Trading Card Valuation In National Spotlight

Australia’s trading card market has evolved from a niche hobby into a sophisticated collectibles sector involving significant sums, international buyers and increasingly complex valuation considerations. That they are now an investment-class asset is coming as a surprise to accountants and tax experts.

From Pokémon through to AFL, NBA and vintage sports cards, professionals with the AVAA Certified Valuer (CVAu) credential are now being asked to provide informed advice for insurance, estates, taxation, family law and private collection purposes.

Recent international sales demonstrate the extraordinary growth of the sector. In February 2026, a mint condition Pikachu Illustrator card sold for a record US$16.49 million, becoming the highest priced trading card ever sold at auction. In Australia, the AFL trading card market has also accelerated, with rare cards reportedly achieving five-figure outcomes and some vintage examples selling for around $50,000. While rarity is a factor in these prices, when it comes to the value of trading cards condition is everything.

“Condition is often the single biggest driver of value in trading cards. Minor flaws that are almost invisible to an untrained eye can change values dramatically.” says Jonathan Marin CVAu, of of TCG Grading.

The existence of different grading systems complicates valuation work. Businesses including Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), TCG Grading and other grading companies each apply distinct methodologies and grading tolerances. Market confidence also differs between grading providers, meaning equivalent numerical grades do not necessarily produce equivalent market outcomes.

For valuers, condition assessment presents one of the sector’s most technically demanding issues. Edge wear, centring, print lines, corner damage, surface scratching and even factory print inconsistencies can materially influence value outcomes. The difference between a PSA 9 and PSA 10 graded card may involve only microscopic imperfections, yet the resulting market value difference can run into tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“The grading company itself can influence buyer confidence and realised value. Understanding market perception is essential when assessing trading cards,” says Geoff Always CVAu of Always Collectables.

Australian valuers must also recognise the importance of country of manufacture and release origin. The same card may carry substantially different values depending on whether it was produced for the Japanese, American, Australian or broader international market. Japanese Pokémon cards, for example, are often recognised for superior print quality and lower population numbers, while some English-language releases attract stronger international demand.

Counterfeit detection, provenance verification and rapidly changing market sentiment add further complexity. Online marketplaces and livestream auctions can create sharp price fluctuations within short periods, requiring valuers to rely on current and verified market evidence rather than historic assumptions.

As trading card collecting continues expanding across Australia, demand is increasing for AVAA Certified Valuers (CVAu) with specialist expertise in grading systems, authenticity, international markets and collectible trends. Trading card valuation now requires far more than simply identifying a card. It demands technical knowledge, informed judgement and a detailed understanding of a rapidly evolving global market.

Those with an interest in this matter are encouraged to attend the AVAA Perspectives Webinar – Trading Card Valuation Best Practice that’s being held on 29 July 2026.
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