Professor Oak: The Best Trainer
With his stern expression and slightly drab appearance, you could be forgiven for dismissing Professor Oak as an old fuddy-duddy. A card thats more amusing for its dated artwork than actually useful. But, although it was rotated out of the meta years ago, you shouldnt go casting shade on it too soon. Back in the day, this was /the/ trainer to have.
Where Should I Sell My Pokemon Cards
In most countries, eBay is a good place to sell Pokemon cards for good money. Many Pokemon traders and collectors keep a close eye on the site, helping you get a good price for your Pokemon cards, especially if you have good pictures and a good listing description.
The issue with trying to sell your cards to a trading card retailer is the business needs to make a decent profit on whatever they buy from you. This means that youre unlikely to get the best price from them, although they might help you to sell your Pokemon cards quickly.
What Are Pokmon Cards
First thing’s first: what are Pokémon cards? Featuring many of the 800+ species of Pokémon from the games and the TV series, these cards are designed to be used to play the Pokémon trading card game . However, many people collect, and sometimes trade, these cards without playing the game. Even if you have no interest in playing the TCG, you still might appreciate Pokémon cards as collectibles.
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The Most Expensive Pokmon Cards Ever Sold
Even if you were never part of the Pokémon frenzy, chances are you recognize the name. Pokémon, short for “pocket monsters,” first hit the Japanese market as an electronic game series, “Pokémon Red” and “Pokémon Green” in February 1996. Two years later, the U.S. version, known as Pokémon Red and Blue, debuted.
The video games were soon joined by a show, a trading card game and toys. In other words, the franchise was officially a marketing department’s dream. Collecting cards was an instant craze, thanks to devoted Pokémon fans.
Then, just like with every craze ever, people began to lose interest. But those who held on to their cards were glad they did because interest exploded again between 2019 and 2020. Enthusiastic YouTube influencers are credited with the comeback.
There is a lot to know about Pokémon cards; here’s a quick shallow “dip of a toe” in the ocean of Pokémon.
There are three different types of cards: character cards, energy cards and trainer cards. The Pokémon are creatures that live in the wild or with their owner , who’s referred to as their “trainer.” The trainer’s goal is to “catch them all,” meaning all 800-plus of them. The more cards a player has, the stronger their deck, and the better chances of beating other trainers. Of course, there is much, much more to TCG.
The rarity of a card is indicated with one of three symbols on the bottom-right corner:
- Black circle = common card
- Black diamond = uncommon card
- Black star = rare card
How Do You Play The Pokmon Trading Card Game
There are lots of ways your kid can learn how to play the trading card game. The best way to learn is with a Trainer Kit. It comes with;two ready-to-play decks that will walk your kid and a friend through the game step by step. Once your kid is used to this one, you can get started with a theme deck. There are also great resources online where your kid can learn how to play: The Pokémon website has a virtual tutorial, but you can also find game rules and guidelines for each generation online. When in doubt, tell your child to ask one of his friends who already knows the game to teach him.
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How Much Are Pokemon Shadowless Cards Worth
Are Shadowless Pokemon cards worth more? First, it is important to note that all first editions are more valuable than other shadowless cardboards. However, they are both more valuable than other runs.
To determine the Shadowless Pokemon cards value, check its type and rarity. Shadowless Pokemon cards worth a lot of money. Just like wine, their prices keep going up. In fact, by 2017, a complete set of the 1st edition fetched at least $100,000.
If you are looking for Shadowless Pokemon cards for sale, then eBay is most likely the best place to shop.
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Chansey #3 1st Edition Shadowless Base Set
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon card value at auction: $36,877
For many Pokemon card collectors, it doesnt get any better than the Base Set which made its North American debut in 1999. Not only does it feature some of the TCG series most iconic artwork, but there is also a ton of nostalgia players have connected to the release.
As a result, Pokemon cards from the release have seen the most explosion in value over the last decade. While not a heavy-hitter in the franchise itself, fans have been going wild for the adorable Chansey #3 Pokemon card. So much so that its surprised industry veterans when it started fetching jaw-dropping prices.
While hovering around $20k since 2019, the collectibles value has only continued to grow. According to PWCC, a 1st Edition Shadowless version sold for $36,877 in a November 2020 auction.
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Espeon And Umbreon Gold Star Pop Series 5
A pair of Gold Star Pokémon cards from one of the most valuable Pokémon sets of all time
Sold for $22,000 in February 2021
Gold Star Pokémon cards are among the most valuable sets of Pokémon cards in existence and command an incredibly high value as a result. The cards are named after the gold star that appears next to the Pokémons name at the top of the card, which signifies that the card features alternative-colour artwork different from the common version. Only 27 Gold Star cards were released from 2004 to 2007, making them some of the rarest Pokémon cards available.
