In 1996, Pokémon cards debuted in Japan as collectibles sold through vending machines. When they reached the United States, their popularity exploded, creating

In 1996, Pokémon cards debuted in Japan as collectibles sold through vending machines. When they reached the United States, their popularity exploded, creating a new market for “scalpers” who bought up cards and resold them at inflated prices. First-edition Pokémon cards had smaller print runs, and…