Grading gains
Is it worth grading? The chance of a 10 a card needs to make grading pay.
WOTC · does grading pay?
651 English cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In WOTC, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1Pichu #58Expedition · 2002 · 28% of 264 got a 10×52
- 2Totodile #134Expedition · 2002 · 33% of 374 got a 10×49
- 3Noctowl #40Skyridge · 2003 · 38% of 216 got a 10×47
- 4Machoke #38Skyridge · 2003 · 40% of 185 got a 10×46
- 5Slowpoke #108Aquapolis · 2003 · 34% of 308 got a 10×44
- 6Hoothoot #65Skyridge · 2003 · 40% of 182 got a 10×41
- 7Delibird #49Skyridge · 2003 · 45% of 194 got a 10×40
- 8Psyduck [Spectra] #542000 Topps Chrome · 2000 · 29% of 109 got a 10×35
BETTER LEFT UNGRADED
- Sabrina's Golduck #30Gym Challenge · 2000 · a 10 is ×4.7 · 18% got a 10−132%
- Koga's Muk #26Gym Challenge · 2000 · a 10 is ×5.6 · 26% got a 10−69%
- Igglybuff #67Skyridge · 2003 · a 10 is ×1.3 · 44% got a 10−52%
EX · does grading pay?
148 English cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In EX, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1Mew [Holo] #4POP Series 4 · 2006 · 1% of 743 got a 10×58
- 2Meowth [Reverse Holo] #77Delta Species · 2005 · 36% of 200 got a 10×56
- 3Pikachu #16POP Series 2 · 2005 · 46% of 928 got a 10×56
- 4Ditto Charmander #61Delta Species · 2005 · 25% of 422 got a 10×54
- 5Zubat [Reverse Holo] #88Delta Species · 2005 · 33% of 210 got a 10×48
- 6Drowzee [Reverse Holo] #67Delta Species · 2005 · 31% of 144 got a 10×45
- 7Dragonair #42Delta Species · 2005 · 19% of 131 got a 10×39
- 8Ivysaur #7POP Series 2 · 2005 · 58% of 163 got a 10×29
BETTER LEFT UNGRADED
- Chimecho #1POP Series 4 · 2006 · a 10 is ×1.6 · 13% got a 10−2%
Black & White · does grading pay?
10 English cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In Black & White, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1Raikou EX #105Dark Explorers · 2012 · 6% of 443 got a 10×57
- 2Groudon EX #106Dark Explorers · 2012 · 3% of 606 got a 10×52
- 3Entei EX #103Dark Explorers · 2012 · 3% of 387 got a 10×51
- 4Reshiram #114Legendary Treasures · 2013 · 2% of 2,030 got a 10×50
- 5Blastoise #137Plasma Storm · 2013 · 3% of 1,639 got a 10×47
- 6Deoxys EX #111Plasma Freeze · 2013 · 4% of 929 got a 10×16
- 7Garchomp #120Plasma Freeze · 2013 · 6% of 531 got a 10×15
- 8Rayquaza #128Dragons Exalted · 2012 · 3% of 1,318 got a 10×15
XY · does grading pay?
9 English cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In XY, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1Gengar EX #114Phantom Forces · 2014 · 2% of 5,393 got a 10×57
- 2Mew EX #XY126Promo · 2013 · 5% of 1,607 got a 10×53
- 3Venusaur EX #XY123Promo · 2013 · 2% of 4,076 got a 10×52
- 4Blastoise EX #XY122Promo · 2016 · 2% of 5,788 got a 10×52
- 5M Charizard EX #108Flashfire · 2014 · 5% of 3,282 got a 10×37
- 6Magikarp #XY143Promo · 2013 · 10% of 5,794 got a 10×33
- 7M Rayquaza EX #98Ancient Origins · 2015 · 10% of 595 got a 10×24
- 8Team Aqua's Kyogre EX #6Double Crisis · 2015 · 0% of 6,523 got a 10×19
Sun & Moon · does grading pay?
