Discover the value of gold Pokémon cards in our full guide. Learn about rarity, condition, demand, and authenticity factors that determine their worth. Find out where to buy and sell gold Pokémon cards and how to ensure that you get a genuine gold Pokémon card.
If you grew up in the late 90s, you probably remember the hype around Pokémon and the thrill of collecting Pokémon cards. If you were lucky, you might have even owned a shiny gold Pokémon card.
But did you know that a gold Pokémon card may be worth real money today? Yep, you read that right! In this article, we'll help you understand the real value of your gold Pokémon card and how to assess its worth in today's market.
The Origin of Pokémon and Pokémon Cards
Pokémon, short for “Pocket Monsters,” is a popular franchise that originated in Japan in 1996. It was created by Satoshi Tajiri, who got the concept from his childhood experiences. Young Satoshi caught and studied bugs, which would later give him the most significant idea for the game we play and enjoy today.
The Pokémon game involves capturing, training, and battling creatures called Pokémons. The objective of the game is to become the best Pokémon trainer by defeating other trainers and catching all 151 original Pokémon species.
In addition to the video games, Pokémon is also known for its collectible trading cards. The first Pokémon cards were released in Japan in 1996. The cards featured illustrations of Pokémon characters and their stats. In the Pokémon Trading Card Game (PTCG), two players who assume the role of Pokémon trainers use their Pokémon cards to battle each other.
Are The Gold Pokémon Cards Worth Money?
Gold Pokémon cards are worth a significant amount of money. These cards were often released as limited editions, making them rare and highly sought-after by collectors. However, the value of your card will depend on several factors like:
- Condition
- Rarity
- Demand
Are The Gold Plated Pokémon Cards Worth Any Money?
Nintendo partnered with Burger King to release the first-ever gold-plated Pokémon cards in 1999. The cards were released to promote the launch of the Pokémon animated movie, “Pokémon: The First Movie – Mewtwo Strikes.”
The cards, which are coated with a layer of 23-karat gold, came with meals at Burger King in 1999. The cards released were six in total, and they included:
- Charizard
- Jigglypuff
- Pikachu
- Poliwhirl
- Mewtwo
- Togepi
Today, the gold-plated Pokémon cards are worth money, though not as much as the real gold Pokémon cards. These cards were produced in large numbers, and this often contributes to their low value. The gold-plated Pokémon cards go for $20 – $50 on auction sites such as eBay.
The 24K Gold Pokémon Cards
Apart from the 1999 Burger King gold-plated Pokémon Cards, the other famous gold-plated Pokémon cards are the 24-karat gold Pokémon cards. The cards were released in 2016 to celebrate the Pokémon TCG's 20th anniversary. The cards were produced by a Japanese jeweler known as Ginza Tanaka.
How Much Are Gold Pokémon Cards Worth?
The gold Pokémon cards are considered rare and valuable, and their value has increased over time. The limited production of these cards and the fact that they are no longer being produced has contributed to their rarity and value.
However, it's important to note that the value of gold Pokémon cards fluctuates over time, and not all gold Pokémon cards are worth the same amount. Here are some valuable gold Pokémon cards:
- Umbreon Gold Holo: An Umbreon Pokémon card was auctioned for $70,000 in 2020.
- Gold Star Espeon and Umbreon Series 5: These cards were sold for $20,000 at auction in 2020.
- Rayquaza Gold Star Holo Ex Deoxys: This card was sold for $45,100 in 2020.
- 24K Ginza Tanaka Gold Pokémon Card: This card was going for $2000 in 2016 when it was released.
You can purchase gold Pokémon cards on legit marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, and Etsy.
How to Determine the Value of Gold Pokémon Cards
To determine the value of a gold Pokémon card, there are several factors to consider. Some key factors to keep in mind are:
Authenticity
The first thing you should do is to determine the authenticity of your gold Pokémon cards. Due to their popularity and demand, many people are producing and selling fake Pokémon cards.
However, you can avoid getting scammed by learning how to differentiate a real gold Pokémon card from a fake one. Here is how to do it:
- Check the back of your card. If it has varying shades of dark and light blue, it's real. However, if it only has one shade of light blue, the card is fake.
- Check out the edges of your card, and if they are rough, your card could be fake.
- If you have a real card, compare it to your other cards. If you notice that the font does not match, the card is definitely fake.
Rarity
The rarity of your gold Pokémon card will determine its value. Normally, cards that are very rare have the highest value. To find out if your card is rare, check out the small symbol at the bottom right corner of your gold Pokémon card.
Here is what each symbol stands for:
- Circle: Indicates that your card is common. This card is not worth much.
- Diamond: Indicates that your card is uncommon. Just like the common card, the uncommon card is also not worth much.
- Star: Indicates that your card is rare. These cards are very expensive.
- Star H or 3 Stars: Indicates that the card is extra rare. These cards are very valuable.
Grading
The grading of your gold Pokémon card will determine how much it's worth. Professional grading services such as PSA and BGS evaluate the condition of the card and assign grades. The cards with the highest grades are worth more compared to those with low grades.
To Sum Up
A gold Pokémon card can be a valuable addition to your collection. If you are considering selling or buying a gold Pokémon card, the above guide will help you determine its worth. Additionally, it is essential to research current market prices and work with reputable dealers or auction houses to avoid being scammed.
