National Trading Card Day
February 24, Monday
History of the Celebration
Trading cards first appeared in the 19th century when tobacco companies began including them in cigarette packs, featuring images of celebrities, animals, and landscapes. Over time, they became popular among both children and adults, especially sports cards featuring baseball players.
In the 20th century, trading cards became an essential part of pop culture. The rise of franchises like *Pokémon* and *Magic: The Gathering* transformed these cards from mere collectibles into key elements of strategic card games.
How the Day Is Celebrated
National Trading Card Day is a great opportunity for collectors to expand their collections and trade cards with fellow enthusiasts. Various events take place on this day, including:
Exhibitions and fairs where collectors can showcase their rare cards and acquire new ones.
Tournaments for card games such as *Pokémon TCG*, *Magic: The Gathering*, and *Yu-Gi-Oh!*.
Special promotions and discounts in stores that sell trading cards and accessories.
Fan meetups where participants discuss their collections, trade cards, and learn more about rare editions.
Interesting Facts
The most expensive trading card in the world is the *Honus Wagner T206* baseball card, valued at several million dollars.
*Pokémon* cards became a global phenomenon starting in 1996 and remain extremely popular among collectors today.
Some rare cards are produced in limited editions and can become valuable investments, significantly increasing in worth over time.
This day brings together collectors of all ages and celebrates the excitement of finding and trading unique cards.
National Trading Card Day in other years
- 2021 February 24, Wednesday
- 2022 February 24, Thursday
- 2023 February 24, Friday
- 2024 February 24, Saturday
- 2026 February 24, Tuesday