Unveiling the Treasure Trove: Rare Pokémon Cards Soar to Record Prices
Do you have a collection of Pokémon cards gathering dust in a forgotten corner? It might be time to dust them off and take a closer look. These seemingly simple pieces of cardboard could be worth a fortune.
A prime example is the recent sale of a pristine “Illustrator” Pikachu card from 1998. This highly sought-after card, graded 7/10 for its condition, fetched an astonishing $900,000 at an auction hosted by Goldin Auctions. This amazing sum translates to over 800,000 euros, making it the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold.
This record-breaking sale highlights the surging popularity of Pokémon card collecting. With only 40 copies of the “Illustrator” Pikachu card ever printed, its rarity and past significance contributed to its astronomical price.
Interestingly, the card’s initial auction price was set at a comparatively modest $75,000, demonstrating the intense bidding war that ensued.
This trend of soaring prices is expected to continue. As the Pokémon franchise celebrates its 26th anniversary, nostalgia and a growing collector base are driving demand for rare cards. eBay reported a staggering 574% increase in Pokémon card sales between 2019 and 2020,solidifying its position as the leading collectible card category,surpassing even basketball and baseball cards.
The previous record for a Pokémon card sale was held by another “Illustrator” Pikachu card, which sold for $375,000 in 2019. This recent sale shatters that record, indicating the potential for even higher prices in the future.
