Amassed over the course of 25 years, the world’s largest Pokemon collection is a product of one anonymous superfan’s passion (you could even say she had a burning desire to catch ’em all). And for her lifelong dedication to arguably Japan’s most recognisable export, said anonymous superfan may soon be rewarded with a small fortune.
“From childhood, every penny of pocket money and savings went on Pokémon and when it came to Christmas and birthdays, Pokémon presents dominated,” the collector revealed, who’s reportedly selling “for financial reasons.”
“I fell in love with it immediately. Unfortunately, I was bullied at school. For me Pokémon provided a great escape. I liked to come home and immerse myself in it. Playing video games and reading the manga really helped.”
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Derbyshire-based firm Hansons Auctioneers has valued the lot at approximately £300,000 ($521,000).
“There are more than 20,000 individual items which amounts to a world-record amount for one single Pokémon collection,” explained Hansons’ David Wilson-Turner of the Guinness-certified haul sourced from the UK, US, France, and of course, the Land of the Rising Sun.
“It covers everything from folders filled with trading cards, sealed box sets, rare cards books, stationery and food to hard-to-find items, figures, plush toys, Pokémon stands, apparel, clothing, and much more.”
According to Hansons, a few highlights include the following:
- 3 x German 1st Edition sealed base set packs
- 3 x English Unlimited sealed base set packs
- 4 x Team Rocket Unlimited sealed booster packs
- 3 x Jungle Unlimited sealed booster packs
- Spanish 1st Edition Jungle sealed booster pack
- Shadowless Base Set Blastoise card
- Jumbo Lottery Ho-Oh (one of only 100 ever made)
- Shiny Pokémon figures – Hasbro Charizard, Tomy Moncolle Garchomp, several Bandai kids’ figures
- Pichu Bros “Tufty” Pichu Pokedoll
- Squirtle “PlushPlush” (the earliest form from the popular Pokedoll line released in Japan)
- Giant Shinx plush
- Japanese Mew purse plush (signed by Pokemon creator Shigeki Morimoto)
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Wilson-Turner added: “This is a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own the single largest collection of Pokémon memorabilia that has ever come to the market. It is currently being stored in a secure lock-up.”
“Pokémon has been soaring in value in the collectors’ market for six years. Wealthy young people in their 20s and 30s who got into Pokémon when they were children are buying and prices have spiked.”
“This is a fantastic investment opportunity for a wealthy Pokémon collector or any wise investor.”
A handful of key items and the Guinness World Record certificate – which has been displayed at Hertford Museum as part of a pop culture exhibition – will be kept as “an important keepsake.” Because sentimental value trumps any amount of dollars.
The world’s largest Pokemon collection is scheduled to hit the auction block later this month on October 18th.
