How much are my Pokémon cards worth?

Step 1: Identify the card

Two cards with the same Pokémon on them can be worth $1 and $1,000. You need the exact version.

• Card number. Bottom corner, like 4/102 or 199/165. A number higher than the set size means a secret rare.
• Set symbol. The small icon near the number tells you the set.
• Rarity mark. Circle is common, diamond is uncommon, star is rare.
• Special versions. Holo, reverse holo, full art, first edition stamp, promo stamp.

Card scanner apps can do this with your phone camera. They're fast for big piles. Double-check anything valuable by hand, because scanners mix up versions.

Step 2: Judge the condition

Condition moves the price a lot. Most cards from a childhood binder are Lightly to Moderately Played, not Near Mint. Check the back edges under bright light.

Step 3: Look up the real price

• eBay sold listings. Search the card, then filter by "Sold items." This shows what buyers actually paid.
• TCGplayer market price. Based on recent sales, and good for modern cards.
• Price tracking sites. Useful for price history and graded card values.

What makes a Pokémon card valuable

• Age and print run. Early sets, first edition stamps and shadowless cards.
• The Pokémon. Charizard, Pikachu, Mewtwo, Umbreon and other fan favorites carry a premium.
• Rarity. Secret rares, special illustration rares, trophy and promo cards.
• Condition and grade. A top grade can multiply the price. See card grading explained.
• Sealed product. Unopened boxes and packs from older sets can be worth far more than the cards inside.

Valuing a whole collection

Don't price every card. Sort first. Pull anything holo, full art, old, or sealed, and price those one by one. Most of a collection's value is usually in a small share of the cards. The rest sells as bulk by the thousand.

If you've inherited a collection, found old boxes, or have more than you can sort, an appraisal saves weeks and keeps you from selling a valuable card in a bulk lot.

Common questions

How do I find out what my Pokémon cards are worth?

Identify the exact card using its number and set symbol, judge its condition honestly, then check recent sold prices on eBay and the market price on TCGplayer. Use sold prices only, never asking prices.

Is there an app to scan Pokémon cards for value?

Yes. Several free apps identify a card from your phone camera and show a market price. They're great for sorting large piles quickly. Check valuable cards by hand, since scanners sometimes pick the wrong version.

Are old Pokémon cards worth money?

Some are worth a lot, and most are worth a little. Value depends on the specific card, whether it's first edition or holo, and above all its condition. Played common cards from the 1990s are usually worth very little.

Where can I get Pokémon cards appraised?

Local card shops will often look at a collection, and their offer reflects what they'd pay, not the full market value. For an independent view on a larger collection, ask for an appraisal from someone who isn't also the buyer.

Should I get my cards graded before selling?

Only cards that are valuable and in excellent condition. Grading costs money and takes time, and a low grade can be worth less than the fee. Our grading guide explains how to decide.