Since their introduction in Japan three decades ago, Pokémon trading cards have surged in popularity worldwide, remaining highly sought after today, with some enthusiasts willing to pay over $1,000 for a single card.
The enduring popularity of the Pokémon phenomenon was on full display on Sunday at the London Pokémon & TCG Show held at Centennial Hall in downtown London, Ontario, where hundreds of fans and collectors convened to buy, sell, trade, or simply explore the extensive collection of cards available.
According to Kaya Springall, proprietor of OneLife Collectibles, one of the exhibitors at the event, the Pokémon trend continues to expand.
“We all loved it as kids,” he remarked. “Now that we’ve grown older, the younger generation has also become enamored with it, bringing many parents and older individuals back into the fold.”
Kaya Springall is the owner of OneLife Collectibles, a vendor present at the London Pokémon & TCG Show. (Jack Sutton/CBC)
Malinah Casey represents one of those emerging collectors. Although she has been a fan of the Pokémon franchise since childhood, it was only this past February that she discovered the world of card collecting.
Her collection began with an $80 card purchased during a Pokémon gathering, and it has since expanded to three binders filled with cards.
“I feel like my collection has significantly grown since I just started this year,” she stated.
Malinah Casey began her journey of collecting Pokémon cards in February and already possesses three binders of cards. (Jack Sutton/CBC)
In addition to the enjoyment and nostalgia, the potential for profit also attracts individuals to card collecting, according to Springall.
At his booth, card prices varied from $5 to $1,000, influenced by factors such as the popularity of the Pokémon character, the age of the card, and the artist behind its design.
“Ultimately, everything sells to the right buyer,” he explained. “You might have a Pokémon that isn’t widely liked, but there’s always that one person who finds it appealing and is willing to pay any price for it.”
By midday, Springall had already sold a card for $600, and with more time left in the day, he remained optimistic about potential larger sales.
Kaya Springall reported that the highest-priced card he sold by midday Sunday was $600. (Jack Sutton/CBC)
For those uncertain about their cards’ value or seeking a second opinion, attendees had the opportunity to have their card conditions evaluated, providing insight into their potential worth.
Greg Bennett was available at a table equipped with specialized tools, including a microscope and a magnifying glass.
While he did not offer a formal grading service, which typically involves sending cards for professional evaluation and encapsulation in plastic, he was able to provide insight into what that grading might entail.
“Many kids enjoy this kind of feedback,” he noted.
Greg Bennett was on hand Sunday with specialized tools to assess Pokémon card conditions. (Jack Sutton/CBC)
He added that it is often children who bring the most valuable cards.
“I think that’s what I enjoy about this,” he shared. “I may not own many valuable cards, but it’s not unusual for a child to walk up and place a $400 card on the table.”
For anyone who still has their vintage Pokémon collection untouched at home and missed Sunday’s event, there are regular shows, with additional events scheduled next month in Woodstock, Kitchener-Waterloo, and another in London.
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