Pokémon Cards: The Unofficial Ultimate Collector's Guide

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Now to throw something else in the mix, it’s also worth pointing out that graded cards are more valuable too – if the grading is good of course. Whether you’re just getting into Pokémon card collecting, or you’ve been collecting for a while, it’s only natural to want to know how much your Pokémon cards are worth! Naturally, they make great candidates for grading. And again, if you’re looking to hold long-term, you may well find the value of your graded cards exceeds the price you paid in a few short years. Buying some soft plastic card sleeves is an easy and affordable way to protect your cards. You can also opt for sturdier sleeves to prevent holographic cards from warping. Watch this video tutorial for advice on the best storage methods.

It wasn’t particularly popular at the time though, and was probably a bit too similar to the original Base Set, considering it was only released a year later. PSA tend to get the majority of the Pokémon grading market and are most commonly use by collectors. Players can also maintain a “Bench” of up to five additional Basic Pokémon. These bench cards may be introduced or rotated onto the field over the course of the game. Some cards are Evolved Pokémon. These are more advanced, “evolved” versions of Basic Pokémon. Generally speaking, these cannot be played right onto the Bench. Rather, you should have the basic version of a given Pokémon first, and then place the corresponding evolved version on top. Where it all began, the original English base set collection was release in 1999 and consists of 102 cards. 16 of which are holos.months later we were greeted with the wonderful Jungle set. Containing 64 cards (16 holos), it was/is much easier to complete.

At this stage, I also want to mention some other popular vintage sets like Gym Heroes, Neo Genesis, Legendary Collection and the e-Card Series. All of which are great options as your collection builds.

Some of the older Pokémon cards have reached true collectible status due to their rarity. If you’ve been collecting since the 1990s, you might be surprised to find that a few of your cards are now worth astronomical amounts. Towards the end of 1999 the 62 card Fossil set came along. It contains 15 holos and features great mythical Pokémon like Articuno and Zapdos.

This was my favorite set as a kid. Probably because it was the only one that I actually managed to fully complete! In addition to collecting cards and playing the Trading Card Game, there are so many ways to become involved in Pokémon. If you like Pokémon cards and the TCG, then you may also be interested in: Video games Some collectors only want GEM MINT 10s. Others like the idea of collecting specific Pokémon in each grading (1-10). The Pokémon video game series is one of the most popular of all time. New games continue to be released, and as of 2019, the series is in its eighth generation. Anime series For the dedicated few, that passion stayed through tough teenage years and into adulthood. But for many, it slipped by the wayside.

This isn’t a huge deal with common cards, especially if you’re a casual TCG player. However, it’s important to be aware of this if you’re collecting rare and valuable cards. Selling your cards

Personally, I think this strategy is best served for more experienced collectors, but who am I to tell you what to do with your money?!

Welcome to The World of Pokémon Card Collecting!

If you see the hobby as an investment and want to sink some money into it, prepare to part with mid-four figures for a sealed vintage booster box. It only contains the first generation of Pokémon, but mixes in some modern ‘full-art’ card designs, a reverse holographic in each booster, and even five secret rares! I’ve learned the hard way a couple of times buying boosters, so don’t really recommend it for beginners. Sealed Pokémon Booster Boxes Although they don’t guarantee a holo card, I guess you’re upping your chances of pulling one. Naturally, though, you’ll pay a premium. A live-action film called Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is slated for release in May 2019. The basic plot: When private investigator Harry Goodman disappears, it’s up to his former Pokémon partner Detective Pikachu and his son Tim to solve the mystery and bring him home. As someone who loves both Pokémon and mysteries, I am definitely looking forward to this one. Pokémon Go