How to sell Pokémon cards in the UK
A shoebox of old Pokémon cards can be mostly bulk worth pennies, with a few cards worth far more. Sorting them properly is how you find out which is which.
Find the valuable cards
Each card has a set symbol and card number (for example 4/102) printed near the bottom. Together with the name, that identifies it exactly. Things that often make a card worth more:
- Rarity: holographic cards, secret rares (card numbers higher than the set total, like 105/102), full art and special illustration cards.
- First edition stamps and early print runs from the original sets.
- Popular Pokémon, like Charizard and the other fan favourites.
- Condition, which can make a bigger difference than anything else.
Check the condition
Card buyers use condition terms: Near Mint (NM), Lightly Played (LP), Moderately Played (MP), Heavily Played (HP) and Damaged. Look at the card under a bright light for:
- Whitening on the edges and corners of the back.
- Scratches on the holo or the surface.
- How well centred the picture is within the border.
- Creases, bends or dents, which bring the value down a lot.
Should you get cards graded?
Professional grading companies inspect a card, give it a grade out of 10 and seal it in a case. A high grade can multiply the value of a rare card, but grading costs money and takes time, so it only makes sense for valuable cards in excellent condition. Check the sold prices for that card graded and ungraded before deciding.
Singles, lots and bulk
- Sell valuable cards individually, each with clear photos of the front and back.
- Group mid-value cards into lots by set or by type ("20 holo cards from Sword & Shield").
- Sell common cards as bulk by quantity ("500 Pokémon cards, commons and uncommons").
Pricing
Search the exact card name, set and number on eBay and tick Sold items, matching the condition (and grade, if graded). Card price guides online also track recent sales. Prices move with trends and new releases, so price from recent sales.
Posting cards safely
Put each valuable card in a soft penny sleeve, then a rigid toploader, and post it in a stiff card mailer so it can't bend. Use tracked, signed-for postage for valuable cards, and keep proof of postage. Photograph the card before you pack it.
Snap the card, get the listing
Photograph the card front and back, and Snappy writes the title with the name, set and number, the description and a suggested price for eBay or Vinted.
Try Snappy free → 3 free listings · no card neededFAQ
Check the card name, set symbol and card number, then search eBay sold listings in the same condition. Holos, secret rares, first editions and popular Pokémon in good condition are worth the most.
Only for valuable cards in excellent condition. Compare sold prices for the card graded and ungraded before paying for grading.
eBay for valuable singles and graded cards, and Vinted or Facebook Marketplace for lots and bulk.
In a penny sleeve inside a rigid toploader, in a stiff mailer, with tracked postage for valuable cards.