Hey guys, I just purchased the 2010 tropical tidal wave worlds “finalist” card from ebay. The condition of the card seems to be pretty good (front looks flawless and back shows minor edge wear) (although im not a professional grader). Ive been stalking ebay for a LONG time waiting for a finalist card to show up so I instantly pulled the trigger on the one on ebay without much research. Now that Ive had a day to think about it, I realized that I never stopped to think how much this is worth or whether I paid a fair price as this was a big purchase for me. What do you think this card is worth?
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This is not going to sound like an answer that you have been looking for so try to keep an opened mind.
For a card that rare, the price you paid is its value. There is not a string of transactions for rare cards on eBay unlike other set cards so you can say something like a PSA 9 1st ed base zard is in the range of $4500-$6000. Buyers and sellers create the value of a rare item, actually any item in general.
Here is an example. 2 months ago, a TMB no.1 Trainer sold on Yahoo for $11k. That was its value then because at $11k, there was a seller and a buyer. A month later after it was graded, it sold for $30k, which is its current value then because there was a seller and a buyer. Say the current owner wants to sell it for $100k and someone offered $80k. You can argue that the value is at $80k but then again, there was no seller in this scenario, only a buyer. So the value is somewhere between $80k-$100k.
The fact that you are a buyer for this Finalist card and there was a seller who sold you the price you paid, it is its current value until someone is willing to pay more for it.
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I can’t answer your question, although I think @chok summarizes it perfectly above. But, to answer your question with a question: does it really matter what it’s worth? If you’ve been looking for it for a LONG time as you stated, and were willing to buy it instantly for the price it was listed for, and you’re happy with the purchase you’ve made for your own collection and enjoyment, I think it doesn’t matter that much whether the card is worth 10 USD, 100 USD, 1k USD, 10k USD, or 100k USD (unless you plan on selling it in the next couple of months, in which case I would be confused by your instant purchase). Just enjoy the card you’ve been looking for for so long. It’s a wonderful feeling to finally have such a card in your possession. 
Don’t get me wrong, I understand why you’re asking it. Twice thus far I had been looking for a certain card for 2+ years, and when one finally popped up I bought it instantly, only to see another one pop up for halve the price I paid later that same month. It’s an annoying feeling no doubt, but regardless I’m happy to finally have the card I was looking for all that time in my possession, and I’m sure it’s the same for you.
And pricing or ‘what a card is worth’ is a hard thing to say in general to be completely honest. Especially long-term. I’ve bought cards for 20 USD which are now worth 300 USD, but I’ve also bought cards for 900 USD which are now worth 300 USD. In general the prices of Pokémon cards are mostly increasing, especially the last few years, and I’m sure it will continue to rise for quite a while.
Although I would personally never sell those kind of cards after finally having them, I’m sure your card would be worth more than what you paid for it now if you decide to sell it 20+ years from now. 
You can worry about what it is worth then. For now, just enjoy it.
Greetz,
Quuador
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Congrats on a great purchase.
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@chok, Is in the zone with these market analysis responses! @noviate, The only bit I can add is the rarer items never have one price. Something like a modern booster box is a great counter example of an item that has thousands of sales, so you know exactly what it earns. When you have cards with less than 100 copies, you get a few data points; a scatter plot at best. Sometimes new purchase prices create markets for rare items because the quantity is so low.
For the cards rarity/history you did fine. I remember selling one almost 10 years ago at that price.
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Thanks @chok ,@quuador ,@charizandrew ,@smpratte for your positive responses.
@chok , I think your response is a perfect answer to my question. When I first asked the question, I was hoping for the data point that @smpratte provided (which I appreciate very much). That being said, your point @chok , reminded me that past data points do not matter as much for items which have both rarity AND scarcity (Yes Scott, that is a tribute to your video XD). Due to the low print run, it is conceivable that there may not be another one for sale in a very long time which means that this was my only opportunity to purchase it and fulfill my goal.
It is amazing how a small piece of cardboard can drive you mad with desire. For me personally, I love collecting cards that are VERY difficult to find and have a minimal print run. You could say that I am a collector of sought-after items moreso than a “set collector” or “pokemon breed collector”. If everyone wants it and nobody can find it, that’s the thing I NEED. It certainly makes collecting frustrating (worth it) though!
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