If you’ve recently found an old Pokémon card collection, there’s a good chance one question came to mind almost immediately:
How much are my Pokémon cards worth?
Across the UK, Pokémon cards are still sitting in old binders, boxes, cupboards and lofts. Some collections may contain everyday cards worth relatively little, while others could include valuable vintage Pokémon cards, holographic cards, 1st Edition cards, rare promotional cards, graded cards or sought-after modern Pokémon cards.
Working out the value of Pokémon cards isn’t quite as simple as searching for the Pokémon’s name online. The exact card, set, collector number, rarity, printing, condition and current collector demand can all affect its value.
In this guide, Clifford TCG explains how to value Pokémon cards in the UK, what to look for in an old collection, how to research Pokémon card prices and what options you have if you decide to sell your Pokémon cards in the UK.
How Much Are My Pokémon Cards Worth?
Pokémon card values can range considerably.
Two cards featuring the same Pokémon may have completely different values, and even two copies of exactly the same card can be valued differently depending on their condition.
When assessing a Pokémon card, collectors will usually consider:
- The exact card and Pokémon
- The set and collector number
- The card’s rarity
- The printing or variant
- Whether it is holographic
- Whether it is 1st Edition, where applicable
- The card’s condition
- Whether it has been professionally graded
- Current collector demand
- Recent selling prices
Before trying to find a value, the most important first step is therefore to identify exactly which Pokémon card you have.
How Do I Identify My Pokémon Cards?
Start by looking towards the bottom of the card.
Pokémon cards include a collector number which helps identify the exact card and the set it belongs to.
For example, an older card might show a number such as:
4/102
Modern Pokémon cards also use collector numbers, although the format and rarity system have changed considerably throughout the history of the Pokémon TCG.
When researching a card online, search using the Pokémon’s name, set and collector number.
Searching for:
Charizard 4/102 Base Set
will produce much more relevant information than simply searching:
Old Charizard Pokémon card
Popular Pokémon such as Charizard and Pikachu have appeared on many different cards, so identifying the exact version is essential.
How Do I Check the Value of a Pokémon Card?
Once you’ve identified your card, you can begin researching its value.
When checking Pokémon card prices in the UK, try to find recent sales of the exact same card.
Compare examples with the same:
- Set
- Collector number
- Printing
- Language
- Condition
- Holographic treatment or variant
- Grading company and grade, where applicable
It’s also important to distinguish between an asking price and an actual sold price.
Someone can advertise a Pokémon card online for almost any amount they choose. That doesn’t necessarily mean another collector is willing to pay that price.
Looking at several recent comparable sales can provide a much more realistic indication of a Pokémon card’s current market value.
Are Old Pokémon Cards Worth Money?
Some old Pokémon cards can certainly be valuable, but age alone doesn’t determine value.
Vintage Pokémon cards remain extremely popular with collectors, particularly cards from early Pokémon TCG sets.
However, an older card in poor condition may be worth considerably less than an excellent-condition example of the same card.
Likewise, some desirable modern Pokémon cards can be worth more than much older cards.
If you’ve discovered an old Pokémon collection, it’s worth checking carefully before deciding what you have.
Are Pokémon Cards From 1999 Worth Anything?
This is a particularly common question for UK collectors.
For many people, the late 1990s and early 2000s were when they first started collecting Pokémon cards, which means childhood collections from this period are still regularly rediscovered.
Some early Pokémon cards can be highly collectible.
Others may have relatively modest values.
The set, exact card, printing, rarity and condition all play an important role in determining value.
So if you’ve recently found your childhood Pokémon binder, it’s worth identifying the cards properly before making any decisions about them.
Are 1st Edition Pokémon Cards Valuable?
Some 1st Edition Pokémon cards are particularly desirable among collectors.
Where applicable, these cards can be identified by their 1st Edition stamp.
Certain sought-after 1st Edition cards can be worth considerably more than other printings of the same card.
However, there are two important things to remember:
Not every old Pokémon card is 1st Edition.
And:
Not every 1st Edition Pokémon card is highly valuable.
The exact card and its condition still matter.
Are Holographic Pokémon Cards Worth Money?
Holographic Pokémon cards are often among the first cards people notice when looking through an older collection.
