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🏆 Grading Pokémon Cards in 2025: What’s Worth It and What’s Not
Jun
🏆 Grading Pokémon Cards in 2025: What’s Worth It and What’s Not
In the world of Pokémon card collecting, grading can skyrocket the value of a card — but not every card is worth the time, money, or effort. As grading standards shift and the market matures in 2025, how do you decide what’s actually worth grading?
In this guide, we’ll break down:
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✅ What grading is (and why it matters)
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💰 Cards worth grading in 2025
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🛑 What not to grade
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🔍 Which grading companies are trusted
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📦 How to prepare your cards for grading
📚 What Is Grading?
Grading is the process of sending a card to a third-party company (like PSA or CGC) for professional evaluation and encapsulation. They assess:
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Centering
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Corners
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Edges
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Surface
Cards are then assigned a grade from 1–10, with 10 being gem mint. Higher grades = higher value and trust in resale.
💸 What’s Worth Grading in 2025?
Grading is an investment — only certain cards offer a strong return. Here’s what’s usually worth grading:
🔥 1. High-Value Chase Cards
Cards like:
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SIR Iono (Paldean Fates)
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Charizard EX (Obsidian Flames)
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Erika’s Invitation (151)
Raw value: $30–$100+
Graded PSA 10: $100–$300+
Why? Strong resale demand, low population 10s = big value jump.
💎 2. Mint Vintage Cards (1999–2007)
First Editions, Base Set holos, Neo Genesis, EX-era cards
Why? Even light-play vintage cards can see a big bump in value if they grade 8 or above. First Edition stamps especially add premium.
🖼️ 3. Unique Art or Limited Promos
Examples:
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Japanese promos (e.g., Pikachu with poncho)
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Worlds stamped cards
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Illustration Contest winners
These often fly under the radar — but with low supply and high art quality, they grade well and appreciate over time.
🛑 What’s Not Worth Grading
Grading costs $15–$50 per card, so don’t waste it on low-value or high-population cards.
⚠️ Avoid grading:
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Bulk holos or reverse holos
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Commons/uncommons from modern sets
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Cards with obvious whitening, creases, dents
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Overgraded cards (like every Paldean starter in the binder)
Even a PSA 10 of a $2 card is still… a $2 card.
🏢 Top Grading Companies in 2025
| Company | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PSA | Resale value, popularity | Industry standard, high 10 premiums |
| CGC | Affordability, accuracy | Stricter on 10s, preferred by collectors |
| BGS | Subgrades, high-end cards | Slow turnaround, solid slabs |
| AGS | AI grading, transparency | Gaining trust, great for modern cards |
Most collectors in 2025 prefer PSA for resale, CGC for consistency, and AGS for transparency.
📦 How to Prepare Your Cards for Grading
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Inspect under strong light
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Use a card saver, penny sleeve, and clean hands
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Wipe off surface (gently) with microfiber cloth
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Check centering using online tools or rulers
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Be honest — if it won’t grade an 8+, don’t waste the fee
💰 Grading = Long-Term Value
A PSA 10 of the right card can:
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2x–5x your card’s raw value
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Make your collection more prestigious
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Boost resale trust in marketplaces like eBay or Whatnot
But don’t fall for the hype — grading smart means grading selectively.
✅ Final Thoughts
In 2025, grading still holds serious value — but only if you choose the right cards. Go for high-demand chase cards, mint vintage holos, and unique promos, and avoid overgrading commons or beat-up modern cards.
🎯 Grade smarter, not harder — and when you’re ready to pull that next 10, browse our authentic, pack-fresh inventory at PikachuPulls.com.
