What Is Card Grading?
Card grading is the process of sending a Pokemon card (or any trading card) to a professional grading company, which evaluates the card's condition, authenticates it as genuine, encapsulates it in a sealed hard plastic case (called a "slab"), and assigns a numerical grade from 1–10 that represents its condition.
Graded cards command significant premiums over raw (ungraded) equivalents, especially at the PSA 10 (Gem Mint) and PSA 9 (Mint) levels. A raw Charizard worth $200 in Near Mint condition might sell for $500–$800 as a PSA 9, or $1,500–$3,000 as a PSA 10.
The Three Major Grading Companies
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is the oldest and most respected grading company for Pokemon cards. PSA grades carry the highest market premiums and are the default standard for high-value vintage cards. Their 10-point scale runs from Poor (P1) through Good (G6), Very Good (VG8), Excellent (EX), Near Mint (NM7), Mint (9), and Gem Mint (10). PSA 10 is the holy grail grade.
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) entered the TCG grading market and has gained significant traction, particularly for modern cards. CGC uses a similar 1–10 scale with half-point increments in some tiers. Their grading standards are considered by many collectors to be slightly more lenient than PSA at the 9–10 level, making their population of 10s larger for modern sets. CGC slabs are slightly thinner than PSA and stack more efficiently.
BGS (Beckett Grading Services) is known for its sub-grade system, which grades four elements separately — Centering, Corners, Edges, and Surface — and averages them for a final grade. A BGS 9.5 with a perfect 10 centering sub-grade is called a "Perfect 9.5" and commands significant premiums. BGS is particularly respected in the sports card world but has a smaller Pokemon collector following than PSA or CGC.
The PSA 10-Point Scale Explained
- PSA 10 — Gem Mint: Perfect centering (55/45 or better), four sharp corners, no surface scratches, flawless print quality. The rarest grade and highest premium.
- PSA 9 — Mint: Nearly perfect with one minor flaw allowed — slight print imperfection, minor centering issue, or very light surface wear. Still commands strong premiums.
- PSA 8 — Near Mint-Mint: Light wear on corners or edges, slight centering issue, minor surface flaws. Value drops significantly from PSA 9.
- PSA 7 — Near Mint: Light play wear visible but not heavy. Moderate centering issues acceptable.
- PSA 6 and below: Played/damaged conditions. These grades have limited premium over raw cards for most Pokemon cards.
What to Grade and What Not to Grade
Not every card is worth grading. The economics only make sense when:
- The card's value in PSA 10 significantly exceeds the card's raw value PLUS the cost of grading
- You believe the card will grade 9 or 10 (otherwise the graded value may not exceed the raw value)
- You're holding long-term and can wait for PSA's turnaround time
Good grading candidates: vintage Base/Jungle/Fossil holos, modern SIR and full-art cards, promo cards with limited distribution, anything where PSA pop reports show very few 10s in existence.
Poor grading candidates: played cards unlikely to grade 8+, bulk commons, cards where the PSA 10 premium is only $20–$30 (the grading fee alone wipes out the margin).
PSA Grading Fees and Turnaround in 2026
PSA offers several service tiers in 2026, starting around $25–$30 per card for economy/value services with 60–90 day turnaround, up to $300+ for express service targeting 5–10 business days. CGC's pricing structure is similar. Budget for grading fees as a fundamental part of your investment calculus when deciding whether to submit.
Should You Grade Before Selling at a Card Show?
If you're planning to sell at a GTA card show like a Northside TCG event in Mississauga, grading your most valuable cards before the show can significantly increase their sale value. Graded cards are faster to sell because authentication is pre-done, pricing is clearer, and buyers have more confidence. Just ensure you've accounted for grading costs and time in your pricing.
Check the Northside TCG schedule for upcoming card shows across the GTA, and visit our live giveaway for a chance to win prizes before the next event.