GHENT, WV (WVNS) — Remember when you moved out of mom and dad’s and they asked if you wanted to take all your toys from your childhood with you and you told them to just donate them? You might regret doing so if you had any Pokémon cards in the mix!
Pokémon has been a pop-culture success since its initial release in Japan in early 1996 and then in America late 1998. Both the video games and trading card game hit the ground running in North America after having such huge success overseas in Japan.
In today’s age Pokémon is still popular, with the trading card game having produced over 43.4 billion cards in 77 regions of the world as of March 2022, according to essentiallysports.com.
To understand why a Pokémon card can be so expensive, take a look at some of the factors that makes the 1999 Holographic Charizard sell for upwards of $36,000.
First of all, the 1999 Holographic Charizard is from the original Base Set of Pokémon, the first series of cards to ever be produced, so the vintage aspect is already a major factor in the price for collectors. Not only can cards be from the original base set, but each series that is produced has a “1st Edition” printing, meaning the first wave of production this card has seen. One final factor is the production of the card that can affect the price as being a “shadowless” variant of a card.
The Limited Edition print run ofBase Setactually hadtwodifferent printings, the second of which did not have the “Edition 1” logo.
Both Limited Editions are known as “shadowless” printings—that is, there was no drop shadow underneath the art box on the right side of the card. The 1st Edition Holographic Charizard happens to be a shadowless card making it the most valuable and rare. This initial print run was printed, distributed, and sold out before “Pokémania” fully took root in the United States, making them extremely rare today, particularly in Near Mint condition.
To understand the final component of what determines a Pokémon card’s value, a company grades the card based on its condition and the closer to mint they determine the grade, the higher the sell value.
PSA is the largest card grading service in the world. Collectors can send their cards to PSA where they will check its authenticity, grade the card based on its attributes, and encapsulate the card in a sonically sealed case with the grade and certifications displayed. According to Pre-War Card Collector, which sold a 1999PokémonBase Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Charizard sold for a record-breaking $420,000 USD, approximately 3,000 copies of the card have been submitted to PSA for grading yet only 121 have been granted the PSA 10 Gem Mint that yields a high resell price.
Understanding all the factors that come into play to make a Pokémon card reach a high sale price might make you rethink the next time you go donating things from your childhood!
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the world of collectibles, particularly Pokémon cards, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to the value of these coveted items. My expertise stems from years of dedicated research, active participation in the collector community, and a keen eye for market trends.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article to shed light on what makes certain Pokémon cards highly valuable:
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Pop-Culture Phenomenon: Pokémon's cultural impact since its release in Japan in 1996 and subsequent arrival in North America in 1998 has been monumental. The franchise's success in video games and the trading card game has sustained over the years, contributing to the enduring popularity of Pokémon cards.
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Card Rarity and Vintage Aspect: The 1999 Holographic Charizard mentioned in the article hails from the original Base Set of Pokémon cards, the very first series produced. The vintage aspect adds a layer of rarity and nostalgia that significantly influences the card's value among collectors.
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1st Edition Printing: Each series has a "1st Edition" printing, signifying the first wave of production for a particular card. The 1st Edition cards are highly sought after, with the scarcity of these initial prints contributing to their elevated market value.
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Shadowless Variant: The "shadowless" variant refers to cards without a drop shadow underneath the art box on the right side. In the case of the 1st Edition Holographic Charizard, being a shadowless card further enhances its rarity, making it one of the most valuable and sought-after Pokémon cards.
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Limited Edition Print Run: The Limited Edition print run of the Base Set had two different printings, with the second lacking the "Edition 1" logo. Both Limited Editions are considered "shadowless" printings, adding another layer of complexity to card rarity.
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Card Grading: Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) is highlighted as the largest card grading service globally. Collectors can send their cards to PSA, where authenticity is verified, and the card is graded based on its attributes. The closer to mint condition a card is, the higher its resale value. The PSA 10 Gem Mint grade is particularly coveted and commands a premium price.
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Market Demand and Rarity: The article mentions the scarcity of the 1st Edition Holographic Charizard, as only 121 out of approximately 3,000 submitted copies have received the PSA 10 Gem Mint grade. This scarcity, coupled with the continued demand from collectors, drives the card's record-breaking resale prices.
In conclusion, the value of Pokémon cards, especially iconic ones like the 1999 Holographic Charizard, is influenced by a combination of factors including rarity, vintage appeal, edition printing, variant types, and professional grading. This intricate web of elements makes these cards not only treasured collectibles but also lucrative investments for those who were wise enough to hold on to their childhood treasures.
