An unopened box of pristine condition 20 year-old Pokemon booster packs was recently auctioned off for $56,000 USD (approximately £40,000 / $94,500 AUD).

Loading

The cards are one of a limited run of the first edition English base set booster boxes, reports Kotaku AU . With an opening bid of $20,000, the offers soon escalated, in no small part due to the fact that there's a fair chance it might contain a first edition holographic Charizard, which Kotaku AU reports sold for over $55,000 USD on eBay last year.The pristine condition box sold via Huggins & Scott Auctions last week after 82 bids were made, and drew to a close as four bidders battled it out for ownership, according to Ludkins Collectables The box had been in the original owner's possession since its release in 1999, suffering only "a ding" to one of the corners in that time."A box break will yield (36) 11-card packs," reads the description. "Additionally, each pack will deliver: (5) common, (3) uncommon, (2) Energy and (1) Rare or Foil card. Based on production, the odds of pulling a foil card are nearly 1:3 packs. With 396 chances for Gem Mint 10 holos and other high-grade treasures, 'the sky’s the limit' for this transcendent non-sport box!"The Pokemon TCG's popularity exploded in the '90s and is still going strong today, with both physical cards and an online version of the game. If you're a fan of Pokemon Go, but have yet to dabble in the TGC, here's why you'll love it

Shabana is a freelance writer who enjoys JRPGs, wine, and not finishing games. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram