People have been urged to check their storage boxes after a new study analysed the value of all Pokémon cards across all collections to reveal the cards that sell for a small fortune
If you’ve been hoarding Pokémon cards from your childhood or amassing them in adulthood, you might just hit the jackpot if you’re up for letting them go.
A recent study has crunched the numbers on the value of all Pokémon cards to reveal those that could pocket you a neat sum.
Research by CSGOLuck suggests Charizard cards top the value charts, with certain versions fetching as much as £16,000. A spokesperson from CSGOLuck explained: “While it will come as no surprise to fans of the franchise that Charizard ranked first, it’s astonishing to see just how much more valuable the character’s cards were in comparison to others.
“The fact that the face of the franchise, Pikachu, has over triple the number of cards in circulation than Charizard demonstrates just how popular and iconic the fire-breathing Pokémon is.”
For those keen to understand their cards’ worth, one savvy Redditor offered a tip: “Each card is from a specific set. You can most easily identify your card by typing in the name of the card and the set number which is found in the lower left or lower right corner of a card.
“For example, a base set Charizard holo is 4/102 – if I didn’t know this card was from base set I would simply search ‘Charizard 4/102’. If you have base set cards, there is a chance they are 1st edition, shadowless, or unlimited.”
Do you have any of the following?
1. Charizard
The undisputed champion Charizard dominates the Pokémon card market with an impressive total card value of $21,468.91 (£16,000). The character’s iconic status makes each card a prized possession to collectors, but the values of its 62 cards vary dramatically, ranging from $2.86 to an astonishing $7,182.99 (£5,300)
2. Pikachu
As the face of Pokémon, Pikachu commands a substantial presence in the card market. With a diverse range of 196 cards across the various sets, Pikachu’s total card value stands at $8,356.70 (£6,200), reflecting its widespread popularity. The value of cards can reach as high as $3,809.73 (£2,800).
3. Gengar
The extremely popular and mischievous ghost-type Pokémon holds third position, with a total card value of $4,277.89 (£3,200). Its 56 cards exhibit values ranging from $0.50 to $1,103.30 (£800), showcasing the appeal of this spooky yet beloved franchise character.
4. Espeon Star
With only one card in existence, Espeon Star is the definition of a rarity. Collectors lucky enough to possess the card won’t be surprised to know it’s extremely valuable, worth $4,122.50 (£3,000).
5. Tropical Beach
Tropical Beach boasts a collective value of $3,883.11 (£2,900), ranging from $15.75 to $1,984.38 (£1,400), depending on the condition of the card and which collection it belongs to. There are just 18 different iterations of this card across all Pokémon card collections, making it a prized asset for any franchise enthusiast.
6. Ho-Oh
Ho-Oh, with 23 cards, has a cumulative value of $3,696.75 (£2,700) across all sets and collections. The majestic bird Pokémon was introduced way back in generation II of the franchise, commanding card values anywhere from $0.41 to $158.75 (£118), offering a range of options for collectors.
7. Lugia
Lugia, the guardian of the seas, holds a total card value of $3,614.78 (£2,700). With 30 different types of cards in circulation, Lugia’s values range from $0.45 to $2,617.25 (£1,900), making it a prized addition to any collection.
8. Celebi
With a total value of $3,452.25 (£2,500), Celebi’s 25 cards showcase a range of $0.27 to $1,575.00 (£1,100). The mythical Pokémon comes from the future, boasting the ability to naturally cure when switched out.
9. Champions Festival
Representing the pinnacle of Pokémon events, Champions Festival cards have a collective value of $2,480.18 (£1,800). Ranging from $15.00 to $474.23 (£350), only 30 types are in circulation across the different collections of Pokémon cards.
10. Umbreon
Umbreon, the Dark-type Pokémon introduced to the franchise in Generation II, gains its mysterious powers from the moonlight. The 42 cards range in value from $0.54 to $520.57 (£380), accumulating a total card value of $2,282.04 (£1,700) across all collections.