Mark Palmer’s love of model cars started in 1990 on one of his first trips to Europe to visit the Porsche factory. After owning a 1976 930 Porsche turbo prototype and racing Porsches since 1980, a visit to watch Porsches being built and a test drive at the test facility was a dream come true. Upon seeing the displays of their 1:43 scale die-cast models, he was hooked! He used to travel to Europe at least twice a year to watch DTM races and Porsche support races. He enjoyed watching these races with friends who owned toy stores, where he would purchase items to start his growing collection. His first purchase for the collection was an early 2002 BMW turbo, a special edition limited series that came in its own boxed case.
Mark’s collection is special because of how complete it is. The collection contains every car that was on the grid or in a race in the DTM races in Germany from 1988 until 2004. But the collection doesn’t just contain cars from the German races – it also contains Formula 1 cars. “I have classic Formula 1 cars from the 1976 races through 2022,” shares Mark. “I also have Indianapolis series cars that run in our country, many cars from the series below the DTM series in Europe called the British Touring Car series or BTTC, as well as many years of Porsche Cup and Porsche GT3 race cars.”
In addition to the cars, he has the sports car manuals (“Tourenwagen Story” manuals from 1988 – 2005 for the DTM series) that give the history of that year of racing. He also has approximately 35 manufacturers catalogs from Minichamps and BMW in addition to over twenty DTM programs from the early 80s and 90s.
Of his collection of over 1,000 models, Mark does have a favorite. “If this place were on fire and I could only take one it would be the ‘Andora.’ It’s painted by a famous artist. It’s from the 1990 DTM series in Germany – a limited boxed edition. It just happens to be driven by a woman, Ellen Lohr. There were very few women racing cars back then.”
When Mark started buying the cars, Germany’s monetary system was still the Deutschmark. The cars he purchased were inexpensive – the equivalent of $5 – $10. “The most expensive cars I ever bought were some handmade cars that the manufacturers never produced and those were $200 each.”
Mark’s collection contains an interesting variety of cars. There are a whole series of models that are street cars that were Alfas, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Opel, and a variety of Porsches (935’s, 956’s, 962’s and Porsche Cup cars). He also has about 30 DTM models (raced by privateer’s) that were never made by the manufacturer but were handmade by model makers and other collectors. He also has a lot of limited-edition sets. Much of his early collection includes tobacco sponsors cars – before tobacco advertising was banned in Europe in the 80s. He has a few very expensive cars that have “Marlboro” stamped on them. “There’s quite a bit of stuff!” shares Mark.
Mark’s collection is stored in his home and in a model room. The cars are stored on shelves behind glass doors, and they are sorted by racing series and then by date. Mark has all of the original packaging for all the cars in his collection.
Since their inception in 1996, Pokémon cards have remained a popular collectible item. They started in Japan and made their way into America a few years later. Throughout the years, their popularity has only increased, aided in part by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, collectors of Pokémon cards found themselves with more time on their hands for organizing, grading, and adding to their collections. This led to a spike of interest in Pokémon cards, and caused PSA Grading and Authentication services to temporarily suspend their operations due to the high volume of submissions.
Today, Pokémon cards are viewed as a viable investment option, with collectors shelling out big bucks for the rarest cards. With global popularity, these cards are set to continue to increase in value in the future, making them a fantastic investment opportunity.
Are you a Pokemon card collector – or do you want to start collecting cards? Look no further! This article is the perfect guide for the card collector who is just getting started – or for the experienced collector looking to learn more.
Keep reading for tips and tricks for collecting and investing in Pokémon cards.
Brief History of Pokemon Cards
Created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori in the 90s, the first Pokémon trading cards were released in Japan in October 1996. This set contained 102 cards and featured drawings by Ken Sugimori, Mitsuhiro Arita, and Keiji Kinebuchi.
Wizards of the Coast (also known for producing Magic the Gathering cards) brought the Pokémon Trading Card Game to America in 1999, where the popularity of Pokémon cards took off.
Over 40 billion cards have been printed to date, and they have become a sought-after collectible item. Collectors will spend a pretty penny to acquire rare cards, and they have come to be viewed as an investment.
Pokemon’s 25th Anniversary
In 2021, Pokemon celebrated its 25th Anniversary. The entire year was dedicated to various festivities observing this incredible milestone, as well as plenty of special Pokemon releases.
Singer Katy Perry was involved in the celebrations, even releasing a single that was featured on the Pokemon 25 music album, along with other popular musicians such as Post Malone, Vince Staples, and more.
During the year, McDonalds released an exclusive collection of 50 Pokémon cards that appeared in their Happy Meals.
On February 27, which is considered Pokemon Day, singer Post Malone participated in a four-song virtual concert to celebrate the day.
Pokemon’s 25th Anniversary also saw the release of popular Pokemon video games for the Nintendo Switch, as well as the special release of new sets of Pokémon cards.
The Value of Pokemon Cards Today
The COVID-19 pandemic created a huge resurgence of interest in Pokemon card collecting – perhaps due to the extra time that collectors had on hand to organize their existing collection and make new purchases. This resurgence has most certainly contributed to their status as an investment option.
Although the interest in Pokemon has slowed since the pandemic, the cards are still popular today. Like with any investment, you will want to diversify your card collection to ensure it retains its value.
Will Pokemon cards continue to increase in value?
While Pokemon cards have been increasing steadily in value, you may wonder – will the value continue to increase? The likely answer to this question yes, but it’s important to keep in mind that not every Pokemon card is super valuable – some hold their value better than others.
Cards that are rare or out of print are more likely to increase in value than common cards. In fact, the longer you keep them, the more likely they are to increase in value.
Another factor to consider is grading. Graded Pokemon cards are worth more than cards that are ungraded. Grading is when a grading agency, such as PSA or Beckett, examines the card and assigns a value between 1 and 10, with one being “Poor” and 10 being “Gem Mint.”
Pokemon cards in mint condition will hold their value better than those in poor condition. When evaluating condition, graders look at the edges and corners, as well as the quality of the printing. Cards with crisp edges, sharp corners, and vibrant, un-faded imagery will receive a higher grade.
Collection of authentic used Pokémon trading cards banner heading, collectable Japanese game.
List of Single Pokemon Cards to Invest In
What is the best Pokemon card to invest in? When it comes to individual Pokémon cards, there are some unique and rare finds that top our list. Keep reading to learn which single cards to keep an eye out for!
Ditto Peeled & Unpeeled
A Ditto is a Pokemon that can turn into another Pokemon. If you play Pokemon Go, you know that if you catch any Pokemon, it could turn out to be a Ditto.
Ditto cards have a small Ditto icon in the bottom left hand corner. This indicates that if you peel the top layer off of the card, there is a Ditto underneath.
