Unlocking the Value: A Beginner’s Guide to Pokémon Card GradingPokemon Cards

What Is Pokémon Card Grading?

Grading is the process of having a third-party company professionally assess the condition and authenticity of your Pokémon card. After a card is graded, it’s encased in a tamper-proof plastic slab with a label displaying the grade, card information, and certification number.

Why Grade Pokémon Cards?

1. Value Protection – Graded cards are protected from damage and deterioration, which helps preserve their value over time.

2. Market Value – A high-grade card (especially a PSA 10 or BGS 10) can be worth multiple times more than the same card in raw, ungraded condition.

3. Authenticity Verification – Grading services authenticate cards, protecting buyers and sellers from counterfeits or resealed fakes.

4. Ease of Sale – Graded cards are easier to price, list, and sell on platforms like eBay, TCGplayer, or collector marketplaces.

Major Pokémon Card Grading Companies

Here are the most trusted names in the business:

• PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) – The most recognized and widely used grading service. Their scale ranges from 1 to 10, with Gem Mint 10 being the highest.

• BGS (Beckett Grading Services) – Known for its subgrades (corners, edges, surface, centering) and the elusive Black Label Pristine 10, which adds prestige.

• CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) – A relative newcomer to Pokémon but respected in comic grading. Offers clear slabs and precise grading.

• SGC, AGS, and others – Other grading companies exist, but they’re less widely accepted in the Pokémon community and usually have lower resale value.

What Factors Affect a Card's Grade?

Grading companies evaluate cards based on four main criteria:

1. Centering – Is the card’s image perfectly aligned within its borders?

2. Corners – Are the corners sharp or worn down?

3. Edges – Are the card’s edges clean, or do they show whitening or nicks?

4. Surface – Are there any scratches, print lines, dents, or smudges?

Even a card that’s been kept in a sleeve can be a grade or two below perfect if it has subtle factory flaws.

How to Prepare for Grading

If you’re thinking about submitting a card for grading, follow these steps:

1. Evaluate the Card Yourself – Use a magnifying glass and bright lighting to inspect your card.

2. Use Protection – Place your card in a penny sleeve and then into a semi-rigid card holder (like a Card Saver I).

3. Clean Hands Only – Avoid fingerprints and debris on the surface.

4. Choose the Right Grader – Research grading prices, turnaround times, and resale value before choosing.

Is Grading Worth It?

Grading can be well worth it—but not for every card. Common or lightly played cards often cost more to grade than they’re worth. Here’s when grading makes sense:

• You have a rare or valuable card in excellent condition.

• You want to sell or auction a card for maximum value.

• You’re building a long-term investment collection.

Final Thoughts

Grading is a powerful tool for serious collectors and investors in the Pokémon TCG world. While not every card needs to be slabbed, grading can dramatically enhance a card’s credibility, protection, and resale value. Whether you're in it for nostalgia, profit, or both—grading adds an exciting layer to the Pokémon hobby.

Gotta grade 'em all? Maybe not. But for your best pulls, it might be time to level up.