Chile's Pokémon Kanto Medal Shortage Fuels Collector Frenzy

Original gym medals from the first‑generation Kanto region of the Pokémon franchise have become extremely scarce in Chile, with both digital and physical retailers reporting near‑zero stock. Collectors describe the medals as a “holy grail” of the hobby.

A Mercado Libre study shows that sales of Pokémon collectible cards have quintupled in Chile over the past two years, reflecting heightened demand. Veteran collectors Nelson Peña Escalera and former card‑champion Juan Torres Escalera say the medals’ emotional and monetary value continue to rise, and no plans exist to produce official replicas, keeping the original items uniquely prized.