While unpeeled cards in their original condition are likely to be most valuable, it’s worth collecting both a peeled and an unpeeled version of the Ditto card.
Radiant Eevee
This stunning card is a great investment for any collector. The holographic finish lends a gorgeous look to this card!
This rare find is the perfect card to put aside, as it’s sure to grow in value and demand in the future – especially if the card is in mint condition.
Special Delivery Charizard
The Special Delivery Charizard card is already fetching a pretty penny on eBay! In order to obtain one of these cards, fans had to register their interest on a registration page. Some of those who registered received a code to redeem this card.
This card is expected to triple in value in the future, so it’s a perfect investment.
Charizard Vstar
Owning a Charizard card is a goal for many collectors. While the aforementioned Special Delivery Charizard is harder to come by, this alternative is a great choice for those looking to complete their collection. You can find this card on eBay or at local Pokemon marketplaces.
The Original Pikachu V
A Pikachu card is a must-have for any collector! A Pikachu V card is a great choice for the collector-investor. The popularity may have fallen in recent years, but it is starting to climb back up.
Radiant Charizard
Yet another Charizard, this is another important card to add to your investment portfolio. Part of the Pokemon Go expansion, this card is a bit hard to find, but you can sometimes find them available on eBay. The artwork on this one is quite stunning!
Quintessential blue-chip Charizard
The Charizard card was intentionally made the most scarce card of the first Pokemon TCG collection. Original Charizards can fetch quite a high price at auction, especially in Gem-Mint 10 condition. The demand for this card will possibly never be beat.
Marnie Sword and Shield
Also a great investment, the cost of this card is much more reasonable than other popular cards. It isn’t quite as scarce as a Charizard card, but they have a current market value of up to $70.
Pikachu with Ash
Again, Pikachu is the most popular Pokemon, and it can never hurt to include a Pikachu card in your collection! Once valued around $3, the value of this card has already increased to about $40.
List of Pokémon Sets to Invest In
There are individual cards that are popular with collectors, but there are also sets that are worthy of investing in! You can purchase a set called a Pokemon booster box, which contains many packs of cards and is a great way to quickly grow your collection. There are also other types of unique sets of Pokémon cards available for purchase, such as blister boxes, theme decks, and more.
What are the best Pokemon Booster Boxes and sets to invest in? Read on to learn which Pokemon Trading Card Game sets are worth your time and money to track down!
Pokemon Celebrations Elite Trainer Box
Launched during Pokemon’s 25th anniversary in 2001, the Elite Trainer Box is a celebration of the best Pokemon cards over the years. While the entire collection is in demand, notable additions include an original artwork Charizard, a Shining Magikarp and a Birthday Pikachu.
Pokemon Trick or Trade Collection
Available on eBay, these Halloween BOOster packs contain 40 mini packs containing three cards each. You only need to buy one booster box pack to collect all the cards in this expansion! These cards will most certainly increase in value, making them a worthy investment.
Pokemon Go Eevee Box
Another Pokemon Booster Box is the Pokemon Go Eevee Box. This set comes with special accessories, including an enamel Eevee pin and a rubber play mat. Eight packs are contained in this Pokemon booster box, making this a great way to add a sizeable chunk of cards to your collection.
Pokemon Go Pin Collection
Inexpensive to procure, the Pokemon Go Pin Collection is a great investment when it comes to Pokemon booster boxes. These are currently growing in value, and one can only guess that this trend will continue into the future!
Types of Pokemon TCG Packs
There are a variety of products and packs available in the Pokemon Trading Card Game! Some of them are designed more for beginners, while others tend to better serve the expert player/collector.
Read on to learn more about the different packs, boxes, and decks that can be purchased within the world of Pokémon.
Booster Packs
A standard English booster pack contains ten cards. An inexpensive way to quickly acquire cards, you never know what you’re going to get with booster boxes! Generally, these booster packs contain one rare card , 3-4 uncommon cards, and 4-5 common cards.
Booster Boxes
A Pokemon booster box is a box that contains many booster packs inside. Many people will buy lots of booster boxes to increase their chance of pulling rare cards.
Blister Packs
Similar to a booster pack, blister packs are a little costlier as they guarantee a specific card. Their packaging is specially designed so that one Pokemon card in the pack is visible, which is their selling point.
Theme Decks
Theme decks are a great product for beginner collectors. They provide a complete overview of the game for new players. They are filled with energy and trainer cards that are needed for a TCG deck and their pricing is affordable.
These decks usually contain a rulebook, a playmat, a coin, and 60-card deck, and damage counter. Since these decks are weaker than those used competitively at a tournament, this type of deck is intended for casual players.
Trainer Kits/Half Decks
Similar to theme decks, but more expansive, trainer kits and half decks are also intended for beginners. Instead of a 60-card deck, they contain two 30-card half decks.
Sometimes these kits contain rulebooks, coins, damage counters, and booster packs for a more comprehensive experience.
Boxes/Collections
For the more experienced player, a box or collection is more appropriate. While these products have many variations, they contain a promotional ultra rare card that many players are excited to acquire, along with many booster packs.
These are on the more expensive side compared to other packs, so it’s important to know what you’re buying and choose the best option to meet your needs..
Elite Trainer Boxes
Elite Trainer Boxes contain about eight Pokemon booster packs, card sleeves that are use to protect cards while playing, various energy cards, status condition markers, dice, a die, and a player’s guide.
These are geared towards competitive players; Elite Trainer Boxes are not the best option for a beginner. These boxes serve elite players very well.
Tins/Chests
Like the name suggests, this product is a metal tin or a chest that contains a variety of merchandise, along with an ultra rare card. These are often served up in attractive designs and can be a great way to store your cards.
The Best Pokemon Booster Boxes
Looking to add a Pokemon booster box to your collection? This is often a great way to get a good distribution of trading cards to supplement your collection. A Pokemon booster box can contain as many as 200 cards – or even more!
You may be wondering which Pokemon booster boxes are the best to buy. There are so many options to choose from, so making a selection can sometimes feel daunting. What boxes should you purchase? What kinds of cards might you be able to pull in that box? What are your chances of pulling a rare card?
Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list which contains few of the best options; this will help remove some of the guesswork! Keep on reading to learn about the best Pokemon booster boxes that are sure to be a great addition to your growing collection.
Silver Tempest
The Silver Tempest booster box is the one of the newest boxes available, released on November 11, 2022. It contains a variety of powerful trading cards. The best card you can pull from one of these boxes is the rare Lugia V card.
Lost Origin
Another recently released Pokemon booster box that came out on September 9, 2022 is the Loss Origin booster box. Full of great cards with amazing artwork, this set includes a Charizard, Pikachu, and an Aerodactyl.
