Pokemon cards as collectibles have risen in popularity in recent years. With this the values of some of these cards have risen to some amazing heights. Due to this when your out collecting your favourite cards it is extremely important that you ensure you protect your pokemon cards to help maintain their conditions.
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How Does Condition Affect Value?
The value of a card is directly proportional to its condition: the closer it is to Gem Mint (GM) or perfect condition, the higher its potential value.
Factors considered when determining a card’s condition include scratching, denting, staining, and centering, among others.
Simply put you as a collector will want to protect your cards as well as your can in order to retain its value or its aesthetics.
Basic Handling Tips
Before you even start organizing your collection, here are some fundamental tips for handling your Pokémon cards:
- Cleanliness: Always wash your hands before handling your cards to prevent staining. For extra protection, consider using cotton gloves.
- Caution while opening packs: If you’re ripping open packs with your hands, beware of bending or denting the cards’ corners. If you’re using scissors, be careful not to snip off the top of your cards.
- Avoid food and drinks: Keep food or beverages away from your card area to prevent accidental spills.
Follows these tips when handling your cards will help you protect your pokemon cards.
Card Sleeves
Card sleeves are incredibly widespread and almost mandatory for card collectors. Card sleeves are extremely budget friendly and you can get a pack of 100 sleeves for rather cheap.
I personally use Ultra Pro card sleeves and can vouch for them but any brand that is PVC free should be fine. This is important as PVC will slowly discolor your cards, which would be a disaster.
Top Loaders
Top loaders function similarly to card sleeves however they serve as a rigid plastic sleeve and help protect your pokemon cards even more. This however does mean they come at a slightly higher cost than soft card sleeves.
Typically card collectors will pair top loaders together with card sleeves to further ensure card protection.
My recommendation is to only use your top loaders on the cards you really value. Whether it’s due to the high value or simply because you treasure it.
Alternatively you don’t have to use top loaders at all. You can simply use card sleeves in combination with binders if that is what your prefer and typically that’s enough to ensure the safety of your cards.
Binders
Binders offer the advantage of allowing you to see your collection all at once, rather than having to flip through individual top loaders.
Moreover, binders are a great choice if you like to collect master sets, as they allow you to organize your cards like in the official set order. This makes for a convenient display and an easy way to spot any missing cards in your collection.
Different types of binder pages are available, with the most common being the 9-pocket page.
Storage
Once you’ve sleeved, loaded, or binder-ed your cards, you’ll need to put them somewhere. Always choose a dry and cool location, as moisture and heat can cause damage over time.
Remember, part of the joy of collecting Pokémon cards is maintaining their condition. With these tips, your treasured collection will remain safe, allowing you to enjoy them for years to come.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, protecting your Pokémon cards is an essential step in maintaining their value and aesthetics for the future.
From basic handling tips to more advanced protection methods like card sleeves or top loaders, there are a variety of options for you to choose to help protect your collection.
Remember, it’s not just about the financial value. These cards often carry sentimental value too, representing cherished memories or personal milestones. So no matter whether you’re a casual collector or a serious enthusiast, taking the time to properly protect your Pokémon cards is worth it.
In the end, it’s about finding what works best for you and your collection. Every collector is unique, and the way you choose to protect and display your cards should reflect that. So take these tips, apply them in a way that fits your needs, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your Pokémon cards are safe and well-protected.
