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Pokémon Turns 30: Cards Worth Millions!
27 Feb
Summary
- Rare Pokémon cards can be worth thousands or millions.
- Logan Paul sold a Pikachu Illustrator card for $16.492 million.
- Original Pokémon cards from the 1990s could be very valuable.
As Pokémon marks its 30th anniversary, the trading card franchise continues to generate billions annually, with select rare cards now commanding astronomical prices. A prime example is the 'Pikachu Illustrator' card, originally a prize for a 1998 drawing competition, which saw a record sale of $16.492 million (£12.244 million) earlier this month. Only 39 of these cards exist, and just 10 are in mint condition, contributing to its immense value.
Other highly valuable cards include the 'Trophy Pikachu No. 1 Trainer,' awarded to winners of the 1997-98 tournament, with one selling for £2.23 million. The 'holy grail' of cards, a first-edition shadowless base set Charizard, is expected to auction between $40,400 and $54,880 (£30,000-£40,000). Even less unique cards from the late 1990s, originally costing a couple of pounds, could now be worth a substantial sum if found in good condition.
The market for Pokémon cards has seen significant growth, with prices for popular cards increasing by over 6,000% since May 2004. This surge is fueled by nostalgia, particularly from those revisiting the franchise during lockdowns. Modern cards, such as 'Gengar & Mimikyu GX' and 'Umbreon ex,' have also seen remarkable price increases since their releases in 2019 and last year, respectively, demonstrating the enduring and expanding appeal of Pokémon collecting.
