💡 How to Tell If Your Card Is Worth Grading (Without Guessing)

Published on 23 March 2025 at 23:29

So you’ve got a card in a sleeve, and you’re wondering:
“Should I grade this?”
Fair question — but don’t guess.
Guessing is for coin flips and mystery boxes. This guide? It's built to help you make smarter grading decisions in 2025, without overthinking or overpaying.

✅ Why Even Grade?

Grading adds:

  • 🔒 Protection – slabs keep cards safe from dust, scratches, and sticky fingers

  • 🏷️ Credibility – certified condition from PSA, CGC, or BGS

  • 💰 Value – buyers pay more for high-grade cards (especially 10s)

But… it costs money. So let’s make sure your card is actually worth it.

🧠 Step 1: What’s the Card Worth Raw vs. Graded?

Start by checking:

💬 Look for:

Raw Value - If it’s under $5, grading may not be worth it unless it’s rare

PSA 9/10 Price - Shows true resale potential

Spread - If PSA 10 is 3–5× raw, it’s a good candidate

 

🧪 Real Example:

Gardevoir ex – Paldean Fates

  • Raw: ~$8

  • PSA 10: ~$90

  • Grading Cost: ~$20
    ✅ That’s worth it if the card is clean.

🔍 Step 2: Is the Card Actually Grade-Worthy?

Inspect the card like a grader would:

Surface - No scratches, print lines, dents, or dimples

Corners - Sharp and clean — no whitening or bends

Edges - Smooth and consistent

Centering - Borders should be even front AND back (yes, the back matters too)

 

Pro Tools to Use:

  • Soft microfiber cloth

  • Card saver + penny sleeve

  • Magnifier or LED loupe

  • Natural lighting or grading mat

✅ If it looks flawless under bright light and close inspection — you’re golden.

📈 Step 3: What Does the Pop Report Say?

Search the card on:

📊 Look for:

  • Low pop in 10s (under 500 = low for modern sets)

  • High demand (Pokémon, set popularity, alt art, nostalgia)

  • Low gem rate (few 10s means higher resale value)

🧪 Real Pop Report Example:

Mimikyu VMAX – Brilliant Stars (TG17)

  • PSA 10 pop: ~620

  • Total graded: 3,100

  • Gem rate: ~20%
    ✅ That’s low-ish — 10s are tough and valuable.

⚠️ Step 4: Weigh the Risk

Grading isn’t a guaranteed win. Ask yourself:

  • What if this gets a PSA 8? Will I still be happy?

  • Am I grading this to sell, collect, or invest?

  • Is the resale demand strong enough right now?

Real Talk:

Submitting a card and getting back a 6… it stings.
That’s why good prep and smart picks matter.

🤔 Bonus: When NOT to Grade

Don’t grade if:

  • The card has visible damage or wear

  • PSA 10 sells for only a few bucks more than raw

  • You’re unsure about grading services or process (yet)

🛑 Not grading doesn’t mean the card isn’t valuable — some cards are better raw for binders, displays, or trading.

🧠 Final Checklist: Should You Grade It