The Blue-Eyes White Dragon was first introduced to the world in the original Yu-Gi-Oh anime series, and has since become a symbol of the entire franchise. It is the signature card of Seto Kaiba, one of the most popular characters in the series, and has been featured prominently in countless episodes, movies, and video games.
The first official TCG printing of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon was first released in the Legend of Blue-Eyes White Dragon set in 2002. Making the original print of the card highly sought after by collectors, particularly the 1st Edition print, which is the rarest and most valuable as it was only printed in the first wave of its release before being replaced by its unlimited editions.
The $85000 Sale of the LOB Blue-Eyes
In October of 2020, the card in question (PSA 10 1st Edition LOB Blue-Eyes White Dragon) sold at auction on PWCC for a staggering $85,000, making it one of the most expensive Yu-Gi-Oh cards ever sold. This sale was particularly significant as it occurred during a time when the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card market was experiencing a surge in popularity and prices were reaching unprecedented levels. The Blue-Eyes White Dragon was already one of the most valuable cards in the game, but this sale cemented its place as the peak of the 2020 Yu-Gi-Oh collector craze and helped set a new benchmark for Yu-Gi-Oh card values.
Following the record-breaking sale of the 1st Edition Blue-Eyes White Dragon for $85,000 in October of 2020, the Yu-Gi-Oh community was abuzz with excitement in anticipation that prices would surge even higher following this high-profile sale.
However, the euphoria was short-lived as the market began to cool off soon after. Since then, the price of the card has seen a significant decline compared to its peak in 2020, and it has not been sold for a price anywhere near the record-setting amount. As the year progressed, the decline in the market became more apparent.
The value of the 1st Edition Blue-Eyes White Dragon alongside many high-ticket items continued to decline throughout 2021, and by December 2022, the card sold for a much lower price of $36,000 at the same auction site, which represents a steep drop from its peak of more than 57% when it sold for $85,000. Furthermore, there are rumors that the card in 2023 sold for under the $20,000 mark, indicating a further drop in its price if the speculated sale is ever verified or confirmed.
The Current Decline
The decline in price is likely due to a combination of factors, including a general downturn in the collectibles market largely due to the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. With many collectors and players feeling the impact of the pandemic and the resulting economic downturn, the demand for high-priced cards has waned. As a result, card prices have seen a significant decline in value from its peak in 2020 to where it is now, indicating that the days of astronomical prices for cards may be a thing of the past.
However, despite the drop in prices, the Yu-Gi-Oh community in 2023 remains strong, with dedicated collectors still seeking out valuable cards to add to their collections. And the demand for the LOB Blue-Eyes White Dragon in 1st Edition is still strong as ever even after its significant price drop, as it remains one of the most recognizable and sought-after cards in the franchise.
Cardboard Crusade 