How much is my Pokémon card worth? Check it in 5 steps

You find an old binder full of cards, or you pull a shiny card from a booster. Then you want to know: is it worth anything?

Step 1: read the name, number and rarity

At the bottom of every card is a number, for example 025/198. The first number is the card's place in the set, the second is the number of cards in that set. Next to the number you'll find the set symbol and the rarity symbol: a circle is common, a diamond uncommon, a star rare. With name, number and set you can find the exact card later. Not sure what everything means? Read How to read a Pokémon card.

Step 2: identify the version

The same Pokémon often comes in several versions, and their prices differ a lot. Look for:

Holo or reverse holo: does the artwork itself shine, or the rest of the card? Explained in Reverse holo cards explained.
Full art and special illustrations: the artwork covers the whole card.
Language: a Japanese and an English version each have their own price. See Japanese vs English Pokémon cards.
First edition: older cards sometimes carry a small "Edition 1" stamp to the left below the artwork.

Step 3: judge the condition

A card without scratches is worth more than the same card with white edges. Cardmarket uses this scale, from best to worst: Mint, Near Mint, Excellent, Good, Light Played, Played and Poor. Look at your card in good light, front and back. Check the corners, the edges, scratches on the surface and whether the artwork is well centred. Be strict: most cards from a binder are not Mint.

Step 4: look up the price on Cardmarket

Cardmarket is the largest marketplace for Pokémon cards in Europe. Search your card by name and pick the right set and number. Then set the filters for language and condition, so you only see offers that match your card. Look at the price trend and the lowest prices of comparable offers. The highest asking price says little: that's what someone hopes to get, not what people pay.

Step 5: scan apps are handy, but not the final word

Some apps recognise a card through your camera and show a price straight away. Handy for going through a stack quickly. Always check whether the app recognised the right set, version and language. A reverse holo scanned as a regular card gets the wrong price. And an app doesn't judge the condition of your card.

Is it worth getting your card graded?

With grading, a specialised company assesses the condition of your card and seals it in a hard case with a grade. That costs money and time, so it mainly pays off for cards that are already worth a lot and are in excellent condition. Read all about the process in Card grading basics.

Store valuable cards properly right away

Found a card with value? Put it in a penny sleeve first and then in a toploader, or keep it in a magnetic One-Touch holder. That way its condition, and so its value, stays intact. More tips in How to keep your Pokémon cards valuable.

FAQ

How do I know if my Pokémon card is real? Compare the font, colour, shine and thickness with a card you know is genuine. All checks are in How to spot fake Pokémon cards.

Are old Pokémon cards always worth a lot? No. Age alone says little. Version, rarity and condition set the price.

Where do I sell my card? Cardmarket reaches the most buyers in Europe. You do pay a commission on every sale.

In this article