em all.”
Read on to discover how you can turn your collection into cash.
How To Sell Pokémon Cards: Step-by-Step Guide
When considering how to sell Pokémon cards, remember that even without rare tournament trophy editions, your collection could still command a handsome price. The key to unlocking potential profits lies in the unique attributes of your regular cards. Characteristics such as rarity, condition and the specific Pokémon featured can significantly influence a card’s value. Here are steps to ensure you’re well-prepared to turn your Pokémon cards into cash.
1. Identify Your Cards’ Value
Start by examining your Pokémon cards to determine their potential worth. Use online databases or trading forums to compare your cards against those currently in demand. Pay special attention to rarity, condition and the current market demand for specific Pokémon cards.
Factors That Influence a Pokémon Card’s Worth
Not all cards are created equal. Usually, newer cards are not worth much, since collectors can still easily find them on the market. The three main factors that determine the final sale value of your older Pokémon cards are:
- Pokémon type
- Scarcity
- Condition
Some of the most prized cards are often from the original Base Set of 1999, known for its scarcity and featuring iconic Pokémon like Pikachu and Charizard. Such sets can command prices upwards of $10,000, highlighting the importance of these factors in valuation.
Understanding Card Rarity
All Pokémon cards have a symbol that indicates how uncommon they are. You can find it in the bottom right corner of the card. The three main rarity symbols are:
- Circles: This symbol means the card is ordinary.
- Diamonds: This symbol means the card is pretty uncommon.
- Stars: This symbol means the card is rare and more valuable.
If your card’s collector number is higher than the actual number of cards in the deck, it’s probably a secret card, which means it will sell for more money.
Rarest Pokémon Cards
Some Pokémon cards have special value, including:
- Holographic cards: They have reflective and shimmery backgrounds.
- Shining Pokémon cards: They are inverse holographic cards.
- Full-art cards: Their illustrations extend over the entire front of the card.
- First-edition cards: They are among the first to be printed and display the “edition 1” logo on the bottom left corner of the Pokémon illustration.
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2. Evaluate the Condition
The physical state of your Pokémon cards is a major determinant of their value. Cards in mint or near-mint condition are highly coveted and thus, more valuable. Inspect your cards for any signs of wear, such as bends or fading, as these defects can decrease their market value. Properly evaluating the condition of your cards ensures you set realistic prices and expectations.
3. Choose the Right Platform
Choosing the right platform to list your Pokémon cards is important. With new Pokémon card-selling sites appearing frequently, it’s key to select a reliable one. Exercise caution and don’t just settle for the first option you find. For a secure and effective sale, consider trusted platforms like:
- eBay
- Troll and Toad
- Cardmarket
- Card Cavern
- TCGplayer
- CGC Castle
- Facebook Marketplace
Do Pawn Shops Buy Pokémon Cards?
You’ll probably have a harder time getting pawn shops to take your common cards, but if you have some rare pieces, go for it! Make sure you know how much you want for your items beforehand, and run a quick Google search to find pawn shops that sell Pokémon cards near you.
4. Create a Detailed Listing
When listing your card, be as detailed as possible. Include the card’s name, set, condition and any other relevant details. High-quality, clear photos are essential. Show the card from different angles and highlight any unique features or possible defects.
5. Set a Fair Price
Based on your research, set a competitive yet fair price for your card. Consider how quickly you want to sell the card and whether you’re open to negotiating with potential buyers.
6. Prepare for Shipping
Place all of your cards in protective sleeves and top loaders to shield them from dust, scratches or UV light. Doing so preserves their condition and signals to buyers the meticulous care you’ve given your cards. Prepare materials in advance to ensure cards are shipped safely and securely, keeping them in prime condition.
7. Communicate With Buyers
Maintain open and friendly communication with potential buyers. Answer any questions promptly and be clear about your shipping process and return policies.
8. Follow Up
After the sale, follow up with the buyer to ensure they received the card and are satisfied with their purchase. Positive feedback from buyers can enhance your reputation as a seller and lead to future sales.
Valuable Pokémon Cards That Could Fetch a High Price
The first step toward making your little fortune is dusting off your old Pokémon cards and picking out the right ones to sell. Here are some of the most valuable Pokémon cards you might actually have:
| Card | Set | Market Price |
|---|---|---|
| Charizard Star | Delta Species | $699.95 |
| Rayquaza Star | Deoxys | $1,500 |
| Blastoise Shadowless | Base Set | $500 |
| Charizard | Plasma Storm | $608.80 |
| Kyogre Star | Delta Species | $412.49 |
Who Buys Pokémon Cards These Days?
