Childhood Pokémon cards languishing in bedroom for decades could net thousands at auction 

Japanese cards including Pokémon rarities could net thousands at auction after gathering dust in a Bedfordshire bedroom for more than 20 years. 

Martin Rixon, 29, from Barton-le-Clay, hung on to hundreds of Japanese trading game cards he'd collected when he was eight years old - around 300 in total. As well as Pokémon, he liked Yu-Gi-Oh! and Digimon cards. 

Cards from Martin's childhood Pokémon collection. CREDIT: Hanson Ross

Now his childhood collection could pave the way to a windfall. Martin's dad, Neil, popped down to auction saleroom Hanson Ross in Royston, Hertfordshire, to find out what the cards might be worth. The news was good. If top estimates are met they could achieve nearly £5,000 under the hammer. 

Hanson Ross valuer Miles Wheeler guided the Pokémon cards, which include some rarities, at £2,000-£4,000. In addition, Yu-Gi-Oh! cards could bring in £200-£400, Digimon cards £40-£60 plus a collection of Mad Max toys, Top Trumps and Dragons could achieve £200-£400. 

Amanda Butler, director of operations at Hanson Ross, said: "That promises to be quite a return for items bought for fun in childhood, the sort of stuff many people throw away thinking they're simply not worth anything. 

"Luckily Martin was wise enough to look after his cards and realised they could be valuable. It's amazing to think something tucked way in a bedroom for 21 years can net that sort of return now.  

"We were delighted when his dad brought the collection along to our Royston saleroom for valuation because Pokémon and rare vintage Japanese cards and gaming items are sought after at auction. It's a burgeoning market sector that's grown massively in recent years, fuelled by a global army of nostalgic fans.   

"Pokémon sparked a major card craze in the late 1990s and collections like this are probably gathering dust in many homes. If you have grown-up children in their 20s it might be worth checking their old bedrooms to make sure there aren't any forgotten treasures from childhood tucked away in the wardrobe or under the bed. You never know, you just might be sitting on an auction windfall." 

Cards from Martin's childhood Pokémon collection. CREDIT: Hanson Ross

Auction: The Japanese trading card collection will be offered in the November 17 Hanson Ross Auction. 

Enquiries: [email protected] or call 01763 430 042. 

Valuations: Free valuations are held at Hanson Ross, Unit 1 The Power House, Lumen Road, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 7AG, every Friday, 10am-1pm. To book a valuation visit www.hansonross.com 

Cards from Martin's childhood Pokémon collection. CREDIT: Hanson Ross

Martin Rixon with dog Kobi.

Valuation and Consignment days 

Woburn – The Woburn Hotel, 1 George Street, Woburn MK17 9PX. Every Wednesday 10am – 1pm  

Royston – Hanson Ross, Unit 1, Lumen Road, Royston SG8 7AG. Every Friday 10am – 1pm  

Hitchin – Stonegate Estates, Hermitage Road, Hitchin SG5 1BY. Third Tuesday of the month 10am – 1pm  

Berkhamsted – The Kings Arms, 147 High Street, Berkhamsted HP4 3HL. Fourth Tuesday of the month 10am – 4pm