What are graded Pokémon cards?

If you're serious about collecting Pokémon cards, you've probably heard of graded cards. But what exactly are they, and why do they often sell for hundreds to thousands of euros? In this blog, we'll dive into the world of graded Pokémon cards and discover why they are so valuable.

Graded Cards

What is a graded Pokémon card?

A graded card is a certified and evaluated Pokémon card that has been analyzed by a professional company for authenticity and condition. This process is called grading and is performed by companies such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), Beckett (BGS), and CGC (Certified Guaranty Company).

During grading, a card is evaluated based on various criteria, such as:

  • Centering (how symmetrically the design is printed)
  • Corners (are the corners sharp or rounded?)
  • Edges (is there whitening or wear?)
  • Surface (are there scratches or stains?)

Based on these factors, the card receives a grade between 1 and 10, with 10 (Gem Mint) being the highest score. The higher the score, the more valuable the card.

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Why are graded cards so popular?

Graded cards are becoming increasingly popular, and there are several reasons for this:

1. Guarantee of Authenticity

In a market where fakes are becoming more common, grading provides an official confirmation that the card is genuine. This gives collectors and investors extra confidence.

2. Protection and Presentation

A graded card is sealed in a hard, transparent case, which means the card remains well-protected from damage. This is ideal for collectors who want to preserve their cards in perfect condition.

3. Value Increases Significantly

A card graded as Gem Mint 10 can be worth tens to thousands of euros more than the same card without grading. Especially rare cards, such as a holographic Charizard from 1999, can fetch enormous sums.

4. Easier to Sell

If a card has a high grade, it is much easier for buyers to assess its value. This ensures that graded cards are sold faster and for better prices.

Buying graded cards?

How do you get a Pokémon card graded yourself?

Do you want to have a card graded? Follow these steps:

  1. Choose a grading company: PSA, BGS, and CGC are the best-known choices.
  2. Ship your card: This must be done carefully to prevent damage.
  3. Pay the fees: The price depends on the value of the card and the speed of assessment.
  4. Receive your graded card back: This can take several weeks to months.

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If you don't want to follow this process but would like to add Graded Cards to your collection, then CatchCollect is the right place for you:

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