Yu-Gi-Oh! is a card game that originated in Japan, inspired by a manga series about dueling monsters. This card game gained massive popularity in the United States after its launch in 2002, following its Japan release. The game even set a Guinness World Record in 2009 for being the top-selling card game, with over 20+ billion sold.
If you grew up in the 1990s, then chances are you’ve played Yu-Gi-Oh! with friends and watched the animated series that was popular back then. Remember the Blue-Eye-White-Dragon card? If you do, you’re part of the club.
Yu-Gi-Oh! isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s still very much alive today. And, many of the cards have not only held their value but have also increased in worth over time.
If you stumble upon an old box of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards while cleaning, you might just discover that you’re sitting on a small fortune.
If you’re interested in turning those cards into cash, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you understand how to figure out their worth and where to sell them.
As in all of my guides, I’m always as simple as possible, only recommending what I feel is worth your time.
Let’s begin!
How Much Are My Yugioh Cards Worth?
There are several factors that can influence the value of your cards, and it’s crucial to understand them so you don’t end up selling them for less than they’re worth—or asking for too much.
I just want to talk about these factors before you start selling them to someone else or online.
Card Condition Matters
Firstly, the condition of your cards is a big deal. They can range from ‘heavy play’ to ‘mint’ condition. If you’ve used your cards a lot, they might show signs of wear and tear, which can lower their value. On the other hand, if you’ve kept them in protective sleeves or have unopened packs, you’re likely sitting on cards that are in near-mint condition and therefore more valuable.
The Value of a Complete Set
Yu-Gi-Oh! has released numerous sets and booster packs over the years, some of which contain limited edition cards. If you have a complete set from a specific year, you could potentially make more money selling it as a whole rather than individually. It’s always a good idea to check the current market value of your cards to make an informed decision.
Rarity: The More Unique, The Better
The rarity of your cards also plays a significant role in their value. Yu-Gi-Oh! cards come in various levels of rarity, from common cards, which are quite basic, to ultra-rare cards that feature special foils and holographic finishes. There are also promotional cards that you can only get by participating in specific events. The rarer the card, the more you can ask for it.
Reprints and Editions
It’s worth noting that Konami, the company behind Yu-Gi-Oh!, has reprinted many cards over the years. This can affect their value, especially if a once rare card becomes common due to reprints. Pay attention to the edition of your cards; First and Limited Edition cards usually have gold security foil and are more valuable than Unlimited Edition cards, which are reprints with silver foil.
Playability: Is Your Card a Game-Changer?
Lastly, how useful your card is in gameplay can also affect its value. Cards that are currently popular in the meta (the decks and strategies dominating tournaments) can fetch a higher price. However, be aware that some cards get banned from tournaments for being too powerful, so it’s good to keep an eye on the Yu-Gi-Oh! ban list.
How to Sell Yugioh Cards
eBay
eBay is a go-to platform for selling almost anything, including trading cards like Yu-Gi-Oh!. The site has a vast marketplace for these collectibles, making it a prime spot for selling your cards. However, eBay does take a cut of your sales, usually between 5 to 15%, but that’s generally lower than what specialized trading card sites might charge.
The platform’s large user base makes it ideal for selling entire collections in bulk.
To get the best price for your cards, you can use eBay to look at the most recently sold cards for the one you may have. This not only helps you find current market values but lets you track price changes.
- Website: eBay
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace combines the variety of eBay with the simplicity of local sales. It’s a great option if you’re looking to sell your cards locally.
The key to a successful sale here is to provide quality photos and detailed descriptions. If you’re selling a bulk collection, setting a reasonable price could attract buyers hoping to find a hidden gem among your cards.
Doing some research to highlight any rare or sought-after cards in your collection can also help you make a quick sale.
- Website: Facebook
OfferUp
OfferUp is another local selling app, similar to Facebook Marketplace, where you can sell your Yu-Gi-Oh! cards to people in your area.
While the app is commonly used for selling items like electronics and furniture, it’s also a viable platform for selling card collections or individual cards. The process of listing your items is quick and free.
If you live in a big city, you’re likely to find a good number of Yu-Gi-Oh! enthusiasts looking to add to their collections. For more insights on how to make the most of this platform, there are guides available with seller tips.
- Website: OfferUp
Card Market
Card Market is a significant platform where you can buy and sell trading cards like Yu-Gi-Oh!.
To get started, you will have to create an account. One of the perks of using Card Market is that you can set your price for the cards you’re selling, but it’s wise to do that research to make sure your pricing is competitive. Refer to that price factoring section above to make sure you’re getting close to the value.
Payments are made via a bank wire or PayPal, and Card Market will take a 5% commission on each sale. Since it’s an international platform, be aware that there’s a 3% currency conversion fee. If you’re looking for a quick option to sell your cards without losing too much on fees, this is a good option to consider.
- Website: Card Market
Dave and Adam’s
Dave & Adam’s is a well-known name in the world of collectibles and trading cards. According to their website, they’re always in the market for new cards. To start selling, you can check their current buy list to see which of your cards are in demand.
They’re particularly interested in buying Yu-Gi-Oh! booster packs, boxes, and individual cards. Some of their offers can be quite lucrative, with certain booster packs and boxes fetching prices ranging from $100 to even $3,000+.
