Why is one card worth a few pounds and a near-identical one worth hundreds? A few factors do most of the work.
Condition
Condition is often the single biggest lever, especially for desirable cards. The difference between a pack-fresh copy and a played one can be enormous — which is why a verified grade matters so much. Learn what graders look at in card grades explained.
Rarity and print run
Scarcer cards — short prints, secret rares, limited promos — command more, all else equal. How many exist, and how many survive in good condition, drives a lot of value.
Demand
Popularity matters: a beloved character, a chase card, or a card tied to a moment in the game will always have more buyers than an obscure one. Demand can shift with new sets, formats and trends.
Authenticity
A card is only worth something if it's genuine. Counterfeits are common, which is why authentication is part of grading — see how to spot a fake.
Where grading fits
Grading doesn't change a card's rarity or demand, but it proves its condition and authenticity — the two things a buyer can't verify from a photo. That proof is what a grade adds to value.