Got old Pokémon cards lying around? Here’s how you could sell them and make hundreds of dollars
Here’s how you can check if your childhood collection is worth selling.
If you’ve got a binder full of shiny Pokémon cards, it might be worth checking them again before tossing them in the loft or handing them to your 3-year-old to chew on.
These days, the trading card game business has a lot of people hooked, with rare and unique cards fetching huge sums worldwide.
Stores often sell out instantly when new packs go on sale, and the high prices for rare cards drive people to snatch up the latest releases. But the market for older cards is just as intense, and many people don’t realise they might be sitting on a goldmine.
If you do have a dusty binder of old editions, the first step is to identify and grade your cards. Check each card’s rarity—common (circle), uncommon (diamond), or rare (star)—and the set symbol to determine its origin. When selling old Pokémon cards, condition is crucial: mint or near-mint cards are worth significantly more than those with visible wear. If you’re unsure, grading companies can assess the condition for a fee.
Market prices for individual cards fluctuate wildly depending on supply and demand, so using platforms like TCGplayer is a smart first step before listing them. Selling on eBay offers the advantage of potential bidding wars to drive up prices, while TCGplayer tends to attract more experienced buyers. Either way, don’t forget to include a series of clear images showing any flaws, along with a detailed and accurate description.
To keep your cards safe, use plastic sleeves and hard plastic top loaders to preserve those corners. Make sure to use both a sleeve and a top loader—not just one or the other. Alternatively, a well-sealed binder with sleeves is also an effective storage method.
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