Some vintage holographic cards can be particularly collectible, especially when they feature popular Pokémon and remain in good condition.
However, being holographic doesn’t automatically make a Pokémon card valuable.
Some holographic cards are relatively inexpensive, while certain non-holographic cards, promotional cards and unusual variants can also be highly collectible.
Always identify the exact card before researching its value.
Which Pokémon Cards Are Worth Looking For?
When sorting through an old Pokémon card collection, there are several types of cards worth examining more closely.
These can include:
- Vintage Pokémon cards
- 1st Edition Pokémon cards
- Holographic cards
- Promotional Pokémon cards
- Unusual variants or printings
- Higher-rarity modern Pokémon cards
- Professionally graded cards
- Older sealed Pokémon TCG products
Certain Pokémon are also consistently popular with collectors, including Charizard, Pikachu, Umbreon, Gengar, Mew, Mewtwo, Lugia, Rayquaza and the Eeveelutions.
However, the Pokémon featured on the card is only one part of its value.
There are inexpensive Charizard cards and much more collectible Charizard cards.
The exact card matters.
Does Condition Affect Pokémon Card Value?
Yes. Condition can have a significant impact on Pokémon card value.
Many older Pokémon cards were originally collected by children, traded with friends and stored without the sleeves, binders and protective cases commonly used by collectors today.
When checking your Pokémon cards, look carefully at:
Corners: Check for wear, bends or damage.
Edges: Look for whitening or chipping around the edges.
Surface: Check for scratches, dents or marks.
Creases: Even smaller creases can affect a card’s condition.
Holographic surface: Scratches can be particularly noticeable on older holographic cards.
Two copies of exactly the same Pokémon card can therefore have very different values simply because one has been better preserved.
Why Do Pokémon Card Prices Vary So Much?
You may find what appear to be identical Pokémon cards selling for very different prices.
Usually, there is a reason.
Differences can include:
- 1st Edition versus another printing
- Holographic versus non-holographic
- Different variants
- Different languages
- Promotional releases
- Reverse holographic versions
- Card condition
- Professional grading
- Different grades
Small differences can sometimes have a considerable effect on collector demand.
This is another reason why searching using the exact Pokémon card number and set is so important.
Should I Get My Pokémon Cards Graded?
Professional Pokémon card grading can make sense for certain cards, but not every card needs to be graded.
Grading companies assess a card’s condition before encapsulating it and assigning a grade.
Before submitting a Pokémon card for grading, consider:
- Its approximate ungraded value
- Its overall condition
- The cost of grading
- Recent selling prices for realistically achievable grades
- Whether there is sufficient collector demand for the card
Try to be realistic when assessing condition.
A high-grade selling price doesn’t necessarily represent the value of an ungraded card.
For some cards, keeping them ungraded may make more sense.
Are Modern Pokémon Cards Worth Money?
Yes. Valuable Pokémon cards aren’t limited to vintage collections.
Modern Pokémon TCG expansions contain highly sought-after cards, including Illustration Rares, Special Illustration Rares, Ultra Rares and other desirable cards.
Factors such as artwork, rarity, availability, the popularity of the Pokémon and collector demand can all influence value.
So even if your Pokémon collection is relatively new, it may still contain cards worth researching.
Are Sealed Pokémon Booster Packs and Boxes Valuable?
If you discover unopened Pokémon booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, booster boxes, collection boxes or other sealed Pokémon TCG products, research them before opening them.
Older sealed Pokémon products can be collectible in their own right.
Once a sealed product has been opened, it can no longer be sold or collected as a sealed item.
It’s therefore worth identifying the product, checking its condition and researching recent comparable sales before deciding whether to open, keep or sell it.
Research first, open later.
How Do I Value a Large Pokémon Card Collection?
If you have hundreds or thousands of cards, researching every Pokémon card individually can take considerable time.
Start by separating the collection into useful categories.
Look for:
- Vintage cards
- Holographic cards
- 1st Edition cards
- Promotional cards
- Higher-rarity modern cards
- Graded Pokémon cards
- Sealed Pokémon products
However, don’t assume the remaining cards have no value.
Some Pokémon cards are not immediately obvious to somebody unfamiliar with a particular set or era.
