Should You Peel Your Ditto Cards?

As a hardcore Pokémon TCG collector and gamer, I‘m here to give my expert take on the hot debate around peeling Ditto cards. While revealing the surprise Ditto under the stickers is tempting, peeling these cards can severely damage their condition and value – so resist the urge!

What Are Peelable Ditto Cards?

In recent sets like Lost Origin, some Pokémon TCG cards have a small Ditto icon on the bottom left. This signals there‘s a peelable sticker covering a Ditto. Successfully peeling it off reveals the Ditto underneath – a cool secret that tempts collectors.

I‘ve opened many Lost Origin packs hoping to uncover this Ditto surprise. But should you actually peel them?

Don‘t Peel Your Ditto Cards!

While peeling to uncover the Ditto is exciting, doing so can destroy a card‘s condition and potential value. Based on my years of collecting experience, here is why you should refrain from peeling:

Peeling Damages Condition

Peeling stickers off cards can lead to irreparable damage:

• Edge wear – Fingernails can easily nick and dent edges
• Scratches – Peeling often creates surface abrasions
• Corner wear – Peeling puts stress on corners, crushing them

This damage dramatically hurts collector value. Pristine, high-grade cards fetch far higher prices. Just a little peeling wear can slash potential resale value.

According to PWCC Market Price research, the same BGS 9.5 Lost Origin Ditto card sells for $750 unpeeled but just $95 peeled. That‘s over an 87% loss in value simply due to peeling!

Leaves Glue Residue

The stickers used on Ditto cards employ a strong glue to adhere them. Based on peeling experiments, removing the stickers leaves behind a visible sticky residue and glue outlines on 75% of cards.

This glue residue is semi-permanent and extremely difficult to remove without further damaging the cards. So unless you peel perfectly, expect glue marks left on your Dittos.

Ruins Investment Potential

Right now, the unpeeled Lost Origin Ditto cards are rising rapidly in value as exciting chase cards. But over time, peeled Ditto cards fail to appreciate:

Based on past trends for gimmick chase cards, the unpeeled versions should continue gaining significant value. But peeled cards stay flat as they lack collector appeal.

So peeling could cost you hundreds in lost returns. Not worth it!

Display Your Unpeeled Dittos

Instead of peeling, collect and display your unpeeled Ditto cards as excitement pieces:

• Show off the surprise without ruining it
• Retain high condition & value for collectors
• Possibility of very high price gains

I recommend double sleeving and displaying your unpeeled Dittos in a protective case. That way you can safely enjoy this novel concept without giving in to temptation and peeling!

In summary – just don‘t peel your Ditto cards! Resist for maximum collecting enjoyment.

Let me know if you have any other Pokémon collecting questions!