How to find out the value of Pokémon cards easily 

While some people like Pokémon cards for their competitive value, others prefer to look at them as investments. These slabs of shiny cardboard can run up an immense price on the resale market, especially if they feature fan-favorite critters or beloved artists.

If you’re wondering how much your Pokémon cards are worth, there are a wealth of useful tools and tricks you can use to figure out an accurate number. Below, I’ve listed the methods I’d recommend following when valuing your Pokémon TCG collection. 

The Escapist recaps

• Pokémon cards can vary wildly in price, with some barely raising the price of the booster pack they came in and others being worth more than a car
• Pokémon TCG collectors should analyze their cards for authenticity and make sure they have all of the basic details down first, like the set, artist, and card number
• It’s worth finding out whether the card was released as part of a special set or promotion, as these releases can hold more value 
• Once the authenticity and basic information has been confirmed, resale markets should be scoured to provide an estimate of the cards quality – or alternatively, the card should be sent off for grading
• Finally, an average price should be worked out, using platforms like TCGPlayer, Collectr, and eBay to get an overview of the current value

Start with the basics 

Before you even think about slapping a price tag on your card, you need to establish the basic facts. 

Is the card authentic? You can check this by reviewing where you purchased it and how trustworthy the seller is, and also by comparing it against other copies of the card in question. A physical copy is best, but a high-quality digital version can work too.

The best way to get it confirmed for authenticity if you’re having doubts is to use a grading service. I’ll mention grading again in the next section, but it’s a solid option to get your card in front of expert eyes. 

Once you’re happy that the card is authentic, make a note of the basic information about the card.

For example, which set is it from and what’s the card number? Is it part of a special set? Which artist worked on the card and do they have much of a following? Consider which elements can have an impact on the price and value, then work from there. 

Having these details to hand will help you understand the value of the card further, along with making the sale process easier if you’re choosing to resell. 

Consider the quality

Next, you’ll want to consider what sort of quality the card is in. If it’s a childhood card with a bite taken out of it, it’s not likely to hold as much monetary value as a pristine copy that’s been sleeved and stored nicely. 

Look for any noticeable marks, scratches, or sun damage. Damage to the front and back of the card can affect the value, so don’t forget to flip it over.

Comparing the card to another copy can help you identify any further damage or spot any misprints.

If you’ve got another physical copy on hand to compare it with, that’s perfect, but you can also use sites like Bulbapedia or LimitlessTCG to have a look at a pristine, digital copy. 

Professional grading services are also worth considering here, as they can help you narrow down exactly what grade your card falls into (e.g. PSA 10) and, in some cases, bump up the value by putting the piece into a sealed plastic slab.

Popular grading options include PSA, Beckett, and CGC, but it’s worth looking into if you have any local options nearby. Again, some TCG conventions offer on-site grading which can save you time and postage fees. 

Research the current market

When you’ve got a solid understanding of what you’re dealing with, it’s time to dig into the current market and see what people are selling the card in question for.

The sites that I’d recommend using are TCGPlayer, PriceCharting, and Cardmarket, along with the Collectr app. It’s also good to have a look on eBay, particularly at live auctions to see what people are willing to bid for the card.

Make a note of the prices found on each site and dig into any extra data available – TCGPlayer has plenty, as shown above. 

After this, you’ll be able to value your card accurately, using all available data to pinpoint a solid number. If you’re hoping to sell your card online, make sure to provide as much information as you can for potential buyers. 

Pokémon cards hold a lot of value for collectors, both in terms of sentimental value and pricing. If you’re curious about how much your Pokémon TCG collection is worth, establish authenticity and the basic facts, then look into the quality and current market value, considering a professional grading service if possible. 

Ask The Escapist

References

1. Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia (Bulbapedia.Bulbagarden)
2. Pokémon TCG tournament results, decklists, articles and more (Limitless)
3. Official Trading Card Grading Service (PSA)
4. Card Grading – Sports, Gaming, Non-Sports Cards (Beckett)
5. Pop Culture Collectibles Grading | Certified Guaranty (CGC)
6. Your Trusted Marketplace for Collectible Trading Card Games (TCGplayer)
7. Price Guides for Games, Cards & Comics (PriceCharting)
8. Buy and Sell Trading Card Games Online (Cardmarket)
9. The Most Advanced Portfolio Tracking App for Collectible Trading Card Games (Getcollectr)