A rare Pokémon card was auctioned off for 35.000 euros at a trading card fair in Alkmaar. The “First Edition Dutch Charizard” from 1999 was found in an unopened pack of cards purchased from one of the stands at the event.
A man from Delft paid 1.250 euros for an old and unopened pack of Pokémon cards, which would have cost just a few euros at the time, at the stand of Global Cardshop from Amersfoort. Upon opening the pack, he discovered the rare and highly sought-after First Edition Dutch Charizard.
"Finding this card has a 0,01 percent chance," the vendor who sold the pack told De Telegraaf. At the Grote Kerk in Alkmaar, cheers of excitement erupted when the card was revealed. "This is excellent for my reputation," the vendor added.
The rare card sold for 35.000 euros at the fair’s auction. Wishing to stay anonymous, the buyer of the collectable compared his new purchase to “seeing The Night Watch by Rembrandt”. While he is the one who bought the card, his brothers are even more excited as they are dedicated Pokémon card collectors.
Michel de Haar, the event organiser and owner of Mox Spellen and MoxCon in Heerhugowaard, is also happy with the find. "This is a major highlight. I'm very pleased; it's great for the fair's reputation," he said. All 45 stands at the fair were busy with card traders hoping to find a rare gem. “That's the thrill of it,” said De Haas. “There's always a chance that you tap into a small treasure or a big one. Like a misprint. That's actually one of the best things that can happen to you.”
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