Preserving Card Value
Last updated
Last updated
So, you’ve got some valuable Pokémon cards in your collection. Whether it’s a rare Charizard, a shiny legendary, or a first-edition classic. Now, the big question is: how do you make sure they stay in great condition? Preserving the value of your Pokémon cards is crucial, especially if you’re thinking of selling them later or just want them to hold their worth over time. Let’s dive into the best ways to protect and store your cards, because, as any collector knows, condition is everything.
How you store your cards can make or break their value. Even a tiny crease or a bit of moisture can quickly turn a $300 card into a $10 card. Here are the essentials for keeping your cards in mint condition:
Penny Sleeves
What They Are: Thin, transparent plastic sleeves that protect cards from fingerprints, dust, and minor scuffs.
Why You Need Them: Penny sleeves are an absolute must for every card. They’re cheap, easy to find, and the first line of defense against damage. Pop your card into a penny sleeve as soon as you pull it from a pack or receive it.
Toploaders
What They Are: Sturdy, hard plastic cases that give cards extra protection from bending or getting creased.
Why You Need Them: Once your card is in a penny sleeve, you can add a toploader for even more protection. These are essential for cards you plan to sell or send for grading because they keep the card flat and safe.
Binders
What They Are: Binders with side-loading pockets or top-loading pages where you can store multiple cards in an organized fashion.
Why You Need Them: If you want to store a lot of cards but still protect them, binders are a great option. Make sure to use binders specifically designed for trading cards, and avoid ones with rings that could crush the edges of your cards over time.
Card Savers
What They Are: Semi-rigid plastic holders used by collectors when sending cards for grading or long-term storage.
Why You Need Them: Card Savers are preferred when shipping cards to grading companies because they provide sturdy protection but aren’t as rigid as toploaders, which can sometimes shift the card during shipping.
No matter how careful you are, certain factors can still harm your cards if you’re not paying attention. Here are some of the biggest threats to your collection and how to avoid them:
Moisture and Humidity
The Problem: Humidity can warp cards, and any exposure to water can ruin them altogether. Even slight moisture in the air can cause cards to bend over time.
How to Avoid It: Keep your cards in a dry, cool place. Consider using silica gel packs (those little packets that come in electronics or shoes) in your storage containers to absorb excess moisture.
Sunlight
The Problem: Direct sunlight can cause cards to fade, making their colors dull and less vibrant. This can lower the value of even the rarest cards.
How to Avoid It: Always store your cards away from windows or anywhere they’ll be exposed to sunlight. If you display your cards, make sure they’re not in direct sunlight or consider using UV-resistant glass in your frames.
Handling
The Problem: Even a little mishandling like touching the surface of the card can lead to fingerprints, oil stains, or minor scratches. Over time, this wears down the condition.
How to Avoid It: Always handle your cards by the edges and consider wearing gloves (seriously!) if you’re dealing with really high-value cards. When showing them to someone, keep them in their sleeves.
If you’re serious about collecting and ever plan on selling/trading your card, you might want to think about long-term storage. This is especially important for rare cards or complete sets that you want to keep in top condition.
Vaulting Services
Why You Need Them: If you’ve got high-value cards or just don’t have the right conditions at home to store them safely, vaulting services are a solid option. They also offer additional perks, like real-time market value tracking and protection from the risks that come with home storage. Plus, with phygtials, you can digitally show off your collection with proven ownership and instant redemption.
Safe or Lockbox at Home
What It Is: If you prefer to keep your cards close but still want a high level of security, consider investing in a fireproof safe or lockbox.
Why You Need It: A good lockbox will protect your cards from accidents (like fire or water damage) and keep them secure from theft. While not as robust as a professional vault, it’s a great middle-ground option for serious collectors.
Once you’ve gone through the effort of getting your cards graded, you’ll want to ensure they stay in pristine condition, especially if they come back with a high grade. Here’s how to care for them:
Graded Card Cases
What They Are: Hard plastic cases that come with your card when it’s graded. These cases are tamper-proof and keep the card secure while displaying its grade.
Why You Need Them: Your graded cards come in their own protective case, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Consider storing them in additional cases (like acrylic slabs) to further protect them from scratches or accidental drops.
Display Stands
What They Are: Small stands or cases that allow you to display your graded cards safely.
Why You Need Them: If you want to showcase your cards, using display stands is the safest way to do it. These are designed to hold the card securely while keeping it protected from damage. Just make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight!
Protecting your cards is one thing, but if you really want to maximize their value, card grading is where things get serious. Grading adds an extra level of authenticity and can significantly impact the worth of your cards. In the next section, we’ll explore why card grading matters and how it can boost the value of your collection.
