THE world’s best Pokémon trainer is selling an extremely rare card which could sell for £250,000, making it one of the most expensive ever.
The 'No.2 Trainer Card' is a unique item from the world-famous series, based on the Japanese comics.
Owned currently by Pokémon 'Top Trainer' Tord Reklev, from Norway, the card will be sold at auction by Baldwins' Auctioneers on Saturday.
The auction has a top end estimate of up to £250,000 – which would make the card one of the most expensive of all time.
In 1998, an illustrated 'Pikachu Illustrator card' was sold for £4.9m – the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold.
In a world first, the card features Tord Reklev's name which is emblazoned across the top of the slab describing the card.
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It is accompanied by a much-coveted 10/10 grade, denoting its perfect condition.
PSA, the leading global TCG grading and authentication specialists, were approached by trading card experts at Baldwin's alongside Tord earlier this year to facilitate the sale.
Roy Raftery, from Baldwin's TCG team, said: "It's been an incredible experience to work with one of the world's greatest players achieving recognition in this way."
Tord's journey in Pokémon TCG has spanned 17 years, accumulating trophies in virtually every competition he could enter.
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His innovative deck choices and analytical approach to the game have made him a respected international figure within the Pokémon TCG community, and he has also contributed valuable content to help others improve their gameplay.
To further this cause, he is also offering four lucky fans to meet him in battle at Baldwin's Auction House in central London, the day before the auction.
Tord said: "I have loved working with the Baldwin's TCG team, I have known Tom for 10 years and both he and Roy made this experience with PSA extremely easy.
"I'm really looking forward to meeting up with them and the fans!"
Earlier this month, a Pokemon Neo Discovery Set containing a whopping 60 packs that were released in 2000 was sold for more than £10,000.
Meanwhile a grandad who nearly threw out his Pokemon cards is now hoping they'll fetch £20,000.
While in August, a first-edition Shining Charizard card, which was kept in mint condition, was bagged by a collector for £3,000.
Spin-off Pokémon trading cards became popular amongst 90s school kids following the show's success.
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More than 52.9 billion cards have since been sold worldwide.
Pokemon Go went viral in 2016 when the mobile phone app let fans find characters in public.
How to make money from your Pokemon cards
THE Sun asked collectables expert Tracy Martin for her best tips. Here's what she said:
- Collect your holographic cards first: They're the most value and there are three different types: some cards have just the Pokemon image holographic, there are some where the edges are holos, while some cards are holos as a whole.
- Sit on the cards for a while: It could be worth just holding on to the cards for ten years to (hopefully) see them increase in value.
- Keep them in mint condition: You can buy Pokemon books with sleeves that you can keep them in, so they don't get damaged.
- Get them PSA rated: The Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) grades cards and verifies their authenticity, but you have to pay for its service. The PSA is an American organisation, but you can also get cards graded using services in the UK such as Ludkins Collectables. Just make sure to double-check the prices in advance so you're not spending more than your card might be worth.
If you want to sell your cards:
- Find out how much your card is worth to a collector by checking the same or similar Pokemon cards under "sold listings" on eBay.
- Compare your Pokemon card to other higher selling auctions and ask yourself if it’s in a similar condition.
- Look at things such as conditions, release date and whether or not it is still in its original packaging.
- If it’s in mint condition then it might be worth selling it through an auction house or directly to a collectables website. If it’s not, it’s probably worth sticking it on eBay for a moderate sum.
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