Fusion Strike
In previous sets, there are two battle styles called Rapid Strike and Single Strike. This Pokemon booster box introduces a third battle style called Fusion Strike. The set contains Gingantamax Pokemon, most notably the Gengar VMAX and Mew VMAX.
And Many More!
Other great Pokemon booster box options include Evolving Skies, Vivid Voltage, Battle Styles, Chilling Reign, Sun & Moon, Team Up, and Rebel Clash. These boxes are all great options that will allow you to pull a variety of unique trading cards!
FAQs
Still have questions? Here, we’ll answer some common questions and recap what we just shared.
What Pokémon cards are a good investment?
The best Pokémon cards to invest in are those that are extremely rare or scarce. It’s also good to invest in a variety of different cards to keep a diverse portfolio, as you would with any investment.
What Pokémon cards should I buy in 2022?
To recap, some of the top individual Pokemon cards include Ditto Peeled & Unpeeled, Radiant Eevee, Special Delivery Charizard, Charizard Vstar, the Original Pikachu V, Radiant Charizard, Quintessential blue-chip Charizard, Marnie Sword and Shield, and Pikachu with Ash.
Some of the best Pokemon booster packs and sets to buy are the Pokemon Celebrations Elite Trainer Box, the Pokemon Trick or Trade Collection, the Pokemon Go Eevee Box, and the Pokemon Go Pin Collection.
In reality, you should collect any Pokemon cards that you are interested in. Your collection is personal, and it should be filled with cards that hold your interest!
Are Pokémon cards a worthy investment?
Pokemon cards are a great investment! They have been increasing in value in recent years and are expected to continue in this pattern, especially for amazing rares or scarce Pokemon Booster Boxes.
Remember to keep your Pokemon cards in top condition by storing them properly in hard cases or plastic sleeves. This will help maintain their value, as condition is a big factor when it comes to pricing cards.
It’s also important to remember that graded cards are worth more than those that are ungraded. You can get Pokemon cards graded at PSA Authentication and Grading Services or Beckett Grading Services.
Should I buy a Pokemon Booster Pack or a Booster Box?
Yes! Purchasing a Pokemon Booster Box or Booster Pack is a great way to add a large variety of cards to your collection. A booster box can contain as many as 200 cards, which is a fantastic addition to your collection of Pokémon cards.
Originally a comic collector, Robert Bergeron first started collecting toys in the early 90s because he felt a deep connection to the action figures of his childhood. At first, he focused primarily on Star Wars memorabilia. But as the years went by, his passions and interests diversified. Today, he collects everything action figure-related from the 1960s to the 1990s. Some of the toy lines include Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Battlestar Galactica, Action Jackson, Buck Rogers, Big Jim, and Evil Knievel.
Robert has always been a collector of all kinds of things. Besides action figures, he collects Starbucks cups from his travels, casino chips, World War II memorabilia, and more. “I’m just a collector at heart!” His collection of action figures is special both for the nostalgia it inspires and for its diversity. While many collectors focus on one genre, Robert chooses to focus on variety.
A favorite item from his collection of “thousands and thousands” of action figures is a 12-back Darth Vader. “Darth Vader is very historical, and a prominent bad guy. He was always a menacing figure in my youth who I thought was really cool,” shares Robert. The oldest items in his collection are his Major Matt Mason figures, which are from the early 60s. He also has a nice collection of G.I. Joes from the 60s and 70s.
The most valuable item that used to be a part of his collection was a set of three Star Wars figures – new in their original packaging – which cost around $12,000 – $14,000 apiece. “I only held onto them for a few years,” shares Robert. “With those being so pricey, I became concerned with how they might decrease in value over time.” These figures included Anakin Skywalker, graded AFA 80, and Yak Face, graded AFA 80.
Also notable are his Star Wars Glasslite action figures, which include Luke Skywalker and R2D2. They are both in their original packaging and graded. “I have a lot of factory-sealed items, but I also enjoy loose collectibles,” shares Robert. “I’m working on my fifth set of Star Wars figures.”
This extensive collection is stored in a finished basement in Robert’s home. “I keep my collection on display. I have some of it organized by year – for example, my 70s-era figures are in one area on shelves. There are other sections where I have it by genre – such as Star Wars or G.I. Joe. I also have a display case with higher end items.”
Robert is no stranger to having his collection featured: a few years ago, his collection was showcased on a tv show called Toy Hunter, which appeared on the History Channel. He enjoys the opportunity to share his collection with others!
Do you have a stash of Pokemon cards? With so many of them climbing in value in recent years, you may be curious whether your personal childhood collection carries any special value. While some cards are common and may not be worth much, there are certain cards – such as secret rare cards, holographic cards, ultra rare cards, and more – which can be worth a pretty penny.
The two main factors that determine the value of Pokemon cards are rarity and condition. Here, we’ll discuss these factors in greater detail. We’ll also discuss how to look for rare cards, how to read the rarity symbols and letters on your cards, why you should consider having your cards graded, and how to turn your collection into cash.
How to Determine Pokemon Card Value:
How do you know if your Pokemon cards are valuable? There are a few factors that go into determining the value of your cards.
Check the rarity of the cards
The small symbols on each Pokemon card are very important! The symbols on the card are Pokemon card rarity symbols. A circle means a card is common, a diamond is the marker for uncommon cards, and a star is used to mark rare cards. There are also a variety of unique symbols used to mark cards that are considered ultra rare. Keep an eye out for these rarity symbols when determining whether you have any rare or ultra rare cards.
Take a closer look at early cards
Cards printed shortly after the release of the game are often quite valuable. Look for cards that have “Wizards of the Coast” printed at the bottom of the card. These are from 1999 or early 2000 and are worth looking into their value.
You should also keep an eye out for the first edition stamp, which appears below and to the left of the artwork. It looks like a “1” inside a black circle, with lines radiating above it. Finally, if the art box doesn’t have a shadow underneath it, you may have a rare Shadowless card.
Check the collector number
The collector number can be another indicator of a valuable card.
Secret rare cards have a collector number that is higher than the total number of cards that were printed in that set. For example, it may appear as 99/98. Secret rare cards can be quite valuable!
If the collector number starts with an “SH,” then the card is considered a “Shining Pokémon.” The artwork for this card is different than the standard version, and the card is also a reverse holographic card.
If the card doesn’t have a collector number, the card is probably an earlier print. These aren’t all valuable, but they are worth looking into.
Keep an eye out for holographic cards
If a card has a shiny layer of foil over the artwork, it is considered a holographic card. Reverse holographic cards have a shiny layer around the artwork, rather than the entire card being holographic.
Look out for extra symbols or words after the name
Pokemon cards that were released prior to HeartGold SoulSilver will show the Pokémon level after the name in the top right hand corner. For example, a card may read, “Pikachu LV.12.”
