$50k card that could be in your cupboard

It is a huge increase from the couple of dollars the cards were originally sold for in the late 90s and early 2000s at the height of its popularity.

In 2016, the Pikachu Illustrator Pokemon card sold at a Heritage Auctions sale for more than $54,000, due to its rarity.

Only 20 to 39 copies of the card were produced. So if you have one, now is the time to sell.

Collectables expert Tracey Martin told The Sun many of the holographic cards are the most valuable, and cards released between 1999 and 2000 – known as ‘shadowless’ Pokemon cards – are now highly sought-after.

Average cards may only be worth around $10, while authenticated ones, such as the Raichu shadowless holographic cards released in 1999 can be worth up to $4,000.

A 1999 first edition shadowless chameleon can be worth up to $500, while a Nidorino shadowless first edition base set card in mint condition could fetch you up to $160.

There’s even an Australian card collectors site where Pokemon cards can fetch anything from $5 to $800.

Youtuber turned boxer Logan Paul has been a collector of the rare cards, showing them off to millions of his fans.

Before his fight with Floyd Mayweather he wore a rare card around his neck on a gaudy chain.

And just this week he announced a huge giveaway.

“For my Pokemon fans, my collectors out there. I got something big, I purchased the only known sealed case of first edition Pokemon boxes,” he said.

“In the world, there are six first-edition Pokemon boxes in it, and on Christmas, I will be breaking open a first-edition box again. And we will be giving away the first 36 packs to people who are tuned into the live stream.”

Recommendations for card holders

• If the cards are around $100 in value its recommended to hang onto them
• They should be kept in mint condition and in cases
• Get them authenticated

Originally published as Pokemon cards have returned to pop-culture with the items rising in value