While the phenomenon Pokémon JCC Pocket continues to grow, many trainers are taking pleasure in collecting the famous cards again. The craze for the latest expansion, Surging Sparkshas not gone unnoticed so much so that it is already difficult to find certain products in stores and on the internet. Same observation for the next set Prismatic Evolutionsalready a victim of its success even before its launch scheduled for next January. So, perhaps you are one of those fans who took advantage of the end-of-year holidays to reconnect with Pokémon cards. If you’ve opened some awesome cards but aren’t sure how to assess their value, here’s a quick guide to identifying your rarest finds.
Start with the symbol at the bottom of the card
The first tip is the most obvious but also the simplest. Each Pokémon card sports a symbol in the lower left corner, indicating its rarity. Since going to the block Ecarlate et Violetthe classification of cards has become more complex. While the black symbols designate common, uncommon, rare (the holographic cards) and double rare (the ex-classic cards), it is the gold symbols which represent the most exceptional cards.
A pink star corresponds to HIGH-TECH cards, very important for TCG players. One gold star denotes a rare illustration, two gold stars correspond to a rare special illustration (the alternate design of the ex cards in the set) and three gold stars indicate a hyper rare card (the gold variants of Pokémon and items). Cards with one or two gold stars are the most sought after by collectors today. These are difficult to find but also feature particularly elaborate and therefore popular illustrations. However, these cards are not always overpriced: it all depends on the popularity of the Pokémon or the illustration in question.
Search for cards on the right platform
Beginners will have the reflex to look for their card on eBay, but it is better to avoid. Prices are not always representative and can vary too easily from one seller to another. Collectors and seasoned players will tend to refer you to Cardmarket. This peer-to-peer card resale platform lists numerous TCGs – including Pokémon – and offers a more direct look at the current market. The site allows you to search for any card and see the copies for sale in different languages.
So simply check the French flag in the search parameters to discover the French flag on your card. Also remember to take into account its condition. Even out of the booster, a card will generally fall into the category “Near Mint” (hear “like new“), la classification “Mint” being often reserved for graded or guaranteed defect-free cards.
Cards remain a hobby and not speculation
During 2020, the Pokémon craze launched by American influencers opening booster packs by the thousands ended up making the cards inaccessible for more than a year. Once the general public was informed of the value of certain cards, scalpers did not fail to snap up Pokémon products in an attempt to make a fortune on speculation. When you see the value of a Charizard from the base set today, it’s hard not to be tempted. But it is important to remember that Pokémon should be a hobby and not an alternative stock market.
Focusing on opening booster packs for the simple purpose of finding an ultra rare card to resell for a profit is not only unhealthy, but also dangerous. Pokémon is not intended to be a gambling game, especially for young people. As you learn to appreciate less rare cards, complete workbooks for each set, and delve into the rules of the game, you soon discover that these cards are much more exciting when you don’t give them a simple monetary value. So, even if everyone is free to live this passion as they see fit, be careful not to get carried away. Come on now: get your boosters!
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