Money Magic: Forget the $2,000 Quarter — These Cards Are Worth Millions
Do you love playing with cards? We’re not talking about your traditional gambling games like Texas Hold ‘Em or Blackjack, but games from your childhood like Magic The Gathering, Pokémon or sports memorabilia. These trading card games (TCGs) produced some rare and valuable cards — and if you come across one, you could make some big-time money.
This summer, an extremely rare “Lord of the Rings” trading card — the only one of its kind — was discovered, leading to a bidding war that reached over a million dollars. In the end, only one man ruled above all the others and that was rapper Post Malone, who walked away with the card for a cool $2 million.
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“We are thrilled to hear tale of a new Ring-bearer in possession of the serialized 1:1 The One Ring! This journey is finished, but the adventure with #MTGxLOTR’s continues!” proclaimed a Magic: The Gathering tweet on June 30 from the company’s official account.
“The entire area of TCG is a microcosm of the broader gaming and collectibles industry, as there’s been substantial growth in recent years thanks to the advent of more sophisticated social channels [and] population reports, as well as a range of influencers that are putting a greater focus on this area,” said Brian Dwyer, president of Robert Edward Auctions.
“These aren’t just cards any longer; they are art,” added Liz Anderson, COO of The Otaku Box, a monthly subscription box service that provides collectible cards and other anime items. “Collectible cards are a great investment for hobbyists, so it’s not surprising that Post Malone realizes them as an investment opportunity.”
Just because Post Malone now is The One Ring’s master doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of other TCG collectibles out there that are extremely valuable. GOBankingRates went hunting for the gaming cards that are worth major bucks, sometimes even millions.
Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps No. 311 Card
Sold in 2022 for $5.2 million
“The world of sports cards has seen some extraordinary valuations, with many cards selling for millions,” said Harry Johns White, the marketing manager at NBAblast.com, pointing to the Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps No. 311 as the crown jewel.
“This iconic baseball card, featuring the New York Yankees legend, recently sold for $5.2 million, making it one of the most valuable sports cards ever,” White said.
As one of the most expensive collectibles ever sold, this Mantle No. 311 goes for $12.6 million if you can find one graded Mint+ 9.5.
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LeBron James 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Gold
Sold in 2021 for $5.2 million
If you come for the king, you had better not miss. That applies to LeBron James in every way — he’s often regarded as the best hooper to ever play the game, next to Michael Jordan. So it’s only fitting that off the court, Lebron’s 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Gold #23 rookie patch autograph (RPA) goes for the price that only a royal could afford.
It comes decked out with a specific serial number 23 and 3-color patch, making this one BGS 9 copy one of the highest valued basketball cards in the world.
Pokémon Pikachu Illustrator
Sold in 2022 for $5.28 million
For lots of collectors, this is the gold standard of Pokémon cards due to its rarity — there are only a few hundred left floating around the global market. What makes it so valuable? The card portrays Pikachu with an array of art tools, created by Atsuko Nishida, one of Pikachu’s original designers. The card was given out as a prize during a Japanese illustration competition in 1998, so there were limited amounts produced.
In 2022, YouTuber turned amateur fighter Logan Paul purchased the card and attached it to a chain that could be worn around his neck.
“Pokémon has seen its own resurgence among a whole new generation of collectors, as well as many who are rediscovering childhood passions,” explained Dwyer. “We actually have an unopened Japanese sealed booster box from 1996 that’s generating a ton of interest in our current auction because they’re so hard to find here in the U.S.”
Stephen Curry Rookie Card
Sold in 2021 for $5.9 million
Stephen Curry is one of the best basketball players to ever be in the game and has taken the Golden State Warriors to victory four times in the NBA Championship finals. So a player that’s clearly seen as highly valuable has to have a card to match his status.
“Most of [Curry’s] rookie cards have featured as the most expensive basketball cards, overtaking other legends like Michael Jordan,” explains Lucas Wyland, the founder of Steambase. “The Stephen Curry Rookie card in his Warriors jersey was released in 2009 with an authentic autograph. This card was sold in a private sale for a record $5,900,000 in July 2021.”
Honus Wagner T206 (1909-11)
Sold in 2022 for $7.25 million
When this card featuring the Pirate Hall of Famer — one of the original five to be inducted — first came on the scene, American Tobacco Company released a small amount into circulation. By all accounts, there were as many as 200 or as few as 25 Wagner T206s, making them rare finds and lots of money for anyone who comes across one.
The T206 set a record in 2021 by selling for an astonishing $6.6 million, then outdid itself the next year by going to one lucky buyer for $7.25 million. It continues to be regarded as one of the most expensive collectibles ever sold.
Final Take
With all these cards trading hands and making money time and again, could the buying and selling of these rare pieces of paper be a new form of economic currency?
“This sector of the hobby is only going to continue expanding, because it has such a global audience who are actively gaming and playing with these cards with every new release,” said Dwyer about the future of TCG sales. “With grading and data readily available to virtually all collectors, as well as a sustained spotlight on the hobby through social channels, interest in this area will only continue its upward trajectory.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Money Magic: Forget the $2,000 Quarter — These Cards Are Worth Millions
