A Derbyshire auctioneer’s plans to stage the UK’s biggest ever Pokémon sale got off to a flying start when a rare collection of vintage cards, expected to make £120-£180, sold for £2,965 (including buyer’s premium).
To mark the 30th-anniversary of the global phenomenon in 2026, Hansons Auctioneers is staging a one-off auction dedicated to the global phenomenon.
The sale will take place at its Derby HQ on Pokémon Day on February 27, the date which commemorates the release of the original red and green games in Japan in 1996.
According to experts, the Wizards of the Coast set which recently sold for almost £3,000, was ideally placed to attract cash-rich millennials keen to reconnect with their youth.
Hansons Auctioneers’ head of toys, David Wilson-Turner, said: “The set dated from 1998 to 2001 prime time for today’s burgeoning market which is fuelled by a global army of nostalgic fans.
“If you were a kid in the ‘90s kid, you will no doubt remember the amazing feeling of tearing into a Pokémon pack in the playground, trying to complete your Pokédex. Its memories like this that are causing the market to skyrocket. Pokémon cards sold for mere pounds just a few decades ago are worth thousands today.”
Now the auction house is calling on collectors and fans to search out hidden gems which could sell for an eye-watering sum in the upcoming sale.
David continued: “The franchise has captured hearts and minds of children and adults alike since 1996. And 30 years later Pokémon Day is expected to stir up the craze once again.
“If you have grown-up children in their 20s it might be worth checking their old bedrooms to make sure there aren’t any forgotten treasures from childhood tucked away in the wardrobe or under the bed. You never know, you just might be sitting on an auction windfall.”
As well as appealing to keen to reconnect with their youth, there’s a new generation of YouTubers who share videos of them unboxing Pokémon cards on the platform.
The most expensive Pokemon card ever sold was the Pikachu Illustrator card that was PSA grade 10, the highest achievable condition. It was snapped up by YouTuber Logan Paul for £3.8m in 2021.
After its launch, Pokémon soon evolved from a video game to an animated series and then a trading card game (TCG) with more than 9,000 unique cards in circulation.
As well as early TCG rarities, the auction house is hoping to unearth everything from sealed video games to nostalgic merchandise.
David said; “Pokémon cards, graded cards, sealed packs, sets and boxes are the things we’ve really got our eye on.”
Limited-edition toys, figures and merchandise from Japan and the US, as well as original artwork can also sell for thousands.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers said: “The 30th anniversary is expected to draw significant international attention from both seasoned collectors and new-generation fans. I’d urge anyone to dig out those toy boxes, or boxed attic collections and bring them along for a free valuation.”
Anyone who believes they have a piece to Catch ‘Em All should email David at [email protected]
Auction Details
Auction: The Pokémon Day Auction: Celebrating 30 Years of Pokémon
Auction date: 27th February 2026
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
