Pokémon, or “pocket monsters,” is a media franchise that spans video games, animation, and trading cards. Launched in 1996, it has become the highest-grossing media franchise in the world, surpassing franchises such as the MCU, Star Wars, and Harry Potter in terms of total revenue generated. Although initially targeted at children, Pokémon cards have created a huge business for adults. Blake Martinez, an accomplished NFL linebacker quit the NFL to sell Pokémon cards and earned $11.5 million in less than a year.
In recent years, Pokémon cards have skyrocketed in value. Some are exceedingly rare and therefore insanely expensive, especially those in mint condition or better. The most expensive Pokémon card ever sold, a PSA 10 Illustrator Pikachu is valued at a cool $5.275 million dollars.
1999 Pokémon Base Set Shadowless 1st Edition Holo Venusaur #15 SGC 10
This auction item is a rare SGC Gem Mint Venusaur card. Venusaur is a dual-type Grass/Poison Pokémon introduced in Generation I. The first generation Pocket Monsters Red and Green Series) of Pokémon games, known among older fans as the color generation or the chromatic generation due to the names of the versions released, is the initial set of Pokémon games released.
This generation started with the Japanese games Pokémon Red and Green, later joined by Blue. Venusaur is the game mascot of Pokémon Green appearing on the game's box art.
A similar 1999 Pokemon CGC 10 Gem Mint Venusaur card sold for $6,000 on eBay on August 7th. As of Friday, August 18th, the current bid for this item is $1,575.
1999 Pokémon Base Set Shadowless Holo Alakazam #1 PSA 10
Like the Venusaur, the Alakazam Pokémon is also a first-generation Pokémon. There haven't been any recent sales of a PSA 10, but several PSA 9.0s have sold in recent months.
One PSA 9.0 sold for $1,225 on May 25th on eBay and another sold on eBay for $1,501 on June 24th. Most recently, a PSA 9.0 sold for nearly $2,000 on August 7th. As of Friday, August 18th, the current bid for this 10.0 copy is $1,425.
2000 Pokémon Neo Genesis 1st Edition Holo Lugia #9 BGS 9 MINT
The Lugia is a second-generation flying Pokémon. We have a pretty clear idea of this card's current market value since several identical copies (BGC 9.0s) have sold in recent weeks.
One BGS 9.0 sold on eBay for $1,995 on August 8th, another 9.0 sold on eBay for $1,999 on August 5th, and yet another 9.0 sold for $2,175 on July 30th (after 37 bids). As of Friday, August 18th, the current bid for this 9.0 copy is $1,275. Right now, that is looking like a really good deal.
Did any other Pokémon cards in PWCC's weekly auction catch your attention? Please let our community know what your opinion is in the comments section below!
