Price guides
How Pokémon card condition affects value
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Condition can change what someone will pay for a Pokémon card, even when the set, number and artwork match. There’s no fixed percentage to knock off for wear. Start with recent sales of the same printing in a similar condition.
Check the card before the price
Look at the front and back in good light. Check the corners for whitening or bends, the edges for chips, and the surface for scratches, dents or creases. Tilt a foil card gently under the light so marks are easier to spot. Don’t bend it to test it.
For an online purchase, ask for clear photos of the actual card. A stock image tells you which card is for sale, but nothing about the copy you’ll receive. If a sleeve or glare hides an area, ask to see it clearly before paying.
What do NM, LP and MP mean?
TCGplayer uses five condition labels: Near Mint, Lightly Played, Moderately Played, Heavily Played and Damaged. Near Mint allows a few small flaws, so it doesn’t mean a perfect card. Its standards consider both the amount of wear and how severe it is.
Use the marketplace’s own condition guide when buying or selling there. A seller’s label is a starting point. Check the photos and description too, especially when two people disagree about a mark.
Compare the same version
Match the set, collector number, language and finish before comparing prices. Then look for sold copies with similar wear. A reverse holo, a different language or an alternate artwork can have a different market, even if the Pokémon’s name is the same.
Keep raw and professionally graded sales separate. A graded sale includes an assessment by a particular grading company. It doesn’t tell you what your ungraded copy would receive or sell for.
Use sold prices carefully
An asking price shows what a seller hopes to get. A completed sale gives you more useful context, but check its date, condition, postage and whether it was a single card or a bundle. One unusual sale is a shaky basis for your budget.
Holo Folder helps you keep track of the card you own or want and compare available price evidence. It doesn’t grade cards or check authenticity. Inspect the copy yourself and leave room in your budget for the condition you’re happy with.
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