🔥 Top Pokémon Cards to Grade in 2025 (That Aren’t Charizard)

Published on 22 March 2025 at 03:29

Let’s be honest — Charizard is great and all, but it’s 2025. The card grading scene is bigger, smarter, and more strategic than ever. If you’re looking to make your next submission count, you need more than hype — you need hidden gems, smart picks, and cards that can actually level up your collection (or wallet).

So, this list? It’s not about the obvious.
It’s about what to grade when you’re not chasing a dragon.

🧠 Why Look Beyond Charizard?

Because Charizard is everywhere.
Graded into oblivion. Mass slabbed. He’s practically got his own section at PSA.

Meanwhile, there are other cards:

  • With low population reports

  • With strong fan appeal

  • From sets that are just heating up

If you're serious about grading smarter, this is your 2025 checklist.

📘 Quick Glossary (For Newer Collectors):

  • Pop Report: A count of how many graded copies exist at each grade level (e.g., PSA 10, 9, etc.)

  • Gem Rate: The percentage of cards that receive a perfect grade (like a PSA 10)

  • Alt Art: Alternate art versions of a card — typically more unique and valuable

  • Raw Value: What the card sells for ungraded

  • Graded Value: What it sells for if it gets a high grade

✅ Top Pokémon Cards to Grade in 2025 (No Zards Allowed)

1. Gardevoir ex – Paldean Fates

  • 💎 Raw Value: ~$8 | PSA 10: ~$80

  • 🧠 Why Grade: Beautiful artwork + strong fan base + lower gem rates due to print issues = long-term value play.

  • 📌 Watch Out For: Centering — it’s the silent killer in this set.

2. Espeon VMAX (Alt Art) – Fusion Strike

  • 💎 Raw Value: ~$70 | PSA 10: $200–$300

  • 🧠 Why Grade: Eeveelutions are collectible royalty. This one has low pull rates and long-term demand.

  • 📌 Watch Out For: Corner dings and surface scratches — they sneak up quick on alt arts.

3. Umbreon Gold Star – 25th Anniversary (Celebrations)

  • 💎 Raw Value: ~$20 | PSA 10: ~$120–$150

  • 🧠 Why Grade: Nostalgia meets modern reprint. People are building full Celebrations slabs — this one’s near the top.

  • 📌 Watch Out For: Edge wear is common straight from the pack. Don't send in flaked foils.

4. Mimikyu VMAX – Trainer Gallery (Brilliant Stars TG17)

  • 💎 Raw Value: ~$10 | PSA 10: ~$100

  • 🧠 Why Grade: Mimikyu fans go hard. Add that to clean print quality and unique art — win-win.

  • 📌 Watch Out For: Surface scratches from bad storage — this card needs to be packed fresh.

5. Iron Valiant ex – Paradox Rift

  • 💎 Raw Value: ~$7 | PSA 10: ~$70 (early trend)

  • 🧠 Why Grade: New set. Low pop. Tons of fan art buzz. It’s a sleeper waiting to explode.

  • 📌 Watch Out For: Be early — once the pop report balloons, value might taper.

⚠️ Quick Reality Check

Grading isn’t free. And not every card will be your golden ticket.
Before submitting:

  • Check current PSA pop reports

  • Review recent sold listings (eBay is your friend)

  • Be real about condition — even a tiny flaw can kill your gem dreams

💡 Not sure? Grade 2–3 cards first. Learn the process. Then go deeper.

📦 What Comes Next?

Charizard will always be a legend — but in 2025, smart collectors are chasing what’s next, not what’s flooded.

Look for:

  • Strong art

  • Loyal fanbases

  • Lower pop counts

  • Cards with emotional pull and grading upside

That’s where the fun — and the value — lives.

🚀 Ready to Grade?

Submit your cards with confidence:
👉 Grade with The Retro Renegade

Want to sell instead?
💰 Sell Your Cards Here

💬 What Are You Grading?

Drop us a tag on Instagram or reply on X — show us your underrated grading picks.
We might feature your card in the next post.

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