How does grading work and what do PSA, BGS, CGC, and TAG do to your Pokémon card value?

Grading has become an important part of the Pokémon card world . More and more collectors are sending their cards to grading companies like PSA, BGS, and CGC for official evaluation. But how exactly does grading work, and what does it do to the value of your card?

In this article we will explain it step by step.

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What is Pokémon card grading?

Grading means having your card assessed by a specialized company. They look at:

• Condition of the card (scratches, whitening, print lines)

• Centering the print

• Corners and edges

• Surface and holo quality

The card is then given a number on a scale of 1 to 10 and sealed in a special plastic case.

To submit a card you need to package it with a card sleeve and a Semi-Rigid Card Saver . Click on the links to order these directly.

👉 Still collecting? Check out our selection of Pokémon booster packs. and who knows, you might draw a card worth grading!

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The best-known grading companies: PSA, BGS, CGC and TAG

🔴PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)

• The most famous grading company.

• Gives a score from 1 to 10.

• A PSA 10 is often the most sought after and valuable version of a card.

• Especially popular with vintage Pokémon cards.

🟡BGS (Beckett Grading Services)

• Known for their subgrades (four separate grades for centering, corners, edges, surface).

• A BGS Black Label 10 is extremely rare and can have enormous value.

🔵 CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)

• Newer player, but quickly gaining popularity.

• Strict grading, often cheaper and faster than PSA.

• Increasingly recognized in the market.

🟢 TAG Grading

• Innovative grading company that uses modern technology such as AI and digital reporting .

• Not only provides a grade, but also a detailed digital report showing the exact condition of the card.

• Seen as an emerging player that wants to make grading more transparent.

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What does grading do to the value of your Pokémon card?

Grading can greatly affect the value of your card.
Please note, these are fictitious values

• For example, an ungraded Charizard Base Set Holo might be worth €500.

• The same card in PSA 10 can exceed €10,000 .

Why?

1. Trust : Buyers know for sure that the card is genuine.

2. Condition guarantee : the number objectively indicates the condition.

3. Collector value : slabs (the graded cases) are more popular with investors.

👉 Want to store your cards properly before grading them? Then check out our Pokémon accessories. such as sleeves and binders .

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Should You Always Grade Your Pokémon Cards?

Not every card is worth grading. Consider it especially if:

• Vintage cards from the Base, Jungle, or Fossil sets.

• Rare holos or secret rares .

• Cards in excellent condition .

Cards with high damage or low value often yield less after grading than the cost of grading itself.

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Conclusion

Grading by PSA, BGS, or CGC can significantly increase the value of your Pokémon cards, provided the card is in good condition. It provides collectors with peace of mind and can transform your card into a valuable investment.

👉 Want to draw a rare card worth grading? Then check out our Pokémon booster boxes. or view all Pokémon sets at Rubygator .