The Pokémon craze is real. In 2021, YouTuber Logan Paul purchased about $2 million worth of Pokémon cards, and the year before, former rapper Logic paid over $180,000 for a rare Charizard card during an auction. On the sales end of things, in Nov. 2022, NFL Linebacker Blake Martinez sold a rare Pokémon card for $672,000, which drove his decision to retire from the NFL and start a new venture locating and flipping rare Pokémon cards.
Celebs and professional athletes aren’t 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 you’re 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.
Start Selling Your Valuable Pokémon Cards Today
Selling Pokémon cards shouldn’t cause you any unnecessary headaches. However, to make the most profit, you must always make informed decisions.
Takeaway
Whether you choose to trade your cards online or face-to-face, make sure you follow basic safety rules to avoid scams and other surprises.
Take the time to do your research, and don’t take the first offer. You’d be surprised how much your Pokémon cards can actually sell for.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about Pokémon cards.
- How do you spot a fake Pokémon card?
- Counterfeit Pokémon cards have many elements that give them away, including spelling and grammatical errors. Before you try selling a suspicious-looking Pokémon card, check the following:
- Quality of the card stock
- The printing colors and effects
- Shape and size of the text
- The neatness of the card's borders
- When in doubt, compare your card with others you own that are 100% original.
- Counterfeit Pokémon cards have many elements that give them away, including spelling and grammatical errors. Before you try selling a suspicious-looking Pokémon card, check the following:
- Can you make money selling Pokémon cards?
- Yes, you can make money selling Pokémon cards. Making it a successful side hustle will require a lot of time and dedication to researching, listing and frequently visiting yard sales and online marketplaces to locate cards to buy.
- What's the best way to sell Pokémon cards?
- The best way to sell Pokémon cards is by identifying their value through online databases and forums, and then listing them on reputable digital marketplaces like eBay, TCGplayer or specialized Pokémon trading sites. Providing detailed descriptions and clear photos can help attract buyers.
- How do I know if my Pokémon card is worth money?
- To find out if your Pokémon card is worth money, check its rarity, condition and demand by searching online marketplaces or card-selling websites. Cards from the original sets, especially those with special features like holograms or first editions, tend to be more valuable.
- How much can you sell Pokémon cards for?
- The selling price of Pokémon cards ranges significantly. While common cards might only fetch a few dollars, rarer cards, especially from early editions or with unique features, can sell for substantial amounts, even up to thousands of dollars. Checking sales on platforms like eBay can provide insight into your card's potential selling price.
- Where can I take Pokémon cards to be valued?
- You can take your Pokémon cards to be valued at local comic or collectible stores, gaming conventions, or by using online services that offer card grading and valuation. Websites like TCGPlayer offer grading services that can help determine the value of your cards.
Other Ways To Make Money
- Get Paid To Sell Plasma
- Get Paid To Sleep
- Make Money Advertising on Your Car
- Make Money Blogging
- Make Money on DoorDash
- Make Money on Fiverr
- Make Money on Pinterest
- Make Money Self-Publishing on Amazon
- Make Money Taking Surveys
- Sell on Etsy
- Sell on Poshmark
- Sell on Redbubble
- Sell Your Photos Online
Cynthia Measom and Daniela Rivera-Herrera contributed to the reporting for this article.
Information is accurate as of March 20, 2024.
Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- Marketplace.org. 2020. "Why Are Pokémon Card Prices Rising?"
- Entrepreneur. 2020. "10 Reasons to Invest in Rare Pokémon Cards."
- PSA Card. "Trading Card Grading."
- BBC News. 2021. "Pokemon: Logan Paul buys $2m worth of Pokémon cards."
- GameRant. 2022. "Las Vegas Raiders Player Retires from NFL After Selling Rare Pokemon Card."
- CNET. 2020. "Rapper Logic drops $220,000 on rare Pokemon card."
- Dot Esports.2020. "Here are the different Pokémon TCG card rarities."
- Dot Esports. 2019. "How to spot a first edition Pokémon card."
- TCGPlayer. 2023. "How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards."
- TCGPlayer. 2023. "How to Tell the Rarity of a Pokémon Card."