Some Pokémon cards have a special symbol in the name, which can indicate that the card has some value. Keep an eye out for card names followed by LV.X, LEGEND, or BREAK. LEGEND Pokemon cards are printed across two cards, which need to be placed together to view the full artwork.
Other rare cards known as “SP” for “Special Pokémon” have names that are followed by a G, GL, 4, C, FB, or M. They can be identified by the “SP” logo, which is located at the bottom left corner of the artwork.
Check out your Pokemon card’s condition
Graded cards are cards that have been examined by a rating agency, such as PSA, and given a score between 1 and 10 to indicate the condition of the card. A rating of 1 is poor while a rating of 10 is Gem Mint.
Cards in mint condition will fetch a higher price than cards in poor condition. When thinking about value, it’s also just as important to consider the condition of the card. You can use special card holders to keep your cards in top condition!
How to Identify Rare Pokémon Cards – More on Rarity:
Earlier we discussed the symbols that indicate whether a Pokémon card is common, uncommon, rare, or ultra rare. What is the rarest card of all time? What are other indicators of rarity? Here we discuss Pokémon card rarity in more detail.
What is the rarest old Pokémon card?
The rarest Pokémon card is the 1998 Pikachu illustrator card. Only 39 of these cards were produced, and they were given out to participants in a design your own Pokemon card contest. Logan Paul recently purchased this rare Pokémon card with a PSA grade 10 for $5 million.
How do you tell if a Pokémon card is rare?
The first step in determining if a card is rare is to check the symbol on the card. You can also look for cards that carry a first edition mark. This mark means a card is from the first print run of a card set, and that adds value and scarcity. Another factor to look for is whether the card is holographic. Holographic cards are rare and are more valuable.
BERLIN, GERMANY – SEPTEMER 9, 2022: Boy with Pokemon trading cards, collecting and playing game.
Valuable Cards to Keep an Eye Out For:
Shadowless Cards
What is a shadowless card? After the very first print run of Base Set Pokemon cards, they added a drop shadow to the artwork box. All cards from the original print run that don’t have this shadow are called Shadowless cards. Due to the scarcity of these cards, they have come to be valued as collectibles.
Tournament and Promo Cards
Rather than pulling the cards from a booster pack, some cards were originally printed as prizes for tournaments or promotional giveaways. These cards are identified by a special star in the bottom corner.
Error Cards
When a card has spelling errors, misprints, or formatting issues, it is known as an error card. Some errors are very common, but certain types of error cards can be very valuable due to their uniqueness and scarcity.
How much does it cost to get Pokemon cards graded?
Getting your cards graded can take a while, as you’ll need to send them in to a grading agency, such as PSA, and wait for them to respond. The cost comes out to roughly $20 per card. Since graded cards sell better and are worth more money, getting your more valuable cards graded may be worth the investment!
How to Cash in On Your Pokemon Cards
Before you consider selling your cards, it’s important to have them graded. This will increase the value of the card and will verify the condition of the card for the buyer.
There are many places where you can make money by selling your Pokemon cards. Read on to learn more about each option!
eBay
The top marketplace for selling your cards is eBay. You can auction off your card to the highest bigger, or you can price it based on what other similar cards have sold for.
Cardmarket
Cardmarket is an online marketplace based in Germany. This site caters to trading card game enthusiasts.
TCG Player
TCG Player is a center for anything that’s gaming related, including video games, table top card, and trading card games.
TrollAndToad
A website for all things related to games, TrollAndToad provides a place to buy and sell Pokemon cards.
Facebook Marketplace
A local buying and selling platform, Facebook allows your to sell your cards locally.
Local Comic Book or Hobby Shops
Local hobby shops or comic book stores can be a great place to sell if you want to sell quickly. However, keep in mind that these shops are looking to resell your cards, and they may not pay top dollar.
BERLIN, GERMANY – SEPTEMER 9, 2022: Boy with Pokemon trading cards, collecting and playing game.
FAQs
Are holographic common Pokemon cards worth anything?
Holographic Pokemon cards are often quite valuable. If you have a holographic Pokemon card, it’s worth taking a deeper look to determine value.
What is the rarest symbol on a Pokemon card?
Rare cards are marked with a star, while ultra rare cards can have a variety of unique symbols indicating their rarity.
Are Pokémon cards with a star on them worth anything?
A star indicates a rare card. If you have a Pokemon card with the star symbol, it’s value is definitely worth investigating.
What do three white stars on a Pokemon card mean?
Three white stars are an indicator of a special, ultra rare card.
Michael Rinella’s rock music collection of books, records, CD’s, and memorabilia is primarily a Beatles collection, but includes a lot of other classic rock music as well. “I’ve always liked music and records, and my mom said one of her earliest memories of me was when I was one or two years old. She’d put a record player on the floor, and I would watch the record spin around – it seemed to fascinate me.”
Despite this early love of music, it was seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan at the age of nine that really birthed the collector bug. On Easter that year, the Easter Bunny gave him a copy of “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, the first Beatles single on Capitol Records. That was the start of his collection! From this point on, Michael would buy an album to add to his collection whenever he had some extra cash.
Today, Michael’s collection is unique for its size and how comprehensive it is. Overall, he has between 6,000 and 7,000 pieces. “I probably have a bigger collection, especially a bigger Beatles collection, than anyone else I’ve ever known,” shares Michael.
A standout item is his collection of all four Beatles autographs, which he treated himself to as a birthday gift last year. “What is unique is that these autographs are from 1967. The Beatles had stopped touring then, so catching more than one Beatle at a time was hard to do. The fact that they all came from 1967 and that three of them were gathered at the same time is rare! And of course, Beatles autographs are valuable in general.”
Another cool and unique item in his collection are vinyl dolls of The Beatles made by Remco Toy Company. They have real hair and plastic instruments. “I have all four of those thanks to my wife, who gave them to me as a retirement gift.” These are hard to find in good shape – presumably because so many of them have been played with over the years! He also has a Beatles board game, put out by Milton Bradley in 1964, as well as a board game featuring The Monkees that was put out shortly thereafter.
The albums in Michael’s collection are stored on album shelves, and he also has plenty of shelves containing CDs and records. Some items are also stored in bookcases. The board games are currently in a closet, but he has plans to display those too. The record section of the collection starts off with The Beatles – the group stuff and then the solo stuff, and all chronological. Next comes Neil Young’s albums and then Crosby, Stills & Nash – all organized chronologically. After that, everything is alphabetical by artist. “I’m kind of OCD,” shares Michael.
Ryan Bailey’s love of comic books began when he was about 10 or 11 years old. “My parents discovered I had a reading problem,” he explains. “They sent me to a specialist who told them to let me read whatever I wanted to read – if I was reading [at all], it was a good thing.” On a drive to a family vacation, they stopped to get gas and young Ryan wanted to know if he could purchase something. His father told him, “As long as you can read it, you can have it.” Ryan perused a rack of comic books and selected three: Action Comics #509, Superman #349, and DC Comics Present #22.
