The Complete Pokémon Card Grading Guide

Pokémon cards have exploded in value, making professional grading more important than ever. Learn what graders look for and how to maximize your grades.

Why Grade Pokémon Cards?

The Pokémon card market has seen unprecedented growth:

• A PSA 10 1st Edition Base Set Charizard sold for over $400,000
• Even modern chase cards can 10x in value with a PSA 10
• Graded cards are easier to sell and authenticate
• Protection from damage with professional encapsulation

Best Grading Companies for Pokémon

CGC Cards

CGC has become the preferred choice for many Pokémon collectors:

• Faster turnaround times than PSA
• Lower prices for bulk submissions
• Subgrades available (optional)
• Growing market acceptance

PSA

Still the industry standard with highest resale premiums:

• Most recognized brand
• Highest liquidity in the market
• Strong authentication reputation
• Longer wait times and higher prices

BGS

Preferred by collectors who want detailed subgrades:

• Four subgrade categories
• BGS 10 Black Label is highly prestigious
• Stricter centering requirements

Common Pokémon Card Issues

Centering Problems

Modern Pokémon cards often have centering issues, especially:

• Japanese cards (often off-center by design)
• Early WOTC era cards
• Full art cards with thin borders

Whitening

The blue borders on Pokémon cards show wear easily:

• Check all four edges under good lighting
• Back corners are especially prone to whitening
• Even pack-fresh cards can have factory whitening

Print Lines

Horizontal or vertical lines from the printing process:

• Very common on holographic cards
• Can be hard to see without proper lighting
• May or may not affect grade depending on severity

Surface Scratches

Holographic cards are susceptible to micro-scratches:

• Visible when tilting card under light
• Can occur even in protective sleeves
• Major factor in PSA 10 vs PSA 9 decisions

Cards Worth Grading

Focus your grading budget on:

1. Vintage (1999-2003) - Base Set, Jungle, Fossil, Neo series
2. Modern Chase Cards - Alternate arts, special illustrations
3. 1st Edition stamps - Any era with 1st Edition marking
4. Error cards - Misprints with collector demand
5. Sealed product pulls - Document the pull for provenance

Handling Tips

• Always use clean, dry hands or cotton gloves
• Hold cards by the edges only
• Use penny sleeves inside toploaders
• Store away from direct sunlight
• Keep in climate-controlled environment

Submission Tips

• Use card savers (not toploaders) for PSA submissions
• Fill out submission forms completely
• Declare accurate values for insurance
• Consider bulk submissions for cost savings
• Track your submission online