First-edition Pokémon cards are some of the most valuable pop culture collectables in the world, and a complete set that just sold in an auction is proof. A listing on auction house Goldin Auctions of 103 first-edition cards from 1999, which comprises the full original run, was sold in mint condition for $107,010. The collection included the coveted Charizard card, which has fetched upwards of $20,000 in past sales.
"Each card has been graded GEM MT 10 by PSA," the listing reads, denoting that the set was "virtually perfect" in its condition. Bidding started at $25,000, closing after 12 bids. Each of the cards has a small black circular stamp to prove it was part of the original 1999 release. Goldin added that Pokémon cards are well on their way to becoming just as valuable as sports cards.
"Goldin Auctions is proud to present a second complete PSA GEM MT 10 conditioned set of these desirable non-sports cards at auction," the description added. "While the cards have rounded corners, they are still very difficult to attain in GEM MINT condition. In fact, many cards have population counts below fifty in the aforementioned condition. Demand for this set in high-grade continues to grow. For example: the key card in the set - #4 Charizard - represents a vibrant progression that saw a recent example sell for nearly three times the $8,800 sale price in November 2016."
This isn't the first time a highly coveted set of Pokémon cards has sold for such a high sum, as Goldin previously sold a set for just under $100,000 back in 2017. Since then, demand for first-edition sets, specifically in high-grade condition, has continued to increase. Time to dig out that shiny Charizard if you've got it.