While all of the Gold Star Pokémon cards are rare, only appearing once in approximately every 88 booster packs for certain Pokémon TCG expansions, the very rarest are the Eeveelutions – the many evolutions into which basic Gen 1 Pokémon Eevee can evolve. And the rarest of the rarest are the original Japanese-language versions of the cards offered to members of the Pokémon Players Club, who could spend points earned by participating in official organised play and tournaments to obtain exclusive cards.
While Eeveelutions Flareon, Jolteon and Vaporeon could be acquired in the EX Power Keepers set released in 2007 via the Pokémon online store, their psychic and dark elemental siblings Espeon and Umbreon could only be picked up by players who collected enough Pokémon Players Club points. The Espeon 025/PLAY card required 40,000 EXP points earned, while Umbreon 026/PLAY was even most pricey at 70,000 points.
Pokmon Vs Card Series
The Japanese Pokémon VS Series Cards stand out first because these cards were double the price of normal cards. Add to that its lack of common circulation in the US and you have a subset of Pokemon that has proven hard to find.
What’s it worth? If you can nail down the Japan-only cards like Bruno’s Steelix you can command prices of around $100 based on rarity and condition, and well over $200 for a full set.
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Japanese Promo Card Holo Illustrator Pikachu
If you recognize any Pokémon character, it’s got to be Pikachu. This is one of the earliest cards to come out of the Pokémon franchise. It’s also another Japanese promotional card from a contest sponsored by CoroCoro Comic magazine in 1998. Winners got custom cards with their original artwork, plus this rare Pikachu card. It’s sold multiple times for six figures; the latest sale was in .
Holographic First Edition Machamp: $6000
The Kanto starters and legendaries aren’t the only original Pokemon to boast high-value shadowless holographic cards. Nearly any holographic first edition rare card from the original set can grow immensely in price compared to other rare Pokemon cards, but since they arent as actively hunted, their prices can vary far more wildly based on their quality.
Machamp is one of these. According to PSA Cards range of auction prices based on the cards quality classification, perfect mint condition Machamps of this kind can land between $800 and $6000, while dropping just one rating down will result in prices around $200 and $900. This card in particular truly proves how important it is to keep your trading cards safe through the years, as you never know just what will become valuable twenty years later.
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Ex Dragon Frontiers Gold Star Halo Charizard #100
Many of the most valuable Pokémon cards are promos from specific tournaments or special events. This card was given to competitors from around the world at the invite-only Tropical Mega Battle in Hawaii . After some rule changes, in 2001 the annual event was renamed, Japanese World Championship. A mint condition card from that event sold for more than $60,000 in October 2020.
Types Of Pokmon Cards
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Pokémon character cards: Pokémon character cards are the cards that actually feature Pokémon on them. These cards also include stats such as the Pokémon’s type, hit points , size, weight, and special moves. These are generally the only kind of Pokémon cards collectors are interested in, though they are also essential for playing the TCG.
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Energy cards: When playing the TCG, energy cards are what give your Pokémon power. You’ll find basic energy cards as well as special energy cards that boost Pokémon of particular types.
- Trainer cards: You can use trainer cards in the TCG to produce a range of effects. For instance, stadium cards affect the field of play, and item cards can perform a wide range of actions, such as healing or evolving your Pokémon.
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Pokmon Charizard 1st Edition Card #4/102
Charizard is unquestionably one of the most popular Pokémon characters. Given his presence on the original Pokémon Red game cartridge, he’s linked to the brand almost as closely as Pikachu. Due in part to that popularity, a highly graded first edition card has proven itself as one that is dependably sought out by collectors and consistently valuable.
What’s it worth? The value of sale has been widely speculated, but it can easily sell for as much as $20,000 for a high-grade example. Add to that the play value of this one and you can see why people have been on the hunt for all versions of this character’s card since the card game’s inception.
What Are Pokmon Expansion And Booster Packs My Kid Is Asking For Them
An expansion is a new set of cards released within a certain generation or series. Each expansion release includes about 100-200 new cards. There is no way to purchase an entire expansion all at once. Instead, you purchase them in booster packs, which are sets of 10 cards that you can use to add to your current collectionusually these are themed within a specific expansion, meaning that the cards inside can be any of the cards that were released within that expansion set. Current expansions include Sword Shield Rebel Clash and Sword & Shield Darkness Ablaze. A new expansion, Sword & Shield Vivid Voltage is set to come out in November 2020. Older expansion packs that your kid might still be after include ones from previous generations like Sun & Moon, XY, Black & White, Diamond & Pearl or the EX series.
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No 1 Trainer Super Secret Battle
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon card value at auction: $90,000
In 1999, The Pokemon Company hosted regional contests in Japan. Winners received a No. 1 Trainer Pokemon card which granted them access to the final that took place in a secret location.
