Collecting trading cards has been a time-honored tradition for generations. From baseball cards to Pokemon cards, there’s a trading card for every kind of fan! Trading card games focus on the gaming aspect of certain trading cards — such as the previously mentioned Pokemon, as well as the widely popular Magic: The Gathering.

Pokemon Ancient Mew Promo Card

Pokemon was at an all-time popularity high in the late 90s and early 2000s. The video games and trading cards were on most kids' want lists. There were events held at local malls where you could take photos with characters or that infamous Pikachu Volkswagon. In 1999 Pokemon - Mewtwo Strikes Back hit theaters, shortly followed by Pokemon 2000. Kids of all ages were excited about the second Pokemon movie. To really sweeten the deal, certain movie theaters would give out Ancient Mew Pokemon cards.

This card was unlike any Pokemon card we had seen before as it featured ancient rune text, a special card back, and a very unique design. The card really added to the mystery and appeal of Mew.

This universal label CGC Pristine 10 is one of the best examples I've seen of this card. CGC has graded 29 other cards that earned the Pristine 10 grade, with only three grading higher. In July 2022 Heritage sold a similar card for $660 -- in comparison, the market price for an ungraded card is $30.98.

Pokemon Pikachu #4 Black Star Promo

Pikachu might not have been one of the original starter Pokemon when the video games came out, but the yellow electric rodent quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the most beloved Pokemon of all time, as well as becoming the face of the Pokemon brand. Fans can find Pikachu on almost everything from toys to cars, as well as over 100 different, unique Pokemon cards. Pokemon also does a number of promotional cards which are designated as Black Star promo cards.

This Black Star Pikachu was a promotional item for the first Pokemon movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back. There were several promo cards in this series, which also included Mewtwo, Electrabuzz, and Dragonite. These cards can be used in regular play, and have become a fun collector's item for Pokemon fans. This universal grade CGC 9.5 Gem Mint presents exceptionally well. Heritage has auctioned off similar cards in the past, with the most recent sale ending at $630 for a PSA Gem Mint 10 card. By comparison, the market price on ungraded cards is $8.65.

Pokemon Unlimited Base Set Sealed Booster Pack

The original Pokemon base set is one of the most popular sets in the Pokemon fandom. The set gave us some truly legendary cards, including the infamous Charizard. Each one of these packs contained 11 cards, which could include any of the original 150 Pokemon. These sealed packs come up to auction fairly regularly, but don't let that fool you. These packs almost always command top dollar.

In September 2021, Heritage sold a lot of three sealed Unlimited Base Set booster packs for $1,740. In January 2021, a lot of three sealed and graded Unlimited Base Set booster packs sold for $2,640. This booster pack could end at over $300 -- Heritage also has two other Unlimited Base Set booster packs up for auction as well (if you wanted to take a gamble on all three sets).

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.