How Much is a Complete Base Set of Pokémon Cards Worth?

All four print runs happened in the span of two years and your childhood collection probably included cards from all prints. The price of each print descends from the order they were printed. For example, if you’re looking to buy the cheapest print, that would be 4. 1999-2000. The most expensive print is the 1st edition.

Of course, eBay has complete Base sets that are a mix of all four prints. This kind of listing would be best for an expert to purchase, as they could look through the photos, pick out the more/less valuable cards, and determine a value.

The first print (first editions) will cost 4X as much as the unlimited printing, and this is because of scarcity. The 1st edition print run is intended to entice collectors and be more valuable, so they only print a limited amount.

Where to safely purchase a complete Base set

Online

The quickest and best place to purchase a complete Base set is eBay. Simply type in something like, “Complete Pokémon Base set 102/102” and see the results. Be prepared for a big purchase, and probably $50 in shipping (cards are heavy!).

When it comes to trading cards, the condition is the biggest factor in value. Avoid any listings that do not provide photos containing every single card from the set. It’s important to zoom in and look for any scratches, whitening, creases, or dents in the cards.  

Local

We recommend eBay often, but you can also try local options like Facebook Marketplace. These days, people know that Pokémon cards are valuable, so you’re unlikely to find a crazy deal. However, the ability to go see the cards in person and not pay shipping is a huge advantage. 

You can also try trading card conventions, local hobby or card shops, local Facebook Groups, thrift stores, garage sales, antique shops, and more. Pokémon cards are everywhere, but you’ll have to put in the work to find a good complete set or sale.

If you already own a complete Base set

Is it smarter to hold or sell?

Back in 1999 or perhaps the early 2000s, you were eager enough to complete the Base Set of Pokémon cards. It didn’t cost you (or maybe your parents) too much, but it would cost a small fortune today to complete. 

So do you sell it now for a long-awaited profit, or continue to hold in hopes of another boom in the market? 

We recently published an entire ebook on selling vintage Pokémon cards for maximum profit. It goes into meticulous detail all about vintage cards and how to identify hidden gems.

As always, it depends. 

Obviously, if you need the money, you’ll lean toward selling. And that’s ok, they’re just cards. But choosing to hold onto them can lead to a larger profit. 

The value of Base Set cards had seen a slow but steady growth up until 2016 when the incredibly popular mobile game Pokémon Go was released.

This was the first big increase in the card market. A few years later, a popular YouTuber named Logan Paul single-handedly created another jump in the market by opening Base Set booster packs before a large audience. This is when card values began to go sky-high. 

Then the pandemic happened, and prices sky-rocketed. 

So if you managed to hold your Base Set master set until now, congrats. You saw a 500%+ increase in value over the last few years. But it’s important to remember that up until 2016, they still weren’t worth very much. It took 17 years for prices to spike. 

If you decide to hold, you’ll see slow growth as long as there isn’t another spike in the market. 

Where to sell your set

You have two paths to consider: local or online. 

Local options include local card shops, Facebook marketplace, and word of mouth. 

Online options include eBay. 

If you want to make the biggest profit, eBay. If you want to sell fast, eBay. You get the idea. The reason eBay is so lucrative for card selling is that it is already the largest second-hand market for Pokémon cards. You can try other sites like tcgplayer or trollandtoad, but you’ll get the most eyes from eBay. 

How to store them if you decide to hold 

If you decide to hold onto your set, good for you. It’s a long-term investment! But you’ll have to store them correctly, to avoid any potential damage or loss to the overall value. We have a full card storage guide here.

At the very least, you should protect your cards with sleeves.

There are three main factors to consider when storing your cards. Moisture, sunlight, and kids/pets. 

• Moisture- Make sure to keep your cards in a cool dry area. Water will obviously destroy the cards, but humid climates and moisture can be a threat as well. When a card absorbs moisture from the air, it can warp. Warping doesn’t always hurt the value of a card, but no collector wants to see their cards warped.
• Sunlight- This one shouldn’t really be an issue if you have your cards in a binder or box or keep them in a closet. UV rays can suck the color of a card, seriously hurting the value of the card. Be sure to keep them out of sunlight. 
• Kids/pets- This is pretty obvious. No one wants to come home to find their $1,000+ Base set ripped up or damaged from their dog. Keep them up high, or have a talk with your kids about them. 

Conclusion 

A complete Base set is nothing to scoff at. Even if it’s the cheapest print, and in rough shape, it’s an awesome piece for any collector. If it’s from your childhood, the nostalgia is palpable and the smell brings back memories. 

But they’re worth a lot of money now! So if you’re looking to buy a set, check eBay and look at the photos closely. If you’re lucky enough to have the set already, eBay is the best place to sell or hold onto them for a growing investment.