A 'Rad Dad' Pokémon Card Collection Is Expected to Fetch Big Money

Rare Pokémon cards and sealed boxes could soon set a record.
Rare Pokémon cards and sealed boxes could soon set a record. | Courtesy of Heritage Auctions, HA.com

If you’re familiar with the wildly popular trading card game Pokémon, you know that vintage cards from the series can fetch some staggering prices. But one man’s collection may soon help set a new record.

Heritage Auctions is set to present the Pokémon collection of the late Bart Kiser, nicknamed the “Rad Dad” for his work as a radiologist. Kiser, who passed away in 2018, left behind a sizable collection of Pokémon. Along with other non-sports cards, the auction is expected to earn more than $3 million. If it does, it will be a record for a non-sports trading card offering.

Among the treasures Kiser amassed is a sealed Pokémon Japanese Base Set Booster Box, which was released in 1996, two years earlier than the English-language version. The packs held 60, not 36, cards. It’s expected to sell for $40,000.

A Pokémon Unlimited Edition Base Set Booster Box from 1999, also sealed, could go for $20,000.

A rare Pokémon First Edition Jungle Set Booster Box, the second-ever set from 1999, might realize $15,000.

The Rad Dad Pokémon Collection is part of Heritage’s Trading Card Games Signature Auction, which includes Yu-Gi-Oh! and Magic: The Gathering cards, among other non-sports offerings. It runs through July 24 and July 25. You can check out the complete lineup on the Heritage Auctions website.