28 English cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In Sun & Moon, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1Pikachu #SM98Promo · 2016 · 3% of 915 got a 10×59
- 2Armored Mewtwo #SM228Promo · 2016 · 5% of 5,865 got a 10×57
- 3Shining Lugia #SM82Promo · 2016 · 11% of 7,271 got a 10×44
- 4Umbreon & Darkrai GX #SM241Promo · 8% of 13,031 got a 10×40
- 5Charizard #SM158Promo · 2016 · 15% of 3,967 got a 10×28
- 6Charizard GX #150Burning Shadows · 2017 · 11% of 7,438 got a 10×26
- 7Ash's Pikachu #SM108Promo · 2016 · 25% of 5,576 got a 10×19
- 8Celebi & Venusaur GX #SM167Promo · 2016 · 34% of 8,684 got a 10×15
BETTER LEFT UNGRADED
- Charizard GX #SM211Promo · 2016 · a 10 is ×10 · 12% got a 10−26%
Sword & Shield · does grading pay?
256 English cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In Sword & Shield, grading a typical card pays off if it has at least a 19% chance of a 10. About 54% of graded copies get a 10, so grading pays for 96% of these cards.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
Expected gain from grading one ungraded copy
- 1Victini V #144Battle Styles · 2021 · a 10 is ×34 · 46% of 446 got a 10+1227%
- 2Altaria #GG19Crown Zenith · 2023 · a 10 is ×36 · 33% of 1,725 got a 10+856%
- 3Lugia V #185Silver Tempest · 2022 · a 10 is ×21 · 52% of 4,242 got a 10+813%
- 4Jirachi V #170Astral Radiance · 2022 · a 10 is ×18 · 57% of 1,054 got a 10+788%
- 5Ditto #GG22Crown Zenith · 2023 · a 10 is ×31 · 32% of 3,621 got a 10+781%
- 6Zekrom #TG05Brilliant Stars · 2022 · a 10 is ×37 · 27% of 7,548 got a 10+768%
- 7Gengar #SWSH241Promo · a 10 is ×33 · 27% of 3,839 got a 10+746%
- 8Charizard [Ultra Premium Collection] #4Celebrations · 2021 · a 10 is ×50 · 17% of 4,121 got a 10+742%
BETTER LEFT UNGRADED
- Cinccino #SV094Shining Fates · 2021 · a 10 is ×6.7 · 17% got a 10−128%
- Ultra Ball #186Brilliant Stars · 2022 · a 10 is ×3.8 · 39% got a 10−69%
- Morpeko #SV044Shining Fates · 2021 · a 10 is ×5.2 · 28% got a 10−41%
Scarlet & Violet · does grading pay?
477 English cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In Scarlet & Violet, grading a typical card pays off if it has at least a 14% chance of a 10. About 35% of graded copies get a 10, so grading pays for 90% of these cards.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
Expected gain from grading one ungraded copy
- 1Entei #112Paldean Fates · 2024 · a 10 is ×16 · 71% of 197 got a 10+787%
- 2Maushold ex #233Paradox Rift · 2023 · a 10 is ×18 · 57% of 113 got a 10+740%
- 3Umbreon [Cosmos Holo] #59Prismatic Evolutions · a 10 is ×25 · 39% of 512 got a 10+716%
- 4Magikarp #6TCG Classic: Blastoise Deck · 2023 · a 10 is ×14 · 81% of 1,746 got a 10+710%
- 5Starly #221Scarlet & Violet · 2023 · a 10 is ×40 · 24% of 254 got a 10+681%
- 6Mimikyu #160Paldean Fates · 2024 · a 10 is ×12 · 66% of 189 got a 10+604%
- 7Slowpoke #116Paldean Fates · 2024 · a 10 is ×12 · 73% of 131 got a 10+587%
- 8Lucario #174Paldean Fates · 2024 · a 10 is ×12 · 72% of 150 got a 10+586%
BETTER LEFT UNGRADED
- Unfair Stamp #165Twilight Masquerade · 2024 · a 10 is ×2.0 · 55% got a 10−142%
- Buddy-Buddy Poffin #223Twilight Masquerade · 2024 · a 10 is ×3.5 · 34% got a 10−134%
- Hero's Cape #152Temporal Forces · 2024 · a 10 is ×1.6 · 46% got a 10−128%
Mega Evolution · does grading pay?