Payments are made via PayPal or check. One thing to note is that you’ll need to sell at least $199 worth of cards to qualify for free shipping. However, they often throw in extra perks like free cards or store credit for large sales.
- Website: Dave and Adam’s
Game Goblins
If you’re still on the hunt for places to sell your Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, Game Goblins is another online option worth considering. Similar to Dave & Adam’s, they have a current buy list that you can consult.
What’s cool about their buy list is that it’s on a Google Sheet, making it easy to search for specific cards by their number and set. The offers for most cards range from $5 to $25, but they also buy rarer cards for $50 to $100 or more.
Game Goblins uses TCGPlayer’s low price as a starting point and offers up to 65% of a card’s current value in cash. If you opt for store credit instead, you’ll get a 25% bonus, which could be a great deal if you’re into tabletop games or trading cards. They also provide a detailed sheet breaking down the offer for each card, so you know exactly what you’re getting before you agree to sell.
- Website: Game Goblins
Heart of Cards
If you’re looking for an alternative to eBay, Heart of the Cards is a site dedicated to Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. They’ll buy cards that are in near-mint or slightly-used condition, offering you 40% of the market value in cash.
If you’re more interested in expanding your collection, they’ll give you 50% of the card’s value in store credit, which you can use for future purchases. However, they’re pretty particular about the condition of foil cards, given that any damage is easily noticeable. They’re even stricter when it comes to Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, which often have many foil options. While you might not get the full market value for your cards, Heart of the Cards is a convenient option if you prefer to have someone else handle the selling process for you.
- Website: Heart of Cards
Reddit r/YGOMarketplace
Reddit isn’t just for memes and specialized forums; it’s also a great place to sell Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. The subreddit r/YGOMarketplace is a community of over 23,000 duelists looking to buy, sell, and trade cards.
What sets this platform apart is its rule system and feedback features. Each “redditor” will have a transaction history, and you can leave or read reviews to gauge trustworthiness. The subreddit also has moderators and a helpful FAQ to guide newcomers. Another perk is the option to meet your buyer in person if that’s what you’re more comfortable with. This makes r/YGOMarketplace a great, flexible platform for selling your cards.
- Website: Reddit
Sell2BBNovelties
Sell2BBNovelties is another established brand in the trading card market, offering a couple of different ways to sell your Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. You can either sell individual cards or go for bulk sales.
The company has a pricing structure based on the rarity of the cards: holographic cards go for $0.10 each, rares for $0.03 each, and commons for $0.01 each. However, they do mention that they’re willing to pay more for individual cards that are particularly rare, so that’s something to consider if you have special cards in your collection.
Sell2BBNovelties also buys booster packs, boxes, and tins. To sell to them, your cards need to be in mint or near-mint condition. Payment options include PayPal cash or store credit, and they’ll cover the shipping costs if your sale exceeds $30.
- Website: Sell2BBNovelties
TCG Player
TCG Player is another reliable online platform where you can sell your trading cards, including Yu-Gi-Oh! cards. The site has a vast inventory and offers a variety of games like Pokemon and Magic The Gathering, in addition to Yu-Gi-Oh!.
The selling process on TCG Player is quite straightforward.
They charge a 10.25% selling fee, capped at $50 per card, which is deducted once the sale is finalized. Payments are directly deposited into your bank account after the sale and fees are accounted for.
One of the standout features of TCG Player is its live pricing data, which can help you set competitive prices. You can quickly list multiple cards using their pre-existing database, making the process even more efficient.
- Website: TCG Player
Troll and Toad
Troll and Toad is another excellent place to sell your Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, as well as cards from other trading card games. The site buys cards directly from you and then resells them.
To find out how much they’re willing to pay for your cards, you can browse their buy list. Payments can be made via check, PayPal, or website credit, which comes with a 50% bonus.
Once they receive and verify your cards, you can expect payment to be processed in about five business days. However, keep in mind that Troll and Toad requires a minimum value of $30 for the cards you’re selling, so it’s not the best fit if you only have a small collection of lower-value cards.
- Website: Troll and Toad
Comic Book Shop
If you’re looking for a place that understands the value of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, comic book stores are a good bet. They’re likely to be more knowledgeable about the cards’ worth compared to pawn shops. Think of it as the brick-and-mortar version of Heart of the Cards; you’ll get a portion of your card’s value, but the process is quicker and simpler than mailing your cards somewhere. It’s a good idea to call them ahead to make sure the comic book store near you is interested in buying Yu-Gi-Oh! cards.
Pawn Shops
Pawn shops are a bit of a wildcard when it comes to selling trading cards. Not all of them are familiar with the value of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, so it’s a good idea to call ahead. You’re likely to get less than market value for your cards, but if you’re looking for a quick sale and aren’t too concerned about the price, it may be a viable option. A simple Google search for local pawn shops interested in trading cards could point you in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
Selling your Yu-Gi-Oh! cards involves more than just putting them up for sale. You need to understand their condition, rarity, and playability to set the right price. Websites like Yu-Gi-Oh! Prices or even eBay can help you get an idea of what specific cards are worth. Start by sorting your cards based on their condition and rarity, then look up each card’s value before listing them. This might seem like a lot to take in, but the more you know, the better you’ll be at determining your cards’ worth. Once you know their worth, you can then start selling them. It’s always best to get the most for your money, right?
That’s going to do it for now.
As always, if you want to add to this list or even comment on a company mentioned, feel free to do so below.
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