For $10,000, Pokémon Fans Get a Gold Figure Worth $2,080

A 24-karat Pokémon figure depicting Gholdengo is priced at ¥1.54 million, roughly $9,800. The gold in the piece is valued at about $2,080 based on current market rates.

This price tag represents nearly five times the metal's melt value. The 6-cm collectible, weighing 15 grams, is available exclusively in Japan.

Inside the Pokémon Gold Figure

The piece was crafted by SGC, a Japanese gold goods brand, for The Great Gold Exhibition. Sales are taking place at the Yokohama Takashimaya department store between September 30 and October 5. The figurine sits on a layered black base featuring a gold nameplate.

The selection of Gholdengo was intentional. This Pokémon is number 1000 in the National Pokédex and its design incorporates coins. This Steel and Ghost type debuted in the 2022 games Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Its signature ability, Good as Gold, prevents status moves from opponents.

Alongside the release are two statues for display only. A 120-cm Gholdengo features about 730 sheets of gold leaf, while a 50-cm Pikachu incorporates about 200 sheets.

Collectors Pay for the Brand, Not the Metal

On Wednesday, gold was trading near $4,317 per troy ounce, according to market data. This equates to roughly $139 per gram, meaning the 15-gram Pokémon figure contains about $2,080 of gold. The additional $7,700 covers design, craftsmanship, and the Pokémon license.

Gold's price has recently declined. Over the past month, it dropped around 7% due to hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve affecting non-yielding assets. Nonetheless, it remains about 15.5% higher than a year ago, despite falling from its January peak.

Investment flows present a more robust picture. In August, global gold funds recorded their second-largest monthly inflow. Some Swiss investors combine gold with Bitcoin to hedge against US debt. Additionally, Circle's Arc blockchain introduced its first tokenized gold asset, a token backed by vaulted bullion.

Collectors seek a different kind of premium. Over three months this summer, Pokémon cards outperformed Bitcoin and stocks. Polymarket launched Pokémon card prediction markets in August.

The Pokémon gold figure explores the same concept. Purchasers are paying for rarity and fandom, not the gold itself. Future resale prices may indicate how much the brand can extend gold's worth.