Welcome to the world of Pokémon card collecting! In this blog post, we will explore the ins and outs of this hobby, from what makes a Pokémon card valuable to how to properly store and grade your collection. Let's dive in!
What Makes a Pokémon Card Valuable?
If you're looking to own a rare, valuable Pokémon card, there are a few factors to consider. Rarity is one of the biggest factors. For example, the holographic Charizard from the Base Set is a highly sought-after card because it was only printed in the first edition, with a limited print run. Similarly, the Pikachu Illustrator card, of which only 39 copies were produced, is one of the rarest Pokémon cards in existence.
Scarcity is another factor that can impact a card's value. Some cards were only released in limited quantities, making them harder to find and more valuable. The design of a card can also play a role in its value. Historical favourites like the original 151 Pokémon from the Base Set are popular among collectors because of their nostalgic appeal. Additionally, cards designed by popular artists like Mitsuhiro Arita or Ken Sugimori may be more valuable than those designed by lesser known artists.
To determine the value of a Pokémon card, marketplaces like TCG Player and eBay are great resources for checking sold prices. Here you can analyse certain cards, sets, or even just a particular card that you want to research and buy. Using these resources is imperative to obtain as much info as you need to make the right investment calls!
How to Grade a Pokémon Card
Once you have acquired your researched Pokémon cards, it's important to properly store and/or grade them. This involves evaluating the condition of the card based on factors such as centering, edges, corners, and surface quality. For instance, a card with good centering will have an even border around the artwork. A card with clean cut edges, corners, and a scratch or mark free surface will typically receive a higher grade than one with damage in these areas.
To get an idea of what your card might score when graded, grading companies like PSA and Beckett provide grading scales. Or you could send to a cheaper UK company to get a benchmark score, or just compare it with other graded slabs for sale on eBay etc.
For those living outside of the US, using a middleman service can be helpful when sending cards to the big boy US companies. I personally use Dan's Pokestop, but there are other great providers out there. But, be sure to check reviews and general reputation across Facebook groups etc.
Tips for Storing Your Pokémon Cards
Proper storage is essential for keeping your Pokémon cards in good condition. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Keep your cards dry and out of direct sunlight to prevent damage from moisture and sunlight. Use penny sleeves, toploaders, or semi rigids to store before you look to grade them.
You can also use storage suitcases with foam inserts to keep your cards secure and organised. These are for the more serious collectors, holding more expensive pieces. There are a lot of providers now out there for these, such as Slab Sentinel.
Maintain moderate temperature and humidity levels to preserve the quality of your cards. Extreme temperatures or humidity can cause the cards to warp or become discoloured.
Investing in Pokémon Cards
As with any investment, it's important to do your research and understand the market before investing your money. While certain cards can be worth a significant amount of money, the value of Pokémon cards can also fluctuate based on various factors such as market demand and the overall popularity of the franchise.
There are lots of resources available such as Pokebeach to follow for news. Additionally, it's important to pay attention to the release of new sets and the introduction of new Pokémon, as these can cause shifts in the market as collectors and players scramble to get their hands on the latest cards.
When analysing prices and trends, it's important to look at completed listings on eBay and TCG Player. This will give you an idea of what the card actually sold for, rather than just the asking price. Additionally, filtering by sold items that are in similar condition to the card you're looking to sell or buy, as the condition can greatly impact the value of a card.
It's also worth noting that investing in Pokemon cards requires a bit of time and money. While it can be a lucrative investment, it's important to remember that it's not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes patience and a willingness to do the research and keep up with the latest trends in the market. Even if you keep it small and focus on certain sets, or a handful of cards you think will do well!
When it comes to buying cards for investment purposes, it's obviously important to look for cards with a steady potential for growth in value. This can include rare cards from the early sets, cards featuring popular Pokémon or artwork, and cards that are in high demand due to their playability in the trading card game itself.
Ultimately, the decision to invest in Pokémon cards is a personal one, and it's important to do your own research and maybe join a group to discuss your thought process of a certain card or set. Facebook groups, Discord groups, or even here on Badzgaming. We have set up a community area dedicated to some of the topics discussed above.
Conclusion
Pokemon card collecting can be a fun and rewarding hobby, whether you're a die hard fan or just getting started. From understanding what makes a Pokemon card valuable to properly grading and storing your cards, there's a lot to learn and explore in the world of Pokemon card collecting!
Take good care of your cards, and most importantly, have fun with your collection! You can enjoy all the benefits that Pokémon card collecting has to offer, even if you just like opening the packs.
So why not start, or add, to your collection today. Who knows, you might just discover a rare gem that could be worth a small fortune in the future! Check out the shop sections of the website, we might have something interesting for you :)
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