Whether you found an old binder or you're cleaning out a big collection, the first question is always the same: what is this worth? Here is how to find out.
1. Identify the exact card
Two cards with the same name can be worth wildly different amounts. Check:
- Set and card number, usually printed at the bottom of the card
- Language, since English, Japanese, Korean and Chinese versions sell for different prices (see our language guide)
- Rarity and variant: holo, reverse holo, full art, alternate art, parallels, serial numbers
- Edition markings, such as 1st Edition stamps on older Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards
2. Look at sold prices, not asking prices
Anyone can list a card for any price. What matters is what cards actually sold for. Good places to look:
- eBay sold listings (filter by "Sold items")
- TCGplayer market prices for Pokémon, Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece and Lorcana
- PriceCharting for raw and graded sales history
- 130point for eBay sales, including best offers
- Card Ladder and similar tools for sports cards
Look at several recent sales and ignore outliers.
3. Be honest about condition
Raw cards are usually sold as Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Heavily Played or Damaged, and each step down cuts the price. Whitening on the back edges, scratches, creases and dents all matter. Graded cards sell by grade, and the difference between a 10 and a 9 can be huge. If you think a card might be worth grading, read Is my card worth grading?
4. Know what's bulk
Most commons and uncommons are bulk: worth a little in large quantities, not much one at a time. The value in most collections is concentrated in a small number of hits, older holos, graded cards and sealed product. Pull those out first.
5. What to expect when you sell
Any store that buys cards pays less than the sold price you see online, because it takes on the risk, the time and the cost of reselling. In exchange, you get paid on the spot with no fees, no shipping, no listing and no waiting. If you're comparing offers, compare what you'd actually take home after fees and shipping.
Get a free appraisal
The fastest way to know what you have: bring it to any Cards2Go store in Freehold, Paramus or Langhorne. No appointment needed. We buy everything, from one card to a full collection. See how selling works.
