Let's remember our childhood. The joy of getting a brand new Pokémon card was unparalleled. A glint in your eyes when you held a rare or holographic card in your hands. Pokémon cards were not just for playing, but also for collecting. Some of us may have forgotten our collection , others may have passed our cards on to younger siblings or, unfortunately, even thrown them away. But for those of us who maintain or have rediscovered our collection to this day, storing and protecting the cards properly is critically important.
The value of a card
Before we delve into storing and protecting our cards, we need to know and understand the value of our cards. Pokémon cards can be valuable for a variety of reasons. Firstly, there is the nostalgic value. The memories associated with these cards are often priceless. On the other hand, there is the financial value. Some cards, particularly rare or misprinted ones, can increase significantly in value over the years. And finally there is the playful value. Some cards are highly sought after in tournaments and can give a player a decisive advantage.
The threats
Before we look at how we can best protect our cards, we need to be aware of the dangers that exist to our cards.
Light:
Direct sunlight or artificial light may cause the colors of the cards to fade.
Humidity:
Moisture can make cards curly and unsightly.
Dirt and oils:
Our hands carry natural oils and dirt that can affect the card surface.
Bending and wear:
Frequent playing and handling can cause the edges of the cards to become worn or the cards to become bent.
Temperature:
Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can damage cards.
The solutions
Now that we know the dangers, we can take steps to protect our cards.
Protective covers
The easiest and most cost-effective way to protect Pokémon cards is with protective cases. There are different types of protective sleeves, but the most common are penny sleeves, which are made of a thin, clear plastic. These cases offer some protection from dirt, oils and minor scratches. For more valuable cards, there are also thicker cases that offer better protection. When choosing protective cases, it is important to ensure that they are acid-free and PVC-free to avoid damaging the cards.
Toploader
Top loaders are another way to protect cards. They are made of a thicker plastic and offer better protection than traditional protective cases. The card is first placed in a protective sleeve and then pushed into the top loader. This offers double protection and is particularly recommended for more valuable cards.
Card folder
For those of us who have a lot of cards, a card folder is a great way to organize and protect the cards. There are special folders for trading cards that have pockets with 9 compartments per page. In addition to providing protection, these folders allow you to organize the cards by set, type, or any other way you want.
Storage boxes
Another option for storing many cards at once is storage boxes. There are special boxes for trading cards that keep the cards safe and secure. These boxes are particularly suitable for cards that you don't use often or that you have in large quantities.
Controlled environment
In addition to physical protection measures, it is also important to control the environment in which the cards are stored. It is advisable to store the cards in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. A consistent temperature is also important, as temperature fluctuations can damage the cards.
Conclusion
Collecting Pokémon cards is a passion for many of us. Therefore, it is important that we store and protect our cards properly. With the right protection measures and a controlled environment, we can ensure that our cards are preserved for many years to come.