From there, a passion for comics was born. To this day, Ryan still favors Superman as his favorite, but he loves a variety of superheroes. He collects mostly DC comics, but he’ll indulge in a smaller publication if it catches his interest. “I used to collect Star Trek,” he explains. “Sometimes, there will be a Dark Horse series that I like. But 80% of the collection is DC comics.”
Over the years, Ryan went from being a comic book lover to a comic book collector. “It wasn’t until my parents said I was spending too much money on comic books where it dawned on me that I was a collector!” What’s special about Ryan’s collection is how organized everything is. “People are shocked that everything is as organized as it is!” he shares. Everything is bagged and boarded and stored neatly in boxes, all in alphabetical order. What’s more is that everything is nicely catalogued in a database. This organization is thanks to the one week every year that Ryan devotes to his collection, where he adds his new comics to the boxes and shifts some comics from one box to another to maintain alphabetical order.
Ryan is unable to select a favorite book, except to say that Superman is his favorite character. “When we had started using Collectibles Insurance Services, my husband suggested that I take a couple of boxes and store my favorites, in case there were ever a fire or a need to grab and go real quick,” he shares. The problem was, Ryan couldn’t select his favorites, so the “grab and go” box never materialized.
Over the years, Ryan has stopped buying as many new comic books because of their cost. But his collection does continue to grow, as he still goes to the comic book store every week. Putting together an extensive collection and keeping it organized is a lot of work, but well worth it. “It’s a labor of love, that’s for sure!”
What are Funko Pops? Funko Pops are currently the biggest fad on the toy market, the most popular toy since Beanie Babies and Pokémon cards. There is an unprecedented demand for these vinyl figures, with their oversized heads and black eyes.
Tambov, Russian Federation – February 15, 2022 A Ron Weasley Funko POP Mini Vinyl Figure on gray background. Harry Potter Advent Calendar.
Funko Pop figures come in an impressive assortment of pop culture characters, from sports stars to tv show and movie characters. Anyone can collect them, and there are plenty of crowd pleasing options to choose from.
The cost of the average pop is between $8 and $15, making them an affordable collectible item. However, there are some rare and limited edition pops that sell for thousand of dollars, making them seem an attractive investment opportunity for the investor-collector.
Why are Funko Pops so popular? What is the history behind them? Why are they viewed as being such a great investment? Read on for the answers to these and many other questions!
CHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM – MAY 9TH 2021: Black Widow Funko Pop figurine
Why do people like Funko Pops so much?
Perhaps the popularity surrounding the Funko Pop is due to it’s clever, large-headed design. More likely it is due to the wide variety of characters that are available.
There are pops available from all areas of pop culture. The sports fan can collect pops of his or her favorite players. The Marvel fan can focus on assembling a collection of Marvel-themed pops. A fan of The Office can have a Michael Scott Funko Pop. A Game of Thrones fan can put together a collection of their favorite characters from the show. There’s something for everyone, and the affordability makes collecting very accessible.
Funko only produces limited runs of each character, which ensures that there is always demand for their products. They also have some characters with very limited runs, which drives up the value even further.
What was the first toy that Funko created?
The first toy ever designed by Funko was called the Big Boy Bobblehead. Eventually, they produced a line of Pop vinyls that became today’s Funko Pop. In 2010, the first official Pop vinyl figure was launched at New York Comic Con.
Everett, WA, USA – April 12, 2022; Sign for Funko, Purveyors of Pop Culture and logo
When did Funko Pops become such an important part of pop culture?
Toy collectors Mike Becker and Claudia Becker founded Funko in 1998, starting with bobblehead figures called the Wacky Wobblers. These Wacky Wobblers came in popular characters, such as Peanuts and Looney Tunes.
In 2005, the company was sold to Brian Mariotti. The new leadership’s decision to expand to other popular characters really brought Funko Pop products into bigger levels of popularity. Their knack for getting licensing deals is a key to their success, as they are able to cover a wide range of popular characters. Today, millions of units of Funko Pops have been sold, and the most valuable Funko Pops are selling for thousands of dollars.
Everett, WA – USA / 0317/2020 – Funko Headquarters in the moring sun
What is the rarest Funko Pop in the world?
While not definite, the rarest pop is possibly the Stan Lee Platinum Metallic Funko Pop. Only ten units of this extremely rare pop were released, making it most likely the rarest pop. Based on a recent sale, the estimated value is around $18,000.
What is the most expensive Funko Pop?
The most expensive pop of all time is Alex, the lead character in the classic film Clockwork Orange. This pop tops the list of most valuable pops of all time, with a price tag between $25,000 and $26,000. A glow in the dark version recently sold for $32,439. The non glow in the dark version sold for $35,000.
Are Funko Pop vinyl figures worth buying?
Funko Pops are generally considered to be a good investment. Most of them increase in value, and the most expensive and rare pops are selling for thousands of dollars.
That said, if you like something, it’s definitely worth collecting! With the average pop coming in at such a low cost, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t start assembling a collection of your favorite characters.
Why Funko Pops are a good investment?
Funko Pop vinyl figures are a good investment because they are generally inexpensive to procure, and most of them will experience some sort of increase in value, however modest. Keep in mind that rare pops and pops that are in high demand are more likely to be a good investment than common pops.
Petrozavodsk, Russia – 30 June 2022. a shelf with lots of superhero toys in boxes. Funko pops
FAQs
Is it worth it to keep Funko Pops in the box?
Funko Pop vinyl figures are most valuable when they come with their original packaging. That said, the packaging isn’t sealed, making it easy to gently remove your pop from the box and display it outside of the packaging. The choice is up to you, just make sure you keep the box in case you ever want to resell. Many collectors will not buy a pop without packaging.
What makes a Funko Pop go up in value?
Funko Pops go up in value depending on the demand for the pop. This is especially true for a pop that is rare. If a pop is hard to come by and the character is in demand, you can expect the value to skyrocket!
What does the future hold for Funko Pops?
Like other trendy toys of the past, Funko Pops have the potential to disappear, but that doesn’t appear to be happening anytime soon. Pops are on an upward trajectory, and they have become even more popular since the pandemic. It’s unlikely that Funko Pop figures are going anywhere!
Funko Pops (also called Funko Pop vinyls) are little plastic figurines that have become super popular in recent years. With their oversized heads and black eyes, they have a very distinctive appearance. They are often displayed inside their boxes, as that’s how they retain the most value. What’s more is that Funko Pops take on a large portion of pop culture. They come in the form of popular sports stars, characters from TV shows, movie characters, and even famous politicians.
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes these funny little figures so popular, but the most likely reason is the wide variety of pop culture that these figures cover. You can get a Funko Pop vinyl figure of just about anything – which means that there’s something appealing for everyone. Collectors often focus on their a specific type of pop that they prefer, making it easy to create a customized collection that suits your taste.
Pops are also notorious for being viewed as a potential investment. There are pops that now sell for thousands of dollars, making them appealing to collector-investors who are collecting for the return. But is every pop a good investment? How do you know which pops are the most valuable? What are the pros and cons of investing in Funko Pop figures? Read on to learn more about these cool collectibles!
Bordeaux , Aquitaine France – 05 15 2022 : pop figures classic from batman series movies POP! Heroes DC 19″ from Funko
Funko Pop Figure Investing: Pros and Cons
Pro: Boxes Are Unsealed
Because of this, Pops can be removed and displayed without destroying the original packaging. This is a big pro, as many Funko Pop collectors prefer to display their favorite figures outside of the box. It is important to note that you should still keep the boxes on hold in case you want to sell your Funko Pops in the future.
Pro: Limited Edition Pops
You can purchase limited edition Funko Pops to add to your collection. Limited edition pops are those that are created in only a limited number, so they are guaranteed to remain rare. If you purchase a limited edition pop, be sure to save it and keep the packaging in good condition, as it is more likely to increase in value over the years.
Pro: Most Pops Gain Value Over Time
While it may not always be a huge increase, pops mostly grow in value, especially those that are extremely rare or scarce or were originally a limited release.
Pro: Inexpensive to Purchase
Funko Pops are inexpensive to purchase, so you can easily start a collection with limited funds. Their starting price is typically between $8 and $15.
Pro: Wide Variety
There are a wide variety of Funko Pops to choose from. No matter where your interests lie, there is sure to be a pop that appeals to you! They cover a wide variety of pop culture, from sports to movies to tv shows.
Con: Higher Price for Certain Pops
There is a higher price tag associated with purchasing certain types of Funko Pops, such as a vaulted pop (or limited edition and exclusive pops). The resell value of such pops is often determined by whether or not demand grows or fades.
Con: Hard to Resell Without Original Box
You’ll need to keep the original box in order to get the most value when you resell. Without the box, many collectors won’t even consider purchasing.
Pops don’t always increase in value. If the demand for a specific pop doesn’t grow, the value may not increase – even if it’s a limited edition, rare, vaulted, or exclusive pop.
Con: Series Numbers Are Often Confusing
The series numbers are consecutive for each separate series run, so you can end up with different pops that have the same series number.
Con: Collecting Pops Just to Make Money Can Be Tricky
It’s hard to determine which pops will increase in value over time, so it’s best to collect if you are genuinely interested in collecting. Making money is a bonus, but it’s not always guaranteed.
List of Funko Pops Worth Collecting
So you may be wondering – which valuable Funko Pop vinyls are worth collecting? Here, we’ve rounded up a list of the rarest, the best, the most expensive, and the best selling pop figures that Funko collectors can have in their arsenal.
Stan Lee Platinum Metallic – The Rare Funko Pop
Only ten units of this extremely rare pop were released, making it quite possibly the rarest of them all. Based on a recent sale, the estimated value is around $18,000.
Freddy Funko – The Best Funko Pop
Freddy Funko is the official mascot of Funko. There are plenty of variations of Freddy, but some of the most valuable ones include Freddy Krueger, Black Ranger, Glow in the Dark Deathstroke, Glow in the Dark Joker, Glow in the Dark Count Chocula, the Boba Fett Freddy Funko, and Black Suit.
Alex from Clockwork Orange – The Most Valuable Funko Pop
Alex is the lead character in the classic film Clockwork Orange. This pop tops the list of most expensive pops of all time, with a price tag between $25,000 and $26,000. A glow in the dark version recently sold for $32,439. The non glow in the dark version sold for $35,000.
Santa Jack Skellington – Best-Selling Funko Pop
This character from The Nightmark Before Christmas tops Funko’s best-seller list. This popular figure is available for just $15 on Funko’s website.
Batman in Wing Suit- Best-Selling Funko Pop
Another one on the best seller list, Batman in his Wing Suit is available for only $15.
Harry Potter with Floo Powder – Best-Selling Funko Pop
This glow-in-the-dark pop is another favorite on Funko’s website, available for just $15.
Rick with Memory Vial – Best-Selling Funko Pop
From the popular series Rick and Morty, this $15 find is also available on the Funko website.
Dobby with Diary – Best-Selling Funko Pop
This cute character from Harry Potter is another fan favorite. It’s available on the Funko website for just $12.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Best-Selling Funko Pop
An extremely popular movie character, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever pop is a best seller and is available on the Funko website for just $12.
The Flash Lights and Sound – Best-Selling Funko Pop
A popular DC comics character, the Flash is available on the Funko website for just $18.
FAQs for Funko Pop Collectors
How do you see how much your Funko Pop vinyl is worth?
The best way to determine the value of a Funko Pop is to check what it has recently sold for. You can check this out online by browsing auction sites such as eBay.
Will my Funko Pop vinyl lose value if opened?
Funko Pops do not lose value if opened, but the packaging should be keep in pristine condition. The boxes aren’t sealed, so it’s possible to display them outside of their packaging.
Is my Funko Pop vinyl worth less without the box?
Pops are worth much less without their original packaging. Some collectors won’t even make the purchase if the box isn’t available.
Are Funko Pops worth money?
Most pops will increase in value, although not all of them skyrocket. Unfortunately, some pops will not increase. It really depends on the demand for the individual pops and if that demand increases.
Tambov, Russian Federation – February 15, 2022 Funko POP Harry Potter Advent Calendar Mini Vinyl Figures on dark green background.
Since 1968, Hot Wheels cars have been a staple when it comes to popular toys. Adored by both kids and adults alike, these small toy cars are a coveted collectible item. Collectors often seek after these toys in their original packaging, which maximizes their value. However, loose Hot Wheels cars are also popular.
The original Hot Wheels were made by Elliot Handler with the assistance of engineer Jack Ryan. Another designer that played a key role in designing the original line of cars was Harry Bentley Bradley. Bradley formerly worked for General Motors, designing real cars for about four years. He then joined Mattel, where he helped design the toy car line that came out in 1968.
Today, these toy vehicles continue to be produced by the toy company Mattel. Since their inception, over 4 billion cars have been produced by the company. You can find the latest Hot Wheels available at Mattel.com, or in retail stores, such as Target and Walmart. They are also available for purchase on auction sites such as eBay. Did you know that over sixteen Hot Wheels are sold every second?
Let’s dive in and take a deeper look at these classic toy cars. We’ll discuss their history, fun facts about Hot Wheels, how to determine the value of your collection, how many are manufactured each year, and so much more!
How many Hot Wheels cars are made each year?
Over 130 new variations of Hot Wheels designs are manufactured each year, and these colorful and unique designs are sold in over 150 countries. There are also over 20,000 different models in existence overall, making a complete collection something that’s nearly impossible to acquire.
What is the oldest Hot Wheels car model?
The very first Hot Wheels was introduced in the 1960s. This first vehicle was the Custom Chevrolet Camaro, a dark blue toy car which is a part of the original Sweet Sixteen set.
Other cars in the “Original 16” or “Sweet Sixteen” set include the Beatnik Bandit, the Custom Barracuda, the Custom Corvette, the Custom Cougar, the Custom Eldorado, the Custom Firebird, the Custom Fleetside, the Custom Mustang, the Custom T-Bird, the Custom Volkswagen, the Deora, the Ford 3-Car The Hot Heap, the Python, and the Silhouette.
This timeless set is now a coveted and top selling toy among collectors. The early collection featured a variety of bright colors, chrome finishes, and engines that popped from the hood.
How are Hot Wheels cars designed today?
Designing cars is a process that Hot Wheels goes through every year. First, the design team selects the styles and car designs for the current year. These ideas are parsed through and the best ones are chosen.
The selected ideas go into a sculpting and scaling phase. The design team uses 3-D modeling software, and haptic feedback pens are then used to develop a model which is printed into a physical prototype in a few hours.
One the prototype in is the hands of designers, the design and proportions of the toy car are perfected, and each model is given its own unique characteristics.
How do I know if my Hot Wheels are valuable?
So how do you determine the value of Hot Wheels? Is there a valuable toy car in your personal collection? Which are the best Hot Wheels to purchase if you are considering your collection an investment?
When determining if you have valuable Hot Wheels in your possession, there are a few key things to keep your eye on:
Redline cars: Some of the most valuable Hot Wheels are Redline cars. Redlines have a red stripe on their tires. This mark indicates that they were manufactured during the first ten years of production. Vehicles from this period are highly sought after, and therefore are most valuable.
Something to keep in mind: some reproductions have been made that feature the classic red line, so be sure to distinguish between a genuine Redline and a reproduction.
Rare Cars: Rare models of Hot Wheels tend to be valued more highly then common vehicles. Typically, older cars are the most scarce, but this is not always the case.
There are some cars that only were manufactured in a limited run. For example, only 4,000 units of the the 1955 Candy Striper Chevy Bel Air Gasser Hot Wheels car were released in 2014, making this a rare find, despite being a newer car.
First Editions: To create each Hot Wheels, a cast of the car is first created. The bottom of each car is marked with the year that this particular cast was first produced. A first edition is a car that was manufactured when the cast was first created.These Hot Wheels tend to hold their value better than cars cast in later years.
FAQs
Are Matchbox and Hot Wheels the same company?
Matchbox was founded in 1952, when Jack Odell found that his daughter’s school had a rule; you could only bring toys for show and tell that could fit inside a matchbox. He scaled down his daughter’s road roller toy and placed it carefully inside of the matchbox.
With that, Matchbox was born, and these small vehicles were sold for mere pennies! Their inexpensive retail price made them popular with children of all ages.
Matchbox was the main competitor of Hot Wheels in the industry for many years, until one day in 1997, toy auto manufacturer Mattel bought out the toy company called Tyco Toys, the then-owner of Matchbox.
Today, both of these toy car brands are owned by Mattel. Both types of vehicles are considered valuable collectible items and are highly sought after in the collecting community.
Do Hot Wheels and Matchbox sets connect?
Hot Wheels and Matchbox aren’t exactly the same as each other. Hot Wheels are designed have more fantasy elements, such as bright colors and enlarged wheels, while Matchbox is designed to look like real vehicles.
The tracks are not compatible with one another, because a track for Matchbox is going to be designed differently than a Hot Wheels track. A Matchbox track is going to be more realistic, like their cars, whereas a Hot Wheels track is designed with unique elements such as a shark or ghost. However, due to the sizing, newer both cars can go with both types of tracks.
Many a collector waxes nostalgic about Hot Wheels cars, which first came on to the scene in 1968. Whether you own the original Sweet Sixteen cars or your collection is filled with newer models, these little diecast vehicles are a fun and potentially lucrative collectible item.
In the past 25 years, Hot Wheels collecting has changed a lot! These days, Hot Wheels are incredibly collector-oriented, and the collectible market is skyrocketing, with early edition Redlines being the most sought-after cars. This term refers to cars that were manufactured in the first eight years of production, which can be identified by the red stripe on their tires.
Whether you collage vintage cars or newer editions, here is an investor’s guide to collecting Hot Wheels cars.
How Hot Wheel Cars Started in 1968
Hot Wheels cars were introduced in 1968, and the original cars were made by Elliot Handler with the assistance of engineer Jack Ryan. They were intended to be most like hot rod cars compared to Matchbox, which generally produced small-scale models of production cars.
In 1968, the first line of Hot Wheels cars, known as the Sweet 16, were produced. These cars started the Red Line Series, which is so named because the tires have a red stripe on them.
The original Sweet 16 set included the Beatnik Bandit, Custom Barracuda, Custom Camaro, Custom Corvette, Custom Cougar, Custom Eldorado, Custom Firebird, Custom Fleetside, Custom Mustang, Custom T-Bird, Custom Volkswagen, Deora, Ford 3-Car, Hot Heap, Python, and finally, the Silhouette.
Are Hot Wheels Worth Anything? The Value of Your Collection
What are these cars worth? The value varies from car to car, with vintage and rare cars being worth more than those that are newer or more common.
Here are some types of cars which are considered the most expensive Hot Wheels cars:
Redline Cars
Redline cars have a red stripe on their tires. This mark indicates that they were manufactured during the first ten years of production. Cars from this period are highly sought after, and therefore are most valuable.
Something to keep in mind: some reproductions have been made that feature the classic red line, so be sure to distinguish between a genuine Redline and a reproduction.
Rare Cars
As with any collectible, rare Hot Wheels models tend to be costlier than common cars. Often, it’s the older cars that are the most rare, but this is not always the case.
There are some cars that only were manufactured in a limited run. For example, only 4,000 units of the the 1955 Candy Striper Chevy Bel Air Gasser Hot Wheels car were released in 2014, making this a rare find, despite being a newer car.
First Editions
Casting is the structural design of each car. On the bottom of each car, you’ll see the year that this particular cast was first produced. A first edition, or a first version of the cast car, could be more valuable than those cast in later years. Typically, the name of the casting stays the same, but occasionally these names change.
Series & Manufacturing Date
Two important factors in determining the value of Hot Wheels cars is the series and the manufacturing date. These can help determine how rare a car is. Knowing the series can also assist you with looking up your exact car online to determine its value.
Custom Cars
As the name suggests, custom cars are those which have been customized by the owner. They might have new decals, different wheels, new paint, or even a modified body.
Most Expensive Hot Wheels Cars Ever
Attempting to name just a few of the most valuable Hot Wheels cars ever is a difficult task. There are just so many options from which to choose! A search online will reveal hundreds of lists of the most expensive Hot Wheels cars.
While this is certainly not comprehensive, here are just ten of the most valuable Hot Wheels cars of all time.
1969 Pink Volkswagen Beach Bomb
Built in 1969, this adorable pink car has surfboards loaded in the back – perfect for a tiny trip to the beach! This is a pre-production vehicle. The prototype car didn’t work well with the Hot Wheels Super Charger, so the style was never produced, but rather they were given to Mattel employee’s children. They are often found in the collections of past employees.
Today these valuable Hot Wheels cars are worth around $150,000.
1968 “Cheetah” Base Python
The first release of this car was named “Cheetah” – until it was discovered that GM excutive Bill Thomas used the name for his Corvette race car. The name was changed to Python.
This Hot Wheels car is valued around $10,000 or more.
“Mad Maverick” base Mighty Maverick
Originally introduced as Mad Maverick, the name was changed after a competitor came out with a car of the same name. Today the car is known as Mighty Maverick.
Only a few of these Hot Wheels cars exist today, and the value can’t be quantified.
1970 Red Baron (with white interior)
A German helmet makes up the roof of this car, and it’s also fitted with two machine guns. The white interior is a unique touch that adds value.
These Hot Wheels are worth around $3,000 today.
1968 Custom Volkswagen (without sunroof)
These Volkswagens, which were released without a sunroof, are often blue, but include some rare colors such as orange, green, red, and copper.
They are worth around $1,500 or more.
1970 Ed Shaver Custom AMX
This rare car is only available in blue, which is the same colors at the real car. Today the Hot Wheels are worth around $4,000 or more.
1974 Blue Rodger Dodger
Another blue colored Hot Wheels, this car was most recently sold for $6,000 in 2012.
1971 Purple Olds 442
This Hot Wheels car was produced exclusively in the U.S. and only in the year 1971, making it quite rare. It came in purple, which is a rare color, and the car also came with a sticker sheet. It is valued around $2,000.
1995 Collector Number 271 Funny Car
Only around 20 of these cars are still in their packaging today, making it quite rare. It is valued around $3,500.
1968 White Enamel Camaro
A stunning Hot Wheels car, there are only about 25 in existence today. They were pre-production prototypes that were never released. This Hot Wheels could be worth over $100,000.
How to Identify A Hot Wheels Car
How does one distinguish a Hot Wheels car from a regular diecast car – or from a fake? Here are some tips and tricks for examining your cars and determining whether they are genuine Hot Wheels – or something else entirely.
Inspect the Packaging
The first step in identifying a Hot Wheels cars is to examine the packaging. Is the logo clear and displayed properly? Does the top right hand corner contain a number indicating the car’s number in the collection? Does the Hot Wheels logo have a period at the end (it should!)?
Inspect the Bottom of the Car
It’s also important to inspect the car itself. You can find the name Hot Wheels inscribed on the bottom, as well as the Mattel name, the production year, the car model, the logo, and the manufacturing company.
Look for a Sticker on the Back of the Packaging
Imported Hot Wheels cars have a sticker on the back of the package which indicates the country of production. You can check Mattel’s website to confirm that it’s an accredited country.
Consider That a Variation Could Be a Factory Error
Sometimes the factory produces flawed cars – and these attributes can actually make a car more valuable! So don’t assume that a mistake is a bad thing every time. When in doubt, reach out to an expert for their advice.
Where to Buy Hot Wheels
So you want to add to your collection – where should you start looking for new cars? There are plenty of places to go, both online and in person, to help grow your stash of cars.
Online Auctions: Online auction sites, such as eBay, can be a great way to procure new cars for your collection. Be sure to consider the added cost of shipping!
Toy Stores & Retail Stores: Any toy store will certainly supply you with cars to add to your collection! You can also try places such as Target and Walmart, which have toy sections.
Flea Markets: A flea market can be a great place to score new cars for your collection, but you may have to search more than you would if you went to a retail store. But if you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, this may be a good option for you!
Yard Sales and Consignment Shops: Again, you may have to hunt more, but if you do find a great car at a yard sale or consignment shop, you’re likely to catch a great deal!
FAQs
Here, we recap some of what we just shared to answer your most frequently asked questions.
How long have Hot Wheels been around?
The company started producing diecast cars in 1968, and they continue producing cars to this day.
What was the first Hot Wheels car ever produced?
A dark blue Custom Camaro, which is part of the original Sweet Sixteen set, was the first car produced by Hot Wheels.
How many Hot Wheels have been sold since 1968?
Mattel has sold over 1 billion cars since the inception of Hot Wheels.
What are the most expensive Hot Wheels?
Ten of the most expensive Hot Wheels include the 1969 Pink Volkswagen Beach Bomb, the 1968 “Cheetah” Base Python, the “Mad Maverick” base Mighty Maverick, the 1970 Red Baron (with white interior), the 1968 Custom Volkswagen, the 1970 Ed Shaver Custom AMX, the 1974 Blue Rodger Dodger, the 1971 Purple Olds 442, the 1995 Collector Number 271 Funny Car, and finally, the 1968 White Enamel Camaro.
What Hot Wheels are worth collecting?
Truthfully, any car that strikes your fancy is worth adding to your collection! In the Hot Wheels community, collectors often select a specific focus, such as muscle cars, cars from a specific decade, cars in a specific color, or a specific model of car. Collect what you enjoy!
However, if you’re looking for valuable cars, consider those on the top ten list, as well as vintage redline cars.
What Hot Wheels will be worth money?
Rare Hot Wheels, vintage cars, and redline cars tend to be worth the most money when it comes to Hot Wheels. Newer cars with a limited production run are also quite valuable. A quick Google search will reveal plenty of listicles of valuable cars that you can add to your collection.
How do I know if my cars are worth money?
A great way to determine the value of an individual car is to check what it has recently sold for on auction sites, such as eBay.
What is the most anyone has ever paid for Hot Wheels?
The most expensive Hot Wheels car was sold for $70,000. The car was an extremely rare Beach Bomb model. The reason this car is so scarce is because, ironically, it wasn’t a hit when it was first produced.
Is there an app for Hot Wheels collectors?
The Hot Wheels Collector Guide app is a great way to organize your collection. Over 10,000 cars are supported.
How can I tell what year the cars in my Hot Wheels collection are from?
The production year is typically stamped on the bottom of the car.
