One of the rarest Pokémon cards in the franchise’s history goes under the hammer this month in Derby in the largest ever UK sale of memorabilia from the global phenomenon.
The “holy grail” 1st edition, Shadowless Base Set Charizard is headlining Hansons Auctioneers’ dedicated auction on February 27 – to mark Pokémon’s 30th anniversary.
Since its launch in 1996 the Pokémon franchise has captured the imagination of children and adults around the world – and continues to do so.
Demand for Pokémon memorabilia has exploded in recent years sparked by lock down when many adults revisited the playground favourite, boosting nostalgia-driven purchases.
Hansons Auctioneers’ Pokémon specialist David Wilson-Turner said: “Some 30 years later and Pokémon Day is expected to stir up the craze once again.”
And now some of the rarest and most sought-after trading cards ever produced have made their way to the Etwall auction house, including fan favourite – Charizard.
David continued: “Back in 1999, you could buy pack of 11 Pokémon cards at any Woolworths for anything between £1.50 and £2.
“A Charizard was the rarest holographic in Base Set, so pulling one from a pack was like winning a mini lottery.”
“Only 4,000 to 10,000 cards were produced, most of which were played with and are now dogeared – so to find one in mint condition like this one, which has a grading of 9 (out of 10),makes it all the rarer.”
Prices of rare and sealed products continue to skyrocket, with some cards and booster sets being resold at huge premiums.
Today, as well as appealing to cash-rich Millennials keen to reconnect with their youth, there’s a new generation of YouTubers who share videos of them unboxing Pokémon cards on the online platform.
Also appearing in the sale is another rare piece – a full set of Jungle 1st Edition cards, all with a grade 9 rating.
The 64-card set, released in June 1999, with a price tag of £200, now commands a guide price of £15,000-£20,000.
David said: “The Jungle Set was released shortly after the Base Set and added new Pokémon including Clefable, Butterfree, Scyther and Snorlax.”
Also consigned for sale is a sealed booster box from the very first English Pokémon setwhich has a guide price of £12,500-£15,000.
The rare booster box, in a protective acrylic display case, contains 36 sealed packs from from the low print run Unlimited edition.
David continued: “When originally purchased the box would have set you back around £100, which was not a bad investment considering today’s value of £10,000.”
A sealed Pokémon Jungle Unlimited booster box, also containing 36 booster packs, which would have cost £100 when first released, is expected to make £7,000-£10,000 at the same sale.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “Pokémon is a market that has grown rapidly in recent years. It is the strongest it has ever been right now and will only continue to grow.
“Wealthy young people in their 20s and 30s who got into Pokémon when they were children are buying rare cards and prices began to spike a few years ago. The 30th anniversary auction 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.”
The Pokémon Day Auction: Celebrating 30 Years of Pokémon, will take place at Hansons’ Etwall saleroom on February 27.
🎯 Now accepting entries!
If you have Pokémon cards, games, or memorabilia you’d like to consign, contact our David Wilson-Turner today to arrange a free valuation: [email protected] | 01283 733 988.
Auction Details
Auction: Pokémon Day Auction: Celebrating 30 Years of Pokémon
Auction date: 27th February 2026 | 1pm
Location: Hansons Derbyshire Saleroom
Auction contact: [email protected]
Catalogue/bidding: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com
