Juan Pardo from Kansas City, Missouri recently rediscovered his love of Pokémon cards, which he began collecting in 2000 at the age of 5. His mother would buy him packs as gifts, and the hobby soon became a mother-son bonding activity. Even as Pardo got older, his mom continued to buy and collect the cards until 2017. The Pokémon franchise has a wide range of fans, including adults, who grew up with the games, movies, and TV shows. One of the franchise’s most popular recent games, Pokémon Go, is played by many adults, reflecting the enduring popularity of the series.
Pardo has an estimated 3,600 Pokémon cards, all kept in pristine condition in a specially designated binder. Upon discovering his collection, he decided to find out the value of the cards using a special app. His partner shared the process on TikTok, capturing the moment Pardo realized he might be sitting on a small fortune. The cards he has gone through so far are valued at over $5,000, with more still to check. However, in order to sell the cards at their full value, Pardo would need to get them graded, which can be a costly process ranging from $15 to $250 per card depending on their value.
Despite the potential cost of grading, Pardo is considering selling some of the cards to give himself and his partner an extra financial cushion. The video shared by his partner has been viewed over 1.5 million times, and the hope is that someone might be able to help him get the cards graded. Pardo expressed his surprise at the high value of some of the cards and the impact it could have on his finances. The continued demand for Pokémon trading cards in mint condition speaks to the nostalgia and collecting habits of fans of the franchise, both young and old.
The nostalgic appeal of Pokémon has led to many fans holding onto their collections over the years, with some only discovering the value of their cards later on. Pardo’s story is just one example of how a childhood hobby can turn into a lucrative investment in adulthood. The unexpected potential wealth hidden in his card collection has sparked interest and excitement among viewers, who are eager to see how his journey unfolds. As Pardo navigates the process of assessing and potentially selling his valuable cards, he represents a larger community of Pokémon fans who may also have hidden treasures in their collections waiting to be discovered.
Ultimately, Pardo hopes that by selling some of his Pokémon cards, he can secure a financial safety net for himself and his partner. The sentimental and monetary value of his collection has opened up new possibilities for their future. As he continues to explore the potential worth of his cards and the costs involved in getting them graded, Pardo’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring popularity and collectible nature of Pokémon trading cards. With the support of his partner and the online community, Pardo is embarking on a unique journey that highlights the unexpected treasures that can be found in childhood hobbies.
