FORSYTH COUNTY, GA. While fictional Pokémon monsters can’t breathe fire or electrocute enemies, in Caleb King’s case, they have life-changing powers.
A University of North Georgia student turned his childhood passion into an investment in medical school by purchasing a series of Pokémon cards as a teenager and building on his interest, founded as a six-year-old
King now said he has made $80,000 in card sales, spending just $4,000 on the originals, most of which he bought years ago.
King credits this year of isolation as the reason for the jump in value.
“People want to get away from everything that’s going on, and I think [Pokémon] that’s one way people can,” King said.
More tellingly, King has yet to play his highest card.
He held up a first edition Red Cheeks Pikachu. “I’ve seen it sell for $20,000,” King said.
He laid out 21 Pokémon cards that he estimates will sell for more than $50,000, putting him that much closer to his goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.
