Do you have some old Pokemon cards lying around? How to turn it into cash fast

Pokemon cards are one of the most valuable gaming collectibles out there, with the most expensive trading card based on the hit Nintendo and Game Freak series managing to sell for millions of pounds. This was a Pikachu Illustrator card that YouTuber-turned-boxer-turned-WWE wrestler Logan Paul bought for a whopping $5.275 million. This card fetched such an amazing price given that it is so rare, only 39 were made and there is only one in existence that has a Grade 10 Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) rating, which is the one Paul bought.

However, you don’t need to have a unique card like this stored in the back of a closet or in your attic to earn quick cash.

With thousands of cards released since Pokémon trading cards first became available in 1996, and such a huge fanbase, you just might have a card out there that someone is willing to pay big bucks for.

If you’re a newbie and don’t know where to start, eBay’s Trading Card Games Category Manager Kevin Aloë can help.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, the trading card expert, who will be at MCM Comic Con in London this week on the eBay booth throughout the event, offered some pro advice for anyone looking to start selling Pokemon trading cards.

The first thing you’ll want to consider, as Aloë explained, is figuring out how rare a card is. The key to understanding this is being able to read crucial details on a Pokémon card.

Aloë said the things to keep in mind are…

Time and setting: The first editions are the most sought after. Your cards will tell you at the bottom right what year the card is from, the year 1999 being particularly sought after. You will also see a small symbol that represents which set it is from. If you have cards from 1999 in particular, look up the games. ‘Base Set’ is the most desirable. Especially if you see a first edition stamp to the left of the Illustration, that’s perfect.

Rarity: At the bottom of the card, you will see a circle, diamond, or star. A circle means that it is a common card, it is generally much less valuable since it is much more common to find. Diamonds are rare cards that are more valuable. What you want to prioritize are the cards with a star symbol, these are the rare cards.

Fan Favorite Pokémon: They tend to have more value because they attract a lot of people, particularly Charizards, Blastoise, Pikachu, Venosaur. This one is a little harder to appreciate, and you’ll learn more as you go.

Special treatment: In general, cards with special effects or treatments tend to be rarer and more valuable, and are easier to spot. Holo/Foil cards that are reflective (holographic) stand out. Cards with Full Art, that is, where the art occupies the entire space of the cards, are also immediately recognizable and desirable.

Once you’ve figured out which card you have, take a look on eBay to see how much they’ve sold for in the past. You will then want to create a listing that gives the buyer as much information as possible so they can really see the value of the card.

Aloë advises: “From there, I recommend doing your own research and searching for that specific card on eBay. You should search for the exact same card and compare it to other cards in the same condition. Filter by items sold on our eBay website and you’ll get an idea of ​​how much the card is sold on average.

“Top tip: Putting it up for auction also allows buyers to collectively set their bid price. That would be my recommendation. It’s best to set the lowest possible starting price to get some momentum. I don’t recommend starting high at auction .

“Alternatively, if you prefer to define a specific price, which is particularly relevant for newer sets where there may be even less demand, I would recommend that you base it on the selling price of similar items.

“You need to help your buyers find your listings, address their concerns, and help them see the full value of your offer.”

When it comes to creating a list, you’ll want to put these things on it…

– The Pokémon’s name, the card reference # within the set, the set, the year, and any special treatment on the card.

– Include condition i.e. Charizard 4/102 Base Set 1999 Holo Excellent (guide in condition). If it’s from the 1999-2000 era, you’ll notice that the cards refer to Wizards of The Coast as the manufacturer. If that’s the case, include WOTC in your title.

– Do not use commas or hyphens.

– If you have space left you can include ‘Pokémon Card’.

– All this information is written on the card.

– For photos, start with a clear photo of your card and the back of the card. The buyer must be able to see the card clearly and not be in any doubt as to its status. If there is a defect, show it and call it. Post photos of corners and edges that are important to the condition of the item.

Aloe also advises just having fun with the journey of learning more about Pokémon trading cards and selling them!

The eBay trading card expert spoke to Express.co.uk ahead of MCM Comic Con, which takes place in London from October 28-30.

Aloë will be on the eBay booth throughout the event, along with some of eBay’s biggest sellers in the gaming and card trading space.

These top sellers will be at Comic Con showcasing their card collections and passing on their knowledge and tips for buying, selling and trading cards with the community.

The world’s leading auction site will also bring its wide range of special edition trading cards, rare trading cards on display for fans to view, along with artwork at the eBay booth that has been specially created by the renowned NFT artist Vexx.

Those heading to the ExCeL center in London will also have the opportunity to create their own trading card as part of the interactive experience, complete with AR photo booths and the option to personalize the cards and take home a digital and physical copy of the card. unique souvenir item