How to Value Your Pokémon Cards – Complete Guide
Understanding what your Pokémon cards are worth is the first step to selling them for a profit. Here, we'll walk you through exactly how to check value, identify rare cards, and how condition affects price.
1. Identify the card
To find out which card you have, check:
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Short code (e.g. 4/102)
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Set symbol (Base Set, Jungle, EX, etc.)
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Languages (English, Japanese, Swedish, etc.)
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Rarity symbol
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Circle: Common
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Diamond: Uncommon
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Star: Rare
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Star + "H" or special gloss: Holo or Ultra Rare
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2. Check condition
The condition of the card affects its value more than most people think:
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Near Mint (NM): Near mint condition, no obvious flaws
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Lightly Played (LP): Minor marks or white edges
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Moderately Played (MP): Visible use but still collectible
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Heavily Played (HP): Lots of damage, reduced value
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Damaged (D): Scratches, folded corners, discoloration – low valuation
💡 Tip: Avoid overestimating the condition – collectors are very picky!
3. Use the right valuation tools
There are several reliable sites to check the current market value:
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eBay – Sold Listings (filter on sold items)
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Cardmarket (EU market, good for European prices)
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TCGPlayer (mostly for English and American markets)
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Pokémon Price (especially for PSA-rated cards)
4. Compare with graded cards
Graded cards often sell for 2x–10x more than ungraded ones – depending on the grade and demand.
Want to learn how to grade cards? Read our complete grading guide .
5. Avoid common pitfalls
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Always check for reprints – a Base Set Charizard from 1999 is not the same as one from 2021.
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Beware of fake cards – unsure? Read our guide on spotting fake Pokémon cards
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Also check what similar cards have sold for – not what people are asking for right now.
6. Summary
Valuing Pokémon cards requires precision. With proper identification, condition assessment, and price checking, you can get a realistic picture of a card's value - whether you're looking to sell or just smartly build your collection.
Next step? Learn how to sell Pokémon cards for a profit – perfect for those who want to make a business out of their collection!
