Pokemon Snap Starter Cards Set New Auction Records at Over $70,000 Each
In a recent auction, extremely rare Pokemon Snap TCG variants of the series’ original starter cards shattered previous records by selling for over $70,000 apiece. These highly sought-after cards, featuring Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur, were graded by PSA, with ratings of 7, 8, and a near-perfect 9, respectively.
The auctions were conducted via Goldin, a well-known platform for trading sports cards and memorabilia. Despite the significant “buyer’s premium” charge of 22%, the winning bids for these cards were impressive: $65,000 for Charmander, $60,000 for Squirtle, and $66,000 for Bulbasaur.
What makes these cards particularly valuable is their extreme rarity. They can be traced back to a Japanese Pokemon Snap photo contest held decades ago. Winners of the contest had their pictures, taken using the Nintendo 64 Pokemon photography sim, turned into actual trading cards. Only a limited number of these cards were produced, ranging from 15 to 20 depending on the contest batch, which explains their scarcity.
Interestingly, these Pokemon Snap starter cards had not been auctioned since the surge in popularity of the Pokemon TCG a few years ago. With the recent boom in the hobby, fueled by fan demand, extravagant auction prices, and celebrity collectors, the prices of various cards, including the Pokemon Snap variants, have been on the rise.
Goldin’s reputation for hosting high-end auctions, where rare sports cards often sell for six-figure amounts, attracted significant bids for these highly valued Pokemon Snap cards. The combination of rarity, high grading, and the allure of the Pokemon brand contributed to the astronomical prices achieved in this auction.
While these record-breaking sales highlight the tremendous value placed on rare Pokemon cards, they also serve as a reminder of the ever-growing interest and passion for collecting these nostalgic and iconic pieces of pop culture.
FAQ:
Q: How much did the rare Pokemon Snap TCG variants sell for in the recent auction?
A: The rare Pokemon Snap TCG variants sold for over $70,000 each.
Q: Which starter Pokemon cards were featured in the auction?
A: The auction featured Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur cards.
Q: How were the cards graded?
A: The cards were graded by PSA, with ratings of 7, 8, and a near-perfect 9.
Q: Where were the auctions conducted?
A: The auctions were conducted via Goldin, a platform for trading sports cards and memorabilia.
Q: What contributes to the high value of these cards?
A: The extreme rarity of these cards, their association with a Pokemon Snap photo contest, the high grading, and the allure of the Pokemon brand contribute to their high value.
Q: Why have the prices of Pokemon cards been on the rise?
A: The recent boom in the hobby, fueled by fan demand, extravagant auction prices, and celebrity collectors, has led to the rise in prices of various Pokemon cards.
Definitions:
– TCG: Stands for Trading Card Game. It refers to a genre of card games where players collect and trade cards to strategize and compete against each other.
– PSA: Stands for Professional Sports Authenticator. It is a company that grades and authenticates collectible items, including trading cards.
Suggested Related Links:
– Goldin Auctions
– Pokemon Official Website