What was once our favorite childhood games have rapidly evolved (yes, this is a reference to Pokémon) to a high-value investment. You may have started going through your old boxes of basketball or baseball cards, your old card edition of Pokémon cards, Magic The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, Final Fantasy, and other trading cards. And this is because collectors are now using these cards as liquid investments, with some cards valuing in excess of thousands of dollars at auctions.
For instance, a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle card was sold recently at over $12 million, a record in 2022. Also, a Pikachu Illustrator card in its original condition sold for $5,275,000. These sorts of sales have also helped boost demand, and the allure of such celebrities and online videos revealing such sales entice more and more people into becoming collectors and investors.
This transition from mere casual collecting to a market has made it more valuable to learn how to preserve these priceless treasures.
Let’s discuss how you can protect your collection in this emerging trading card market.
What Makes a Card Valuable?
While rarity plays a crucial role, several other factors come into play, including:
1. Condition
Condition is credited to be one of the most important things in card value. New and unopened packs that aren’t worn can impact the value.
2. Rarity of the Card or Card Edition
Whether it’s a numeric, alphabetic, or pictographic printing, a card with fewer numbers, initial prints, promotional prints is likely to be more valuable. Some card series contain ultra-rare sports cards or other rare cards, which any ultimate card collector or customer is willing to spend to get their hands on (thinking of a rare Holo Charizard?). Sometimes, a card may become rare if it has the sign of the player or the artist themselves.
3. Popularity of the Character or Player
A card with an image of a very famous football player or character that a lot of people love will have more value. For example, the initial cards released with famous sports players such as Michael Jordan or Tom Brady are valued way higher than the cards of comparatively unknown athletes.
4. Historical Significance
Others build value with the period in which they were produced. This may include cards of a team during a championship winning season or a certain event considered legendary in line with the release of the card.
5. Grading
Cards that have been professionally graded by companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) can hold a higher price. You can also search for its value online, but these services evaluate the physical status of the card and give it a ranking or a grade depending on how valuable the graded card is.
How to Preserve Your Trading Card Collection
Now that we know what gives value to cards, we have to learn how to keep them safe through trading card display cases and more. There are several display solutions for card collectors, one of them being modern boxing trading cards, wall-mounted display solutions for trading, eva foam, among others.
Some cards for instance, once graded, are encased in graded slabs—tamper-proof, hard plastic cases that not only certify their condition but also provide extra protection against wear, further preserving their value over time. You can then showcase your slabs with style.
Regardless of whether you are an occasional or a professional buyer who dreams of becoming a millionaire at any given moment, you do not have to search far to retain your collection’s value if you review and follow these steps.
1. Storage Solutions: Protecting Your Cards from Damage through Card Cases and Card Display Vaults
Introducing display vaults and cases! Storage and card cases are among the easiest methods through which the condition of your cards may be preserved. Here are a few of them:
- Penny Sleeves: You can start with thin plastic sleeves that can lightly prevent scratching or wear and tear. Do not forget to choose sleeves that are both acid and PVC free as the chemicals can end up affecting the card in the long run.
- Top Loaders and Card Savers: You can take the additional step of putting the card in a semi-rigid or rigid top loader. These clear plastic cases are not easily bent or easily damaged and perfect for valuable cards that create more protection.
- Binders with Card Pages: For very large collections, it is suggested that they are placed in a binder that has protective pages. Select pages that are acid-free and intended for card use to minimize any potential harm. This also enables you to monitor your collection without having to grab or touch through all of them daily.
- Vaulted Card Display: For those seeking a stylish and safe way to display your most valuable cards, consider checking out Vaulted Card Displays. These high-quality cases not only showcase your cards but also keep them protected from dust, light, and damage. You can even find display vault card editions that make it easier and safer for you to travel with your collection, or a display vault air card edition as a lightweight and ultimate wall-mounted display solution.
2. Keep in a Climate-Controlled Trading Card Display Vault and Environment
There are many display solutions for trading card collectors, but be aware of your display location because certain temperatures and humidity can be very destructive to your cards. You can’t just put them anywhere. An ideal environment would be cool dry places for added security and protection. High humidity makes the cards warp and grow mold, while heat can also cause them to bend or break. You may also observe the following:
- Dehumidifier of your storage area will also assist in controlling moisture.
- Store your cards at a constant temperature – as close to 65°F – 70°F as possible. Do not place them in the attics, basements or garages because the environment always has changing temperatures.
3. Avoid Frequent Handling and Keep in Your Trading Display Vault or Card Case
Your cards or graded slabs should not be handled often as oils on your skin might wear them out in the long run. Wash hands each time you have to touch cards or wear gloves when handling any card so you don’t worry about ruining its condition. It is better to go as far as avoiding direct contact by storing the cards in sleeves or cases.
4. Showcase Your Slabs with Style after Grading Your Cards for Added Value
If you buy vintage trading cards that are worth some big money, sending them to any of the grading companies for review– such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), Beckett, CGC (card grading scale), or SGC (Specific Grading Scale) – is more money well spent. You can then explore showcasing your slabs with style and confidence and amaze anyone who wants to admire your collection.
5. Insurance for High-Value Card Collections
In the case that your trading card has value, you may need to consider having it insured. The insurance of valuable items is available with most insurance companies having special policies for covering your collection against theft, fire, water damage, etc. Do not forget to take a photo of your collection and keep track of specific values of each card.
Conclusion
Experts have predicted the trading card market to expand further as collectors pour more into their investments, especially as more upload original content about trading cards in the world of YouTube and Instagram to spread the trading card gospel. There are even NFT cards that have slowly become more popular.No matter whether you are into collecting these cards as a hobby or to make money out of it, the most important thing is to ensure that the value of your collection increases over time. So sleeve up, store appropriately, and turn your hobby into a high-value collection!