Collectors Methods
1) Set Collectors
For many collectors, their purpose of buying/trading cards is to complete certain sets. This means acquiring every card from a particular expansion, including commons, uncommons, rares, and sometimes reverse holos and secret rare cards. It’s a popular approach to collecting that gives collectors a clear and straightforward goal to work toward.
What They Collect: Every card from a particular set, from Base Set to modern expansions like Evolving Skies or Champion’s Path. Collectors may present their completed sets in seperated binders.
Why It’s Popular: Set completion is rewarding because it’s structured, and you can track progress easily. For those who love a challenge, collecting every card in a set, especially the harder-to-find chase cards, feels like an accomplishment.
Tips for Set Collectors: Many set collectors use platforms like Phygitals to track which cards they’re missing and trade with other collectors to complete their sets. Phygitals is currently the only card tracking platform that verifies ownership, making it an ideal place to showcase your set progress and view stats from other collectors.
Cost Considerations: The cost for completing a set can vary significantly. Some earlier sets, such as the 1st Edition Base Set, can cost thousands of dollars just to acquire all the cards. For collectors looking for a different yet equally daunting challenge, focusing on collecting every card featuring their favorite Pokémon can sometimes be a more favourable goal.
2) Favorite Pokémon Collectors
Another popular way to collect is to focus solely on your favorite Pokémon. Whether it’s going after every Pikachu card ever printed (of which there are over 300 variations) or focusing on a less common Pokémon like Lapras, which has around 50 different variations, this approach allows you to explore your chosen Pokémon in depth. It also lets you enjoy the variety of artwork and card types that have been released over the years. Depending on your chosen Pokémon, this could be a huge endeavour or a much more manageable goal.
What They Collect: Cards featuring a single Pokémon, allowing collectors to see the evolution of artwork and card styles over time. On Phygitals, users can track what percentage of cards they have for their chosen Pokémon using their database, making it easier to monitor progress, spot missing cards, and stay motivated.
Why It’s Popular: It’s personal! There’s something special about collecting your favorite Pokémon. It’s not just about the cards, but the connection you feel to that particular character. Focusing on one Pokémon also gives you the chance to uncover rare and often overlooked versions from different sets and eras, adding an exciting layer of discovery to your collection.
Tips for Favorite Pokémon Collectors: Keep an eye out for rare variations like shiny versions, promo cards, or regional exclusives to make your collection stand out. With some Pokémon like Pikachu, this can be a significant task, but for others like Lapras, with fewer printings, it’s a much more achievable goal.
3) Generational Collectors
Some collectors choose to focus on an entire generation of Pokémon, such as only collecting cards from Generation 1 (Kanto) or Generation 3 (Hoenn). This approach is often driven by nostalgia. Collectors might focus on the generation they grew up with or the one they feel most connected to.
What They Collect: Cards from a specific generation, such as all Pokémon from Generation 1 or all cards printed during the EX Series.
Why It’s Popular: Generational collecting taps into nostalgia, allowing collectors to relive their favorite eras of Pokémon. It also helps collectors focus their search on specific cards from a particular timeframe.
Tips for Generational Collectors: Narrowing your focus to one generation can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of cards out there. Start by identifying which sets fall within your chosen generation.
4) Evolution Line Collectors
Some collectors love the idea of collecting full evolution lines, such as gathering every card of Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, and Venusaur across different sets and rarities. For example, there are currently over 180 cards featuring the Charmander evolution line, spanning different sets and card types. Evolution line collecting allows you to focus on a specific group of Pokémon while also enjoying the progression and power development of those Pokémon across different cards.
What They Collect: All cards in a specific evolution line, such as every version of Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard.
Why It’s Popular: Evolution lines showcase how Pokémon evolve both in-game and through card designs. Plus, focusing on these lines allows collectors to explore how different sets depict the same Pokémon in new ways.
Tips for Evolution Line Collectors: Evolution line collectors should pay attention to promo cards and special variants, such as EX, GX, or VMAX forms of the final evolution, which can be harder to find.
5) Artist Collectors
Another unique way to collect Pokémon cards is by focusing on the artists behind the card illustrations. Typically, each card features the name of the illustrator, and some collectors make it their mission to collect every card drawn by a specific artist. Notable artists like Mitsuhiro Arita, who illustrated many iconic early cards, or Ken Sugimori, whose art helped define the Pokémon aesthetic, have become popular choices for collectors due to their recognizable styles and significant contributions to the TCG.
What They Collect: Cards illustrated by a particular artist, regardless of the set or Pokémon featured.
Why It’s Popular: Collecting by artist allows collectors to appreciate the variety of styles that have brought the Pokémon TCG to life. It highlights the artistic evolution of the game and showcases how different illustrators interpret Pokémon in their own unique ways, making it a deeply personal and creative way to build a collection.
Tips for Artist Collectors: Depending on how challenging you want your collection to be, consider how long the artist has been working for the company. Newer artists will have smaller portfolios compared to those who have been illustrating cards for many years. For example, Mitsuhiro Arita has been designing cards since the very beginning of the Pokémon TCG and has illustrated over 500 cards. For more information on artists, head to Influencial Pokémon Artists.
6) Graded Card Collectors
Some collectors focus their efforts on building a collection of graded Pokémon cards, but with a twist—they may choose to only collect cards graded by a specific company, like PSA, or focus on cards with a specific grade, such as only Gem Mint 10 cards. This approach is all about consistency in both the quality of cards and the grading standards, making it a unique and sometimes challenging way to collect.
