Grading Guide
Everything you need to know about getting your Pokémon cards professionally graded
What Is Card Grading?
Card grading is a professional service where experts evaluate the condition of a Pokémon card and assign it a numerical grade. The card is then sealed in a tamper-evident plastic case ("slab") with a label showing the grade. Graded cards are authenticated, protected, and typically command higher prices than raw (ungraded) cards.
The Big Three Grading Companies
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
The most popular and widely recognized grading service for Pokémon cards. PSA grades on a 1–10 scale with half-point increments at the top (PSA 9, PSA 10). A PSA 10 "Gem Mint" is the gold standard and commands the highest premiums.
- Scale: 1 (Poor) → 10 (Gem Mint)
- Turnaround: 30–65 business days (Standard); 5 days (Express); 2 days (Super Express)
- Cost: ~$20/card (Standard), ~$75 (Express), ~$150 (Super Express)
- Best for: Maximum resale value and liquidity; most collectors prefer PSA slabs
BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
Known for detailed subgrades that break down the card's condition into four categories: Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface. Each subgrade is scored 1–10 with half-points, and the overall grade is a weighted average.
- Scale: 1–10 overall with four subgrades (Centering, Corners, Edges, Surface)
- Turnaround: 30–50 business days (Standard); 5 days (Express)
- Cost: ~$20/card (Standard), ~$100 (Express)
- Special labels: BGS 10 "Pristine" and BGS 10 "Black Label" (all four subgrades = 10) are extremely rare and valuable
- Best for: Collectors who want detailed condition breakdowns; BGS Black Label 10s rival PSA 10s in value
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
A newer entrant to Pokémon card grading (established in trading cards in 2020). CGC also provides subgrades and offers competitive pricing. Their slabs are known for being durable and attractive.
- Scale: 1–10 with optional subgrades (Centering, Corners, Edges, Surface)
- Turnaround: 25–50 business days (Standard); 5 days (Express)
- Cost: ~$15–$18/card (Standard), ~$65 (Express)
- Best for: Budget-friendly grading; modern cards where you want authentication and protection
The PSA Grade Scale
PSA 10(Gem Mint)
Perfect condition. Sharp corners, perfect centering (within 55/45), no flaws visible under magnification.
PSA 9(Mint)
Near-perfect. Minor centering issues allowed (within 60/40). One tiny imperfection allowed.
PSA 8(NM-MT)
Near Mint to Mint. Slight wear visible on close inspection. Minor edge or corner imperfections.
PSA 7(Near Mint)
Light wear throughout. Slight corner fraying, minor edge nicks, or minor surface scratches.
PSA 6(EX-MT)
Excellent to Mint. Moderate wear. Noticeable scratches, slight indentation, or visible centering issues.
PSA 5(Excellent)
Clearly visible wear. Rounded corners, scratches, or off-center printing. Still presentable.
PSA 4(VG-EX)
Heavy wear. Rounded corners, noticeable scratches, creasing possible.
PSA 1–3(Poor to VG)
Significant damage: creases, stains, tears, heavy wear. Mainly for rare vintage cards where any authenticated copy has value.
Should You Grade or Sell Raw?
Grading isn't always worth it. Here's how to decide:
✅ Grade When:
- The card is worth $50+ raw and appears to be in PSA 8+ condition
- It's a vintage card (Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, Team Rocket, etc.) — grading adds significant value
- You believe it'll receive a PSA 9 or 10 — the jump from raw to graded 10 can be 3–10x
- It's a chase card or desirable illustration rare from a modern set
- You want long-term protection and authentication for your personal collection
❌ Sell Raw When:
- The card is worth under $30 raw — grading costs eat into your margin
- The card has visible flaws (whitening, scratches, off-center) that will score PSA 7 or below
- It's a common modern card with high print runs
- You need to sell quickly — grading turnaround can take weeks to months
- The graded market for that specific card is thin (few comparable sales)
How Grading Affects Value
The impact of grading on value varies enormously by card and grade. Here are some general patterns:
- PSA 10 vs PSA 9: Typically 2–5x premium. For iconic cards (1st Edition Base Set Charizard), the gap can be 10x+.
- PSA 9 vs Raw NM: Usually 1.5–2x premium. The authentication and protection add confidence for buyers.
- PSA 7–8 vs Raw: Minimal premium for modern cards. For vintage, even lower grades add value because authentication proves the card is real.
- PSA 1–6: Only worth grading for rare vintage cards where authentication matters more than condition.
Key takeaway:Grading is an investment. Factor in the grading fee, shipping costs, and turnaround time before deciding. Use Poké-Trade's price data to compare raw vs. graded sale prices for your specific card.
Need help deciding whether to grade? Ask in our Help Center
