Grading Pokémon cards – how it works and when it's worth it

Grading of trading cards – how it works and when it is worth it

You are sitting with a card in your hand and start wondering. Is it just an ordinary card, or could it actually be worth something more?

That is often where the interest in grading begins. For many collectors, it is no longer just about collecting, but about understanding the value and how to preserve it over time.

Grading has therefore become a central part of the TCG market, especially for Pokémon cards, where the difference in value between different conditions can be significant.

If you want to see current cards, you can start here: Pokémon cards.

What does it mean to grade a card

When a card is submitted for grading, it is carefully inspected by experts. It is not just about the overall impression, but details such as centering, corners, edges, and surface.

After the assessment, the card receives a grade between 1 and 10 and is sealed in a protective case. This ensures that both condition and authenticity are clearly verified.

How much does the grade affect the value

The grade has a direct impact on value. Two identical cards can vary greatly in price depending on their condition.

• Grade 10 means basically perfect condition
• Grade 9 is very close but with minor discrepancies
• Grade 8 and lower can be due to wear, centering, or other defects

This means that even small differences can have a big effect on the price.

Why do collectors choose to grade their cards

There are several reasons why grading has become so common.

• It increases credibility when selling
• Buyers get a professional assessment of the card's condition
• The card is protected in a case
• It becomes easier to compare prices globally

For many, it is about combining value and security.

How does the grading company affect the value?

Compare completed sales of the same card, grade, and grading company. The market may value different cases and grades differently, and there is no pricing rule that applies to all cards.

Choose based on your goal: selling, verifying authenticity, or preserving a card with personal value. Check current prices, terms, lead times, and how cards without a numeric grade are handled before you send.

Which cards are worth grading?

Not all cards are worth sending in, and this is where many go wrong.

• Older cards in good condition
• Rare cards
• Popular Pokémon and iconic artwork

For more modern or cheaper cards, the cost of grading can be higher than the increase in value.

What does it cost to grade Pokémon cards?

Calculate the total cost: grading fee, shipping both ways, insurance, any brokerage fees, and applicable taxes or import duties for international submissions. Service level, the card's declared value, and terms can affect the price.

Calculation example: when does it pay off?

Fictitious amounts used for illustration, not a price list: A card is worth 500 SEK ungraded. The total cost for grading and shipping is 400 SEK. If the card sells for 800 SEK after grading, 400 SEK remains before sales fees, which is less than the ungraded value. At a sale price of 1,500 SEK, 1,100 SEK remains before sales fees.

Compare several potential grades instead of counting on a PSA 10. Grading can also be worth the cost for personal reasons, even when it does not yield a financial surplus.

Which grading companies are there?

Examples include PSA, Beckett Grading Services, and CGC Cards. Compare the companies' own terms and relevant sales before you choose. Grades from different companies are not necessarily directly comparable.

How to grade a card

1. Choose a grading company
2. Register the submission and pack the card according to the chosen company's current instructions
3. Send in the card
4. The card is inspected and receives a grade
5. The card is sealed in a case

How to pack Pokémon cards for PSA

PSA's current packing guide specifies a transparent soft penny sleeve followed by a semi-rigid holder. PSA also states that you should not use toploaders, tape, pull tabs, or sticky notes on the card holder.

1. Place each card in a transparent soft sleeve and then in a semi-rigid holder.
2. Arrange the cards in the same order as on the submission form.
3. Protect the stack between cardboard sheets and pack it so it cannot move in the box.
4. Follow the complete PSA Shipping Guide, including the instructions for size and shipment.

Other companies and intermediaries may have different requirements. Always check the instructions for your specific submission.

Protect the card before grading

To maximize the chance of a high grade, it is important that the card is protected immediately.

• Card sleeves
• Toploaders and semi-rigids
• Accessories

Start with our guide to valuing Pokémon cards. For storage after grading, there are also accessories for graded cards.

Summary – is grading right for you

Grading provides a professional assessment of the card and can facilitate a sale. Value increase is not guaranteed. Check the condition, compare sales, and calculate the total cost before sending.

If you have cards that feel special, it might be worth taking the next step and having them professionally assessed.

If you want to build on your collection or find new cards, you can start here: See all products.