What They Collect: Cards graded by a specific grading company (e.g., PSA, Beckett, or CGC), or cards of a particular grade (e.g., only 10s). Some collectors may take it a step further and only collect (for examples) PSA 10's, which is both an impressive and often costly feat.
Why It’s Popular: Collecting cards from a single grading company or with a specific grade adds a level of uniformity to a collection. It gives a sense of quality control and showcases cards in the best possible condition. High-grade cards are also seen as more prestigious, making them attractive to collectors who value both aesthetics and investment potential.
Tips for Graded Card Collectors: This approach can get expensive quickly, especially if focusing on high grades like PSA 10 or collecting cards from sought-after sets. Additionally, not every card is available in a graded version, as it is often not worthwhile to grade common or low-value cards. Collectors should prioritize high-value or rare cards that are more likely to increase in worth over time when pursuing graded card collections.
7) Sealed Product Collectors
Another popular way to collect Pokémon cards is to focus on sealed products, such as booster boxes, elite trainer boxes (ETBs), and sealed theme decks. Instead of opening these products, collectors keep them intact, preserving them as they were originally packaged. The value of sealed products often increases over time, particularly if they are rare or from popular sets, making them highly sought after by both collectors and investors.
Why It’s Popular: Collecting sealed products allows collectors to preserve a piece of Pokémon TCG history. Unopened items carry a sense of mystery, and their value tends to appreciate over time, especially for older or rare sets. One notable example of this phenomenon is when YouTuber Logan Paul purchased a sealed 1st Edition Base Set booster box for $200,000 and livestreamed the unboxing, drawing huge attention to the value of these vintage sealed products. Sealed items are also popular for their nostalgic value, as they represent untouched versions of past sets.
Tips for Sealed Product Collectors: Keeping sealed products requires patience, as the true value often takes years to mature. It's important to store them in a safe, climate-controlled environment to prevent damage, such as humidity or sunlight that could diminish their value. Investing in protective cases for booster boxes or ETBs is also recommended to keep the packaging pristine.
8) Promo Card Collectors
What They Collect: Cards that were distributed as promotions, often outside of regular sets, such as event giveaways, product tie-ins, or exclusive rewards.
Why It’s Popular: Promo cards are limited and unique, making them exciting collectibles. They tend to have exclusive artwork or features that aren’t found in regular sets. For example, the Special Delivery Pikachu card was given to those who purchased Pokémon Center merchandise online, which created a lot of buzz among fans. Promo cards can hold both sentimental and monetary value, as they are directly tied to special moments in Pokémon history.
Tips for Promo Card Collectors: Promo cards can be tricky to track down since they’re often available only during specific events or in certain regions. Keep an eye out for upcoming promotions from official Pokémon partners, stores, or events. Some of the most memorable promo cards are linked to unique items or experiences, like the Ancient Mew card given to those who attended the Pokémon movie in theaters. These cards not only add value to a collection but also come with a special story that enhances their appeal.
Collecting graded vs ungraded cards
Value and Investment:
Graded Cards: Typically hold more value, especially when graded at Gem Mint 10. Graded cards are often seen as an investment and tend to appreciate over time.
Ungraded Cards: Generally less expensive, making them more accessible. Value can vary greatly depending on the condition, and they don’t have the same assurance of worth as graded cards.
Condition Assurance:
Graded Cards: Professionally assessed, graded, and sealed, which guarantees their condition. Collectors and buyers know exactly what they are getting, which helps maintain long-term value.
Ungraded Cards: Condition is subjective and requires the buyer's careful evaluation. Collectors have to judge the card themselves, which can lead to inconsistencies in determining value. For those looking to exclusively collect and never sell, the condition matters much less.
Collecting Flexibility:
Graded Cards: Once graded, cards are sealed in a tamper-proof case, which protects them but makes them bulky and less flexible to store or handle.
Ungraded Cards: Easier to store in binders or display as part of a collection. Collectors can handle the cards freely, making them more enjoyable for casual collectors.
Cost:
Graded Cards: Graded cards tend to be more expensive, especially those with high grades. The price reflects not just the card and condition itself but also the added value of its professional grading and assurance of quality.
Ungraded Cards: Ungraded cards are generally cheaper to acquire, as they don’t come with the added cost of being professionally graded. This makes them more affordable for collectors looking to build a large collection without focusing on perfect condition.
Rarity and Availability:
Graded Cards: Some cards are extremely rare in higher grades. Their population report can help collectors understand how difficult they are to find, making it a challenging and costly pursuit to complete a collection of high-grade cards.
Ungraded Cards: More common and easier to find across different conditions. Ideal for those who want to complete sets without needing to focus on perfect condition.
Resale and Market Appeal:
Graded Cards: Easier to sell due to the assurance of quality and the established market value tied to grades. Collectors and investors prefer graded cards for their reliability.
Ungraded Cards: Less predictable resale value, as the card’s condition is subject to interpretation. This makes ungraded cards better suited for those collecting for personal enjoyment rather than future profit.
In summary, collecting graded cards is more about investment, condition assurance, and long-term value, while ungraded cards offer flexibility, affordability, and a more tactile collecting experience. The choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize value and protection or accessibility and flexibility. Many collectors choose a blended approach that suits their individual priorities, collecting only carefully selected graded cards while collecting others ungraded for easier access and enjoyment.
After looking at the different ways collectors approach their Pokémon card collections, it's time to dive into one of the biggest challenges and rewards in collecting: completing sets. Whether you're aiming for a standard set or the ultimate master set, there’s something incredibly satisfying about filling in all the gaps. Let’s explore what it takes to complete sets and master sets in the Pokémon TCG world.
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