Commentary on Value 

A Very Brief History of Bella Sara 

The wonderful world of Bella Sara came about by Gitte Braendgaard. The magical series started its debut in Denmark back in 2005. The cards later released globally and became an international sensation for horse lovers of all ages. Unfortunately, the cards ceased printing in 2013. The online game on the official website shut down in 2020 due to flash depreciation. 

As most of us collectors know, Bella Sara is a niche community. Unlike other brands, Bella Sara is not a big brand fanbase. You might notice that Bella Sara cards are not graded and do not require proof of authenticity in order to sell them.

A Very Brief History of Bella Sara Prices

For the longest time, Bella Sara cards were reasonably priced. Before they stopped printing in 2013, cards were between 10 cents to $10. Maybe $25 for a promo at best. Even with auctions, some lucky collectors could snag a full set of foils from Herds of North of North at $20. 

Once the cards stopped printing in 2013, the prices climbed ever so slightly yet still remained affordable. 

What Happened to Initiate an Increase in Prices?

With the rise of covid, many people had more time to revisit old and new hobbies. A new nostalgia wave hit and the popularity of collecting Bella Sara increased dramatically.

Over the past several years, small numbers of Bella Sara collectors have engaged in bid wars. Unfortunately, the created impression has been that Bella Sara cards are worth considerable money.  However, the impression created by bid wars is largely a misconception. Small numbers of people who fight to increase their collection are not representative of an entire hobby fanbase.

How Does Supply and Demand Relate to Bella Sara?

Ancient Lights cards are so plentiful that rehoming duplicates is tedious. If you are lucky to find them a new home, odds are that you sold them for a low price. This is because the supply is high enough that demand is low.

Most bid wars are the effect of high demand and low supply. Danish cards–which are a Europe exclusive release–used to be a rarity to come by in the United States. The supply of Danish cards in the United States has increased and now Danish cards are no longer auctioning for the same higher prices as they used to. In other words, the high prices can and will fluctuate. 

Why Isn't the Value Attributed to Age or Rarity Like Other Trading Card Brands?

While it is true that age can add value, it does not mean that age will add value. It has been over 10 years since Bella Sara cards have discontinued. If age were a true factor for value, then prices would have steadily increased throughout the last 10 years. However, the price increase is still a recent change to the market.

Similarly, rarity can add value, but it does not mean that rarity will add value. The more frequent a card surfaces for sale or trade, the more its value decreases. So, a higher rarity scale does not automatically mean that a higher price paid is always justified. In the past, some collectors have paid obscene amounts of money for a set of Winter Festival promos which still remain of a higher rarity. In recent months, there's been collectors getting the same promos for 5 times less the price of what others had paid. More copies of the cards are circulating which demonstrates that rarity does not necessarily equal limited supply. 

How Do We Combat High Prices as a Community?

Simply do not pay unreasonable prices. The market is what it is because people are paying into it.

What if I Never See the Card Again If I Don't Buy It Now?

You will see the card resurface for sale.

After 10 years of discontinued product, we still see sealed merchandise for sale. We still have several websites and community groups alive with sales and trades for used and new cards. Some things require patience but are not impossible to find.