# How to Research Pokémon Card Values?

Ever pull a card from a pack and wonder about its value? Whether you're hoping to score big with a rare find or just curious if that shiny card holds any worth, determining Pokémon card values can feel like solving a puzzle. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools and strategies available to help. From online marketplaces to specialized price guides, there’s no shortage of information, though it can sometimes be tricky to navigate. Here's how to sift through the data and accurately assess what your cards are truly worth.&#x20;

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### 1) **Resources for Valuing Cards**

Let’s start with the basics. Where do you even go to check card values? There are a few go-to places that collectors swear by, but it’s always a good idea to cross-reference to get the full picture.

[**Phygitals**](https://www.phygitals.io/)

* **Why It’s Useful**: If you’re on Phygitals, you’ll have access to their Pokémon database , which gives you real-time data on card values based on recent sales from multiple channels like eBay, TCGPlayer, and auction houses. This feature makes it easy to track the current market trends without hopping from site to site, eliminating complications and inaccurate pricing,
* **Pro Tip**: Use the detailed breakdown of recent sales to see what cards are trending. This data is updated in real-time, so you’re always working with the most up-to-date prices available, whether you’re looking at [**graded cards** ](../../glossary/pokemon-wiki-glossary#graded-card)or ungraded ones.

[**eBay**](https://www.ebay.com/) **Sold Listings**

* **Why It’s Useful**: When people want to see what buyers are _actually_ paying for cards, the old reliable eBay is one of the first stops. The “sold listings” feature lets you see recent transactions for specific cards, so you can get a sense of what yours might sell for in the real world.
* **Pro Tip**: Make sure to filter by sold listings (not just active listings) and compare cards in similar condition to yours. If you’re looking at mint-condition sales but your card has some wear, don’t expect the same prices.

[**TCGPlayer**](https://www.tcgplayer.com/?utm_campaign=21359221641\&utm_source=google\&utm_medium=cpc\&utm_content=701774183950\&utm_term=tcgplayer\&adgroupid=163367195036\&gad_source=1\&gclid=CjwKCAjwl6-3BhBWEiwApN6_kuNozKBQhLWhiFKwu7G6b2m7vsXUSaHNJrdF6rFLXtY8BfxHLmwLGxoCetIQAvD_BwE)

* **Why It’s Useful**: For anyone who’s deep into the world of trading card games, TCGPlayer is a solid resource. Not only does it offer current market prices, but it also breaks down pricing based on condition (Near Mint, Lightly Played, etc.), which helps if your card isn’t in pristine shape.
* **Pro Tip**: Use the price history feature on TCGPlayer to see whether a card's value has been trending up or down. It’s helpful if you’re trying to figure out the best time to buy or sell.

**Other Price Guides**

* [**Pokémon Price**](https://www.pokemonprice.com/): For graded cards, Pokémon Price is a solid go-to. It collects data from eBay and other sources to give you a snapshot of what graded cards have sold for.

The key here is to reference multiple pricing resources. If one site says your card is worth $100 but another says $50, you’ll need more data to figure out where the truth lies.

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### 2) **Tracking Sales Trends**

Card prices don’t stay the same forever. Whether it’s a [**reprint**](../../glossary/pokemon-wiki-glossary#reprint), a new expansion, or just a spike in demand for a certain Pokémon, values can shift. Here’s how to keep up with those changes.

**Phygitals Sales Tracking**

* **What It Shows**: Phygitals' database tracks sales data from multiple platforms and provides real-time updates on how card values are changing. This omni-channel approach means you’re getting a broader picture of what’s happening in the market.
* **Why It Matters**: The database is perfect for spotting trends because it pulls in data from everywhere, so you’re not just seeing what’s happening on one platform. If a card is suddenly in demand across multiple sites, it will show you that spike.

[**TCGPlayer** ](https://www.tcgplayer.com/?utm_campaign=21359221641\&utm_source=google\&utm_medium=cpc\&utm_content=701774183950\&utm_term=tcgplayer\&adgroupid=163367195036\&gad_source=1\&gclid=CjwKCAjwl6-3BhBWEiwApN6_kuNozKBQhLWhiFKwu7G6b2m7vsXUSaHNJrdF6rFLXtY8BfxHLmwLGxoCetIQAvD_BwE)**Sales History**

* **What It Shows**: TCGPlayer’s sales history feature is a great way to see how a card’s value has changed over time. It gives you a graph that shows price trends, so you can figure out if the card you’re eyeing is going up, down, or staying steady.
* **Why It Matters**: If you see a card’s value steadily rising, it might be worth holding onto for a bit longer. But if the price is dropping fast, you might want to sell while you can still get a good deal.

[**eBay**](https://www.ebay.com/) **Market Insights**

* **What It Shows**: Keeping an eye on eBay auctions can give you a sense of which cards are hot right now. If you notice a card suddenly selling for way more than it did last month, something’s driving demand.
* **Why It Matters**: Watching eBay regularly will give you a good feel for market trends. Plus, you can save specific searches to get notified when a new listing goes live for the card you’re tracking.

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### 3) **Understanding Market Influences**

Prices can be all over the place, and sometimes it’s not just because of rarity. Here are a few things that can influence the value of Pokémon cards:

**New Set Releases**

* Whenever a new set drops, the values of certain older cards can shift. Maybe new cards make older ones more playable, or they outshine what came before. Either way, it’s something to keep in mind when tracking card values.

**Reprints**

* A reprint of a card can make it easier to find, which usually drives the price down. If you hear rumors of a reprint of a popular card, keep an eye on the market, it could mean a value drop for the original.

**Pop Culture Influences**

* Believe it or not, card prices sometimes spike because of pop culture. If a famous YouTuber pulls a rare card or a movie features a particular Pokémon, prices for that card can skyrocket seemingly overnight.

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Once you’ve got a handle on researching card values, the next step is keeping your cards in top condition to maintain their worth. Whether you’re planning to sell or just want to protect your investment, preserving your cards is key. Let’s take a look at some practical ways to protect and store your Pokémon cards to ensure they hold their value over time.
