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You’ve seen the hype.

You’ve seen people making money.

You’ve seen the potential.

So you’re asking the question…

Should I Invest in Pokemon Cards?!

In this article I’m going to try and help answer this question for you.

We’re going to look at the current state of the Pokemon card market, and just how much opportunity there really is.

*Big disclaimer*

It goes without saying, this is not investment advice! I’m merely sharing my opinion. You are responsible for how you spend your money!

But first, let’s start a bit broader to fully understand what’s been going on…

Analysing The Collectibles Market from a Sellers Perspective

The “modern collectibles market” (as I like to call it) has seen quite a rise over the past few years. 

In my opinion, I think people have become more savvy to the fact that:

  1. You won’t become financially free by simply ‘saving’
  2. It’s possible to make a living doing something you actually enjoy
  3. People will pay big bucks for a hit of nostalgia
  4. Generation Y value games, toys and figures over art, stamps and coins
  5. Mental health and happiness is more valuable than anything

Combined with global platforms like eBay, Amazon and Etsy, there’s now an outlet for people to pursue their passion and make a business out of it too

And I think it’s important to highlight the bigger picture here, because Pokemon Cards are just one slice of this collectibles pie. 

So if you’re thinking about investing in Pokemon Cards because of all the media hype, but the franchise doesn’t really interest you, you may want to re-calibrate and analyse the other options available to you.  

For example:

  • Lego
  • Film Memorabilia
  • Sports Cards
  • Figurines
  • Toys

However, if you’re 100% set on investing in Pokemon Cards, here’s all you need to know…

Investing in Pokemon Cards – Advice for Beginners

I got back into Pokemon Cards in 2016, after the Pokemon Go craze hooked me in again. 

I loved collecting the cards as an 11 year old, and like many of us, I wish I would have kept them!

So, I decided to start purchasing vintage cards, booster packs and sealed boxes.

Nothing felt so nostalgic than to see those old cards again. Artworks I hadn’t seen in over 15 years. It was such a buzz!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Pokemon Card Collector (@cardcollector.co.uk)

 

So why are you telling me this Clive?!

Because if you did what I did, investing in Pokemon cards five years ago and turning a profit today is dead easy!

I was totally lucky that I just so happened to get back in at the right time, and also totally lucky that values went through the roof in 2020.

Investing in Pokemon Cards today is a lot harder. 

Doing it profitably is still very doable, but make no mistake, it’s much harder. 

In fact, there’s been quite a noticeable re-correction in the market from 2020 to where we are now.

Prices went mad, and now they’ve come back down a fair amount. 

And I don’t sit here writing like I’m some oracle who predicted it all!

I bought plenty of cards last year thinking Pokemon was going to the moon and never coming back down! Those cards have substantially decreased in value.

But of course, only if I sell 😉

Which leads me on to my next point…

What Kind of Pokemon Card Investor Are You?

I’m in it for the long-haul. 

On the one hand, it’s incredible to think the Pokemon franchise is 25 years old. 

On the other…

Pokemon is only 25 years old!

  • Lego was created in 1932
  • Hot Wheels was created in 1968
  • Star Wars was created in 1977

Pokemon is young!

As an investor you should at least be thinking of holding for 5 years. 

But for me, I’m holding on to my most prized possessions for at least another 25 years! 

Sure, I sell and trade certain items all the time, but it’s always with the mindset of reinvesting and upgrading my collection. 

Just like with stocks and shares, savvy investors hold, hold, hold. Then pull the trigger at the right time. 

And you’ll only ever understand when “the right time” is, but being involved in the hobby over the long term. 

What Pokemon Cards Are Worth Investing In?

So now your strategy as a Pokemon card investor is in place, what cards or products are you actually going to invest in…

Generally speaking, you want to be looking for the following:

  • Vintage cards (Both Japanese and English from 1995-2003)
  • 1st Edition Cards
  • Holographic Cards
  • Sealed Vintage Booster Boxes & Packs
  • Highly Graded Cards (by the likes of PSA or Beckett)
  • Highly Graded Cards with Low Populations (i.e. not many copies exist)
  • Cards of Popular Pokemon (Charizard, Pikachu, Lugia, Blastoise, Gengar etc)
  • Error Cards or Misprinted Cards
  • Graded Cards Signed by the Artist

Now just to be clear, I totally appreciate we’re going one mile wide, and one inch deep here. 

I also appreciate there are countless exceptions to what I’ve listed above – there are many modern cards that sell for hundreds if not thousands. 

The list above is more of a directional guide that links back to one core concept…

Rarity drives values.

And again, generally speaking, rarity is found in these categories above. 

So, in essence, to answer the core question of this article – should you invest in Pokemon Cards?

My answer is to invest in the right Pokemon cards.

You have to do your research. 

You have to learn this hobby.

And you have to understand what you’re spending your money on. 

  • How rare is the card?
  • How rare is it going to be in 5 years?
  • How rare is it going to be in 25 years?

These are the questions I constantly ask myself before opening my wallet, and hopefully, you will now too.

I do hope this article provided you with value, insight, and helpful advice to truly decide if investing in Pokemon cards is for you.