74 English cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In Mega Evolution, grading a typical card pays off if it has at least a 35% chance of a 10. About 65% of graded copies get a 10, so grading pays for 92% of these cards.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
Expected gain from grading one ungraded copy
- 1Gengar [Cosmos Holo] #50Perfect Order · a 10 is ×59 · 78% of 242 got a 10+3764%
- 2Gengar [Gamestop] #50Perfect Order · 2026 · a 10 is ×7.7 · 81% of 155 got a 10+428%
- 3Mega Darkrai ex #120Pitch Black · 2026 · a 10 is ×8.7 · 44% of 176 got a 10+286%
- 4Team Rocket's Mimikyu #238Ascended Heroes · 2026 · a 10 is ×7.4 · 61% of 8,255 got a 10+197%
- 5Meowth ex #107Perfect Order · 2026 · a 10 is ×7.0 · 80% of 323 got a 10+183%
- 6Suicune [Gamestop] #26Phantasmal Flames · 2025 · a 10 is ×30 · 10% of 611 got a 10+171%
- 7Clefairy #94Perfect Order · 2026 · a 10 is ×6.2 · 79% of 1,636 got a 10+162%
- 8Mega Greninja ex #122Chaos Rising · 2026 · a 10 is ×5.2 · 52% of 159 got a 10+155%
BETTER LEFT UNGRADED
- Lillie's Determination #169Mega Evolution · 2025 · a 10 is ×2.7 · 50% got a 10−60%
- Acerola's Mischief #183Mega Evolution · a 10 is ×2.4 · 58% got a 10−33%
- Wally's Compassion #186Mega Evolution · a 10 is ×2.8 · 56% got a 10−24%
WOTC · does grading pay?
72 Japanese cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In WOTC, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1Pikachu [CoroCoro] #25Promo · 1996 · 0% of 936 got a 10×58
- 2Blastoise [No Rarity] #9Expansion Pack · 1996 · 1% of 660 got a 10×55
- 3Tyranitar [1st Edition] #95Expedition Expansion Pack · 2001 · 41% of 273 got a 10×40
- 4Chansey [1st Edition] #47Expedition Expansion Pack · 2001 · 51% of 113 got a 10×37
- 5Tauros [1st Edition] #30Expedition Expansion Pack · 2001 · 43% of 251 got a 10×36
- 6Dragonite [1st Edition] #126Expedition Expansion Pack · 2001 · 33% of 1,381 got a 10×32
- 7Abra [1st Edition] #18Expedition Expansion Pack · 2001 · 53% of 428 got a 10×26
- 8Haunter [1st Edition] #41Expedition Expansion Pack · 2001 · 46% of 113 got a 10×24
EX · does grading pay?
22 Japanese cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In EX, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1PokePark's Pikachu #43/PCG-PPromo · 12% of 1,341 got a 10×42
- 2Rayquaza #41/PCG-PPromo · 20% of 641 got a 10×40
- 3Latios [1st Edition] #66Clash of the Blue Sky · 2004 · 23% of 371 got a 10×33
- 4Torchic [Gold Star] #20Rocket Gang Strikes Back · 23% of 114 got a 10×31
- 5Lugia ex #90Golden Sky, Silvery Ocean · 2005 · 22% of 594 got a 10×29
- 6Mudkip [Gold Star] #33Rocket Gang Strikes Back · 12% of 115 got a 10×28
- 7Pokepark's Torchic #47/PCG-PPromo · 26% of 827 got a 10×27
- 8Rayquaza #67Clash of the Blue Sky · 2004 · 31% of 492 got a 10×22
Diamond & Pearl · does grading pay?
10 Japanese cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In Diamond & Pearl, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1Rayquaza C [1st Edition] #79Beat of the Frontier · 32% of 909 got a 10×38
- 2Pikachu #113/DP-PPromo · 34% of 733 got a 10×33
- 3Gengar LV.X [1st Edition] #43Advent of Arceus · 2009 · 24% of 1,647 got a 10×32
- 4Gengar LV.X #43Advent of Arceus · 2009 · 31% of 175 got a 10×30
- 5Charizard [1st Edition] #92Intense Fight in the Destroyed Sky · 2008 · 10% of 203 got a 10×29
- 6Pikachu M LV.X #43/DPt-PPromo · 2009 · 34% of 2,417 got a 10×16
- 7Darkrai #46/DP-PPromo · 44% of 3,089 got a 10×16
- 8Snorlax LV. X #127/DP-PPromo · 50% of 1,166 got a 10×14
HeartGold SoulSilver · does grading pay?
16 Japanese cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In HeartGold SoulSilver, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1Deoxys [Legendary Present Campaign] #76/L-PPromo · 42% of 443 got a 10×47
- 2Absol [Holo] #27Lost Link · 2010 · 33% of 516 got a 10×38
- 3Shopping Pikachu #79/L-PPromo · 19% of 710 got a 10×37
- 4Rayquaza & Deoxys Legend #75Clash at the Summit · 29% of 136 got a 10×33
- 5Mew [Holo] #18Lost Link · 2010 · 27% of 1,226 got a 10×30
- 6Groudon [Legendary Present Campaign] #72/L-PPromo · 39% of 410 got a 10×22
- 7Rayquaza & Deoxys Legend #74Clash at the Summit · 44% of 138 got a 10×22
- 8Slowking #30/L-PPromo · 55% of 591 got a 10×19
Black & White · does grading pay?