Named Super Secret Battle, the special TCG tournament had a lot of mystique surrounding it. The rare Pokemon card features a silhouette of Mewtwo which has made it all the more desirable to fans.
In July 2020, the Japanese promo sold for an astonishing $90,000 making it one of the most valuable Pokemon cards to ever exist.
Pokemon Japanese Promo University Magikarp Tamamushi Prize Card
As a water type basic Pokémon card, this one was released as a promotional card only available in Japan. It has quite a history as it was a prize card that originated as part of the Tamamushi University Hyper Test campaign back in 1998. Focusing on primary-school children, it challenged them with a series of tests which, upon passing, qualified them for an invitation to a two-day conference in Osaka. There, the players battled as groups to qualify for the second day of competition. Competing by age on day two, only the winners took home this card at the end of the conference.
What’s it worth? As the leading trading card marketplaces, PWCC sold a high-grade example of this rare Pokémon card for $50,100 at auction in October 2020. Its scarcity and value are why this is one of the rarest Pokémon cards ever produced.
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Buying Guide For Best Pokmon Cards
You’ve played all the games on Game Boy and Nintendo DS and can name every Pokémon from Abra to Zubat. What’s left for you to do? We have two words for you: Pokémon cards.
Whether you’re a huge Pokémon fan who needs something new to feed your addiction or a parent who’s trying to pick out a gift for a Pokémon-loving child, entering the world of Pokémon cards can be confusing.
You’ve got different “generations” of Pokémon cards, as well as your standard Pokémon cards, energy cards, and trainer cards. Add all that to trying to decipher the rules of the game, and it’s enough to make you want to walk away and never utter the words “Pokémon card” again.
BestReviews is here to help you figure out what you need. Read our full Pokémon card shopping guide and prepare to catch ’em all.
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Other Pokemon Cards On Amazon
Amazon has a lot of different Pokemon card packs on there. But which are worth your time?;
I’d start with this Pokemon Mewtwo & Pikachu XY Evolutions TCG Two Pack. Each of those sets come with 60 cards, so that’s 120 cards for one low price.;
Before we move on, I just wanna give a shout out to this 120 piece set which comes with 35 mega cards and 25 Ultra Beast GX cards for one crazy low price. If you’re looking to boost your collection for less, that’s the way to get more.;
Next up is the Pokemon Shining Legends Elite Trainer Box. Me and my kids prefer these boxes to the solo packs. Not only are they greater value, opening a massive box filled with cards makes it more special, you know?
While we’re on the subject of Elite boxes, do check out the awesome Hidden Lights Elite Trainer box. It is INCREDIBLE!;
Oh, and before I forget, if you’re after the ultimate Pokemon TCG gift, the Shining Legends Super Premium Boxset is pure dream candy. Three collector’s boxes, an epic Ho-oh sculpted figurine, two foil cards of shining Lugia and shining Celebi, Ho-oh GX rainbow card, a foil promo Pikachu, and 10 Pokemon-EX TCG: shining legends booster packs.;
Like I say, it’s the stuff of dreams.;
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Pokmon Southern Islands Card Collection
This is a really interesting collection of Pokémon cards, to say the least. The folder came with 18 cards which are known as the Rainbow and Tropical Island sets. Released in Japan, it was done more as a film advertising project than a targeted card set. The cards themselves fit together to make a picture and an assembled set can command several hundred dollars when sold.
What’s it worth? A factory-sealed example of the Pokémon Southern Island Collection sold for more than $2000 on eBay as recently as October 2020.
Summer Battle Road Mew Victory Orb Trophy
- Release Date: 1999
- Grading: PSA Gem Mint 10
- Pokemon card value at auction: $60,000
The second tournament Trophy Pokemon card on the list, the Mew Victory Orb Trophy was given out during the 1998 Summer Battle Road competition. Spanning nine regions across Japan, only the top three Trainers in each bracket scored the rare Pokemon card.
According to PSA, only 16 of them have been given the coveted Gem Mint 10 score. One of these pristine collectibles popped up at a PWCC auction in December 2020 and ended with 51 bids for a final price of $60,000. It even came with the original plaque handed out at the finals.
As we dive deeper into this list, prepare to see more of these trophy Pokemon cards dominating the top spot. Since they were awarded at tournaments, they are intricately more scarce population-wise, and thus more valuable.
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Use Free Valuation Sites
Another great way to figure out how much a Pokemon card is worth is to use card valuation sites. These websites allow a user to input a couple details about their card, such as its name and number, and be returned with results about its estimated value.
Websites like CardMavin compile up-to-date information about how much individual cards are selling for across the internet and use that information to make an estimate about the cards current value. This is the easiest way to check what a Pokemon card is going for in the present market.
