Q&A for How to Organize Your Trading Cards

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Question

Do I sort by year after last year shown on the card (year printed)?

Community Answer

Yes. Typically, the year of the card is actually the year after the last stat line on the card. For instance, if the card shows statistics for the 2016 season, then the card is a 2017 one.

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Question

Do you put card per pocket on a 9-slot binder sleeve or 2 cards back-to-back?

Community Answer

The best way to organize cards is to put them into perfect-fit sleeves first and then put them inside a binder sleeve back to back. The perfect-fit sleeve offers protection for your collection from humidity, dust, friction and other contaminants.

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Question

Who determines a value of a card?

Community Answer

The value of a card is determined by rarity, how much demand there is for the card itself, the print runs and the amount of reprints in the case of TCGs like Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon etc.

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Question

Should I keep them in the box that they come in?

Community Answer

You do not have to, but if you plan on keeping them sealed so that they are worth more money then you may want to consider doing this. Otherwise, you can use a binder to organize them.

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Question

What are the plastic sleeves called in image number 6?

Community Answer

Ultra Pro Platinum 9-Pocket Sheets. There are sleeves available from other companies, but this by far is the best and won't rip like the cheaper versions.

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Question

I keep losing my Pokemon cards. What is another way to keep them safe?

Community Answer

Put them in a box or binder, which you keep on a shelf in your closet. Always put your cards away when you're done with them.

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Question

Where can I find a spreadsheet?

Community Answer

Make one in Google docs. Go to insert, click "table", title the file and fill it in.

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Question

Should I focus on collecting by teams, card companies, or years?

Community Answer

Typically, it is a mix of all three. The most valuable football cards are probably going to be rookie cards. Some companies' rookie cards are worth more than others. Years can vary in value also. Typically, if a team is doing good, like the New England Patriots, the cards can be worth more.

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Question

What value should a card hold in order to be put in a top-loader?

Blaziken77g

Community Answer

Really, the values set for this are rather arbitrary. However, I put cards in toploaders if they are worth $10 or more (this is because of price hikes that can occur once the $10 barrier is broken). Just remember to at least single-sleeve a card you are going to put in a toploader (preferably Dragonshield normal size sleeves or KMC standard size sleeves)!

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