19 Japanese cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In Black & White, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1Mewtwo EX [1st Edition] #55Psycho Drive · 2011 · 43% of 886 got a 10×51
- 2Lugia EX #74Plasma Gale · 2012 · 42% of 367 got a 10×49
- 3Lugia EX [1st Edition] #74Plasma Gale · 2012 · 29% of 1,031 got a 10×43
- 4Deoxys EX #53Spiral Force · 2012 · 42% of 600 got a 10×36
- 5Dialga EX #80Megalo Cannon · 2013 · 40% of 190 got a 10×34
- 6Groudon EX #54Hail Blizzard · 2011 · 43% of 174 got a 10×33
- 7Rayquaza EX [1st Edition] #53Dragon Blade · 46% of 1,114 got a 10×32
- 8Rayquaza [1st Edition] #55Dragon Blast · 2012 · 44% of 514 got a 10×29
XY · does grading pay?
34 Japanese cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In XY, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1Gengar EX #90Phantom Gate · 2014 · 37% of 194 got a 10×30
- 2Gengar EX [1st Edition] #90Phantom Gate · 2014 · 46% of 1,899 got a 10×28
- 3Hoopa #155/XY-PPromo · 23% of 9,381 got a 10×20
- 4Rayquaza EX [CoroCoro] #123/XY-PPromo · 45% of 1,450 got a 10×20
- 5Charizard Ex #30/XY-PPromo · 2014 · 46% of 2,652 got a 10×18
- 6Warm Pikachu [Uniqlo Kids] #96/XY-PPromo · 31% of 693 got a 10×12
- 7Warm Pikachu [Uniqlo] #95/XY-PPromo · 38% of 614 got a 10×12
- 8Pikachu [Battle Festa] #90/XY-PPromo · 61% of 3,365 got a 10×7.1
Sun & Moon · does grading pay?
40 Japanese cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In Sun & Moon, even a 9 or an 8 is usually worth more than the ungraded card plus fees. But only grade a clean copy: most old cards were played and grade much lower.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
What a PSA 10 sells for next to the ungraded card
- 1Armored Mewtwo #365/SM-PPromo · 2019 · 28% of 14,218 got a 10×21
- 2Lillie #397/SM-PPromo · 60% of 487 got a 10×18
- 3Lillie #66Collection Moon · 2016 · 32% of 3,856 got a 10×14
- 4Charizard GX #58Battle Rainbow · 2017 · 56% of 1,157 got a 10×12
- 5Lillie #119GX Battle Boost · 2017 · 39% of 3,117 got a 10×10
- 6Poncho-Wearing Eevee #137/SM-PPromo · 26% of 1,701 got a 10×10
- 7Pikachu [Tea Party] #325/SM-PPromo · 61% of 9,358 got a 10×7.0
- 8Yokohamas Pikachu #283/SM-PPromo · 58% of 5,021 got a 10×6.1
Sword & Shield · does grading pay?
94 Japanese cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In Sword & Shield, grading a typical card pays off if it has at least a 51% chance of a 10. About 84% of graded copies get a 10, so grading pays for 78% of these cards.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
Expected gain from grading one ungraded copy
- 1Shibuya's Pikachu #2/S-PPromo · a 10 is ×6.5 · 56% of 12,370 got a 10+251%
- 2Eevee GX #188Tag All Stars · 2022 · a 10 is ×5.7 · 64% of 3,531 got a 10+237%
- 3Mewtwo & Mew GX #222Tag All Stars · 2022 · a 10 is ×4.6 · 75% of 2,574 got a 10+217%
- 4Alolan Vulpix VSTAR #87Incandescent Arcana · 2022 · a 10 is ×5.8 · 88% of 352 got a 10+204%
- 5Pikachu #126/S-PPromo · a 10 is ×6.3 · 71% of 4,015 got a 10+199%
- 6Rescue Team DX's Pikachu #36/S-PPromo · a 10 is ×5.2 · 55% of 2,994 got a 10+195%
- 7Umbreon & Darkrai GX #182Tag All Stars · 2022 · a 10 is ×4.0 · 76% of 6,264 got a 10+192%
- 8Piplup #232/S-PPromo · a 10 is ×6.6 · 71% of 3,063 got a 10+190%
BETTER LEFT UNGRADED
- Grass Energy #128Fusion Arts · 2021 · a 10 is ×1.6 · 88% got a 10−96%
- Gardenia's Vigor #243VSTAR Universe · 2022 · a 10 is ×2.3 · 66% got a 10−74%
- Paras #207VSTAR Universe · 2022 · a 10 is ×2.0 · 84% got a 10−73%
Scarlet & Violet · does grading pay?
