Commentary on Value 

A 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.

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 Brief History of Bella Sara Prices

For the longest time, Bella Sara cards were consistently priced reasonably. Before they stopped printing in 2013, cards were between 10 cents to $10. Maybe as much as $25 for a promo. 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. Card prices were often between 75 cents to $12. Maybe $50 for a promo.

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 has steadily increased since then.

As its popularity has increased, there have been sporadic instances of bid wars between small numbers of collectors. Unfortunately, the created impression is that the high priced value of Bella Sara is absolute. This is a misconception. The two or three people who fight to increase their collection are not representative of an entire hobby fanbase of two-thousand plus members.

How Does Supply and Demand Relate to Bella Sara?

Most high-priced bid wars are the effect of high demand and low supply. The Herds of North of North series used to be rare to find in English. Now that sealed boosters and blister packs are in circulation, the cards are easily accessible. Loose cards and foils from Herds of North of North now sell for lower prices. In other words, the prices of Bella Sara 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. To the contrary, 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 justified. Winter Festival promos, for example, are of a higher rarity. They surface for sale or trade at least once a year. It might feel that Winter Festival promos don't appear often enough, but the fact that they are still circulating demonstrates that the supply is not as limited as it appears to be.

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?

It will come back. After 10 years of discontinued product, sealed merchandise is still searchable online for sale. There are 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.