If you’re unsure what you have, asking somebody familiar with Pokémon cards to review the collection can make the process considerably easier.
Where Can I Get Pokémon Cards Valued in the UK?
There are several ways to research Pokémon card values in the UK.
For individual cards, you can identify the exact card and compare recent sales of equivalent examples.
For larger collections, things become more complicated.
A collection could contain cards from numerous sets, eras and rarity levels, all in different conditions.
If your intention is ultimately to sell the collection, another option is to contact a specialist Pokémon card buyer and provide photographs and information about what you have.
Where Can I Sell Pokémon Cards in the UK?
There are several ways to sell Pokémon cards in the UK.
You can sell individual cards through online marketplaces, sell privately to other collectors or sell part or all of a collection directly to a specialist Pokémon TCG retailer.
Selling individual Pokémon cards gives you greater control over individual listings, but it can also require considerable time.
Each card may need to be researched, photographed, described, listed, packaged and posted.
For somebody looking to sell an entire Pokémon card collection, selling directly to a specialist buyer may provide a simpler option.
Can I Sell My Pokémon Cards to Clifford TCG?
Yes.
Clifford TCG buys Pokémon card collections from sellers across the UK.
We’re interested in a wide range of Pokémon TCG collections, including:
- Vintage Pokémon cards
- Modern Pokémon cards
- Pokémon singles
- Graded Pokémon cards
- Sealed Pokémon TCG products
- Complete and part-complete collections
- Larger Pokémon collections
You don’t need to know the exact value of every card before contacting us.
If you’ve rediscovered a childhood collection, are reducing the size of your current collection or have simply decided it’s time to sell, send us details and clear photographs through our Sell to Us page.
We can then take a look at what you have.
Before You Sell Your Old Pokémon Cards
If you’ve discovered an old Pokémon collection, take some time to understand what you have before making a decision.
Identify the cards and sets.
Check their condition.
Look at recent comparable selling prices.
Not every old Pokémon card is valuable, but some collections can contain cards that are considerably more collectible than their owners realise.
And if you’re unsure what you have, Clifford TCG is happy to take a look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pokémon Card Values
How much are my Pokémon cards worth?
Pokémon card values vary considerably. The exact card, set, printing, rarity, condition and current collector demand can all affect value. Identify the exact card and compare recent sales of equivalent examples.
How do I know if my Pokémon cards are rare?
Start with the collector number, set information and rarity markings on the card. Pokémon TCG rarity systems have changed over time, so identifying the card’s set and exact number will help you research it accurately.
What old Pokémon cards are worth money?
Some vintage holographic cards, 1st Edition cards, promotional cards and other desirable early Pokémon cards can be valuable. However, age alone doesn’t determine value.
Are Pokémon cards from 1999 worth anything?
Some Pokémon cards from the late 1990s can be highly collectible, while others have relatively modest values. The exact card, set, printing, rarity and condition all matter.
How much is my Charizard Pokémon card worth?
There isn’t one value for a Charizard card because many different Charizard cards exist. Find the collector number and set before comparing your card with recent sales of the same version.
Are Pikachu Pokémon cards valuable?
Some Pikachu cards can be highly collectible, while others are relatively inexpensive. The exact card, set, rarity, printing and condition determine its potential value.
Does damage affect Pokémon card value?
Yes. Creases, dents, scratches, edge wear and other damage can reduce the value of a Pokémon card. Condition is particularly important when comparing your card with recent sales.
Should I grade my Pokémon cards before selling them?
Not necessarily. Grading costs money and isn’t suitable for every card. Consider the card’s condition, ungraded value, grading costs and realistic graded selling prices before deciding.
Can I sell my whole Pokémon card collection at once?
Yes. Instead of listing each card individually, you can sell an entire Pokémon collection to another collector or a specialist Pokémon TCG buyer.
Where can I sell old Pokémon cards in the UK?
Pokémon cards can be sold through marketplaces, privately to collectors or directly to specialist Pokémon TCG retailers. Clifford TCG buys Pokémon card collections from sellers across the UK.
Does Clifford TCG buy Pokémon cards?
Yes. Clifford TCG buys Pokémon card collections in the UK, including vintage and modern cards, singles, graded cards and sealed Pokémon TCG products. You can contact us through our Sell to Us page.