294 Japanese cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In Scarlet & Violet, grading a typical card pays off if it has at least a 61% chance of a 10. About 86% of graded copies get a 10, so grading pays for 74% of these cards.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
Expected gain from grading one ungraded copy
- 1Koraidon EX #106Scarlet Ex · 2023 · a 10 is ×8.6 · 87% of 828 got a 10+399%
- 2Gengar [Reverse] #94Scarlet & Violet 151 · 2023 · a 10 is ×16 · 39% of 4,672 got a 10+386%
- 3Deerling #91White Flare · 2025 · a 10 is ×9.4 · 80% of 806 got a 10+342%
- 4Ditto #309Shiny Treasure ex · 2023 · a 10 is ×7.8 · 79% of 1,377 got a 10+319%
- 5Maushold #318Shiny Treasure ex · 2023 · a 10 is ×8.7 · 73% of 596 got a 10+316%
- 6Haunter [Reverse] #93Scarlet & Violet 151 · 2023 · a 10 is ×8.3 · 66% of 1,016 got a 10+262%
- 7Jigglypuff [Master Ball] #39Scarlet & Violet 151 · 2023 · a 10 is ×7.2 · 85% of 1,931 got a 10+256%
- 8Simisage [Master Ball] #5Black Bolt · 2025 · a 10 is ×6.1 · 89% of 135 got a 10+237%
BETTER LEFT UNGRADED
- Professor Turo's Scenario #91Future Flash · 2023 · a 10 is ×2.1 · 71% got a 10−171%
- Jamming Tower #132Glory of Team Rocket · 2025 · a 10 is ×2.8 · 52% got a 10−143%
- Grass Energy #99Clay Burst · 2023 · a 10 is ×2.3 · 60% got a 10−143%
Mega Evolution · does grading pay?
65 Japanese cards worth US$10 or more ungraded, with 100 or more graded
In Mega Evolution, grading a typical card pays off if it has at least a 68% chance of a 10. About 84% of graded copies get a 10, so grading pays for 57% of these cards.
How this is measured
Chance of a 10 needed: the lowest chance of a 10 at which grading pays for itself. It counts the ungraded card, S$31 for grading and postage, and 13% in selling fees, against what a 10, a 9 and an 8 sell for. Copies that get a 10 is based on cards people chose to send in. Your own card's centering and surface decide its real chance.
Where grading pays most
Expected gain from grading one ungraded copy
- 1Mega Rayquaza ex #95Storm Emeralda · 2026 · a 10 is ×7.8 · 88% of 266 got a 10+419%
- 2Eevee #20Eevee ex Starter Set · 2026 · a 10 is ×9.2 · 72% of 240 got a 10+411%
- 3Raikou ex #108Storm Emeralda · 2026 · a 10 is ×5.4 · 87% of 131 got a 10+255%
- 4Misty's Spirit #108Abyss Eye · 2026 · a 10 is ×7.0 · 82% of 175 got a 10+226%
- 5Mega Gardevoir Ex #92Mega Symphonia · 2025 · a 10 is ×4.8 · 53% of 3,717 got a 10+157%
- 6Lillie's Determination #91Mega Brave · 2025 · a 10 is ×4.4 · 66% of 1,142 got a 10+143%
- 7Pikachu ex #764Start Deck 100 Battle Collection · 2025 · a 10 is ×2.8 · 74% of 192 got a 10+112%
- 8Mega Rayquaza ex #110Storm Emeralda · 2026 · a 10 is ×2.4 · 88% of 230 got a 10+89%
BETTER LEFT UNGRADED
- Wally's Compassion #91Mega Symphonia · 2025 · a 10 is ×2.5 · 56% got a 10−124%
- Mega Chandelure ex #113Abyss Eye · 2026 · a 10 is ×2.2 · 84% got a 10−72%
- Cinccino Ex #117Ninja Spinner · 2026 · a 10 is ×1.6 · 84% got a 10−69%