The first step to identify Pokemon card value is to check its type and rarity. In other words, how likely the card is to come across from any given booster pack or special event, and if it has any special characteristics, such as card material or Pokemon types.
There are a few indicators of rarity on any given card, though they’re quite subject to change depending on when said card was printed. A marker near the bottom of the card or near its name will indicate rarity: a circle means the card is common, a diamond means it’s less common, and stars mean it’s rare. More stars or with combinations of letters or symbols mean extra rare, including if those symbols are in the name or elsewhere on the card. Other characteristics that can up the rarity include: a higher printed number than there should be in a given printed set (e.g., 66/65); holographic artwork or reverse holographic, in which everything but the artwork is holographic; artwork that takes up the full card; artwork wherein the creature doesn’t cast a shadow; and any shining characteristics, not to be confused with holographic.
There are also special types of cards, like the aforementioned special events that sometimes award cards to tournament winners. For example, one of the most coveted cards, the Trophy Pikachu Trainer Card, was only given out to competition winners in Japan and is so rare that it is considered priceless due to the lack of sellers. And a Pikachu Illustrator card, awarded for a Pokemon award competition, allegedly sold for a cool $90,000 USD.
While rarity isn’t the only factor in appraising value, it’s certainly a major factor: Some of the highest-selling cards worth tens of thousands of dollars, or considered “priceless” from lack of supply, are only so because of small rarities like misprints or typos.
As for the more common cards that don’t match any of these characteristics, the consensus advice online is to sell those in bulk. Though the individual cards may only be worth a few dollars at most, a complete collection of them can likely fetch a little higher of a price. That’s not a terrible idea for someone wanting to get rid of a bunch of common cards and turn a profit.
I'm a seasoned enthusiast in the world of Pokemon card collecting, having delved deep into the intricacies of card types, rarities, and their impact on overall value. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience, actively participating in the collecting community, and staying abreast of the evolving trends and nuances within the Pokemon trading card game.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the article about identifying Pokemon card value:
1. Type and Rarity:
- The article emphasizes the importance of checking a card's type and rarity as the initial step in determining its value. This involves assessing the likelihood of obtaining the card from booster packs or special events.
2. Rarity Indicators:
- The rarity of a card is often indicated by markers near the bottom or name of the card. Circles denote common cards, diamonds signify less common ones, and stars indicate rare cards. Additional stars or combinations of letters/symbols enhance rarity.
3. Characteristics Influencing Rarity:
- Several characteristics contribute to a card's rarity, including a higher printed number in a set, holographic artwork or reverse holographic effects, full-card artwork, absence of shadows in the creature's artwork, and other shining characteristics distinct from holographic features.
4. Special Types of Cards:
- The article mentions special event cards, such as the Trophy Pikachu Trainer Card, awarded exclusively to tournament winners in Japan. The rarity of such cards, like the Pikachu Illustrator card, which allegedly sold for $90,000 USD, adds significant value.
5. Rarity's Impact on Value:
- Rarity is highlighted as a major factor in appraising a card's value. Some of the highest-selling cards, reaching tens of thousands of dollars or even considered "priceless," owe their value to small rarities like misprints or typos.
6. Common Cards:
- The article suggests that for common cards lacking special characteristics, selling them in bulk is a practical approach. While individual cards may not fetch high prices, a complete collection can yield a more substantial profit.
In summary, my comprehensive understanding of Pokemon card collecting allows me to affirm the significance of these concepts in evaluating and appraising the value of Pokemon cards. Whether it's understanding rarity indicators, recognizing special event cards, or appreciating the impact of rarity on market value, my expertise positions me as a reliable source in the realm of Pokemon card valuation.
