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.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Dark Magician Girl

Yu-Gi-Oh!, the popular TCG and anime, has appealed to players of all ages across the globe. One of the more popular cards and characters, Dark Magician Girl, is one of the most worthwhile cards in the game. This example of Dark Magician Girl is from the Magician's Force set and is a "secret rare" card.

Ungraded examples of this card have a median price of $244.99, while graded examples go for a bit more. This is not the first edition, but it is still a good card to have.

Pokemon Ditto

Ditto is one of the coolest Pokemon in both the TCG and the anime! Ditto can turn themself into any other Pokemon, and copy all of said Pokemon's moves and powers. However, some Ditto are unable to change their eyes and mouth, giving themselves away as a Ditto. This is also noted as a rare card, but does it command rare card money?

The current market price on ungraded copies is $42.40. This PSA Mint 9 could potentially go for more. Heritage previously sold a PSA Mint 9 Ditto in June 2021 for $168, tho similarly graded cards from other companies have gone for less since then.

Pokemon Charmander

Charmander, the starter Pokemon who eventually evolves into the mighty Charizard, is an adorable fire-type Pokemon. Charmander was one of the first Pokemon introduced in the TCG, the video game, and in episode 11 of the anime. Charmander is a loyal Pokemon -- to a fault -- and with the right trainer, he can turn into one of the most powerful Pokemon!

While this isn't a rare card, it's still an important one for those looking to have a complete deck. The median cost for ungraded cards is $1.28, while graded cards can go for more. This CGC Mint 9 is a beautiful example. Heritage has sold similar cards before, with the most recent sale ending at $159 in November 2022.

Pokemon Squirtle

Another starter Pokemon, Squirtle, is a water-type Pokemon that eventually evolves into Blastoise. Much like Charmander, Squirtle was one of the first Pokemon introduced in the TCG, video game, and in episode one of the anime. In fact, Squirtle was the Pokemon Ash had initially wanted as his starter Pokemon. Unfortunately, he was unable to pick Squirtle as another new trainer got him just minutes before. Episode 12 is when Squirtle officially joined Ash's team.

While this card isn't rare, it is important for collectors. Ungraded cards tend to sell for less than $2, but graded copies can go for more. This CGC Mint 9 is a wonderful example. Heritage sold a similarly graded card in August 2022 for $154.

Do you play and collect TCG? Tell us about some of your favorite games in the comments below! Good luck and happy bidding.

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