Dad Left His Pokémon Cards in an Attic for 15 Years. He Just Sold 41 of His 42 Rare Complete Sets for $2M: ‘He Kept One’

A retired decorator from Woking, England, recently unearthed a treasure trove of rare Pokémon cards from his attic, which have since fetched more than $2 million (£1.56 million) at a recent auction. The man, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was spurred into action after reading about a couple who financed their wedding through the sale of three rare Pokémon cards. This prompted him to assess the value of his own long-stored collection, which he had carefully preserved over 15 years.

James Spooner, the head of trading cards at Ewbank’s Auctions, expressed amazement at the extensive nature and impeccable condition of the collection upon its evaluation. “When we saw what he had — all in mint condition — we were astounded, especially given that he had no idea of its potential worth,” Spooner remarked. He continued to explain that the collection comprised an incredible 42 complete sets, and the auction house managed to sell 41 of those, while the collector chose to retain one set.

The retired father’s collection, which has been dubbed “Pokémon: A Decade of Masters (1999-2009),” is remarkable not only for its size but also for its completeness and the rarity of its contents. The standout item in this collection is the Legendary Collection Complete Master Set, which includes all 110 cards, along with the 110 Reverse Holo Firework cards and four Box Toppers. Collectors and bidders, including YouTubers and other enthusiasts, were thrilled at the opportunity to acquire such an extensive and untouched assembly.

The origins of this collection date back to 1999 when Pokémon cards first arrived in the UK. The collector recalls, “When my son was young, in the late 1990s, he started receiving cards and swapping them at school. I thought they looked appealing and wondered if they could be a smart investment.” His initial foray into collecting was a practical decision to engage with his son’s interests.

With growing curiosity, the father sought out complete sets from sellers online, eventually purchasing a complete master set that included the highly sought-after Sky Ridge Charizard set for around $400. Remarkably, this particular set recently sold for approximately $100,400 (£75,000) during the auction. Thanks to his preservation methods, keeping the sets in Pokémon binders, the cards remained in pristine condition despite spending many years tucked away in storage.

In reflecting on this unexpected fortune, the man noted, “[My son] had his own cards, but he never got to touch these, I’m glad to say. I know people speak of finding treasure in the attic, but in my case, that is literally true. I had no idea what I had until the team at Ewbank’s explained it to me.” His story has been met with astonishment, both from auction executives and fellow collectors.

The excitement surrounding this discovery has heightened interest in Pokémon card collecting, particularly among those who might have similar treasures hidden away in their homes. Andrew Ewbank, a partner at Ewbank’s Auction, elaborated, “Collectors could hardly believe the quality of this collection — extensive, untouched, and filled with nearly every rarity you could wish for.”

This remarkable auction not only serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of Pokémon but also highlights the hidden value that some childhood pastimes can hold into adulthood. As the trend gains momentum, more individuals may be inspired to dig through their own collections, potentially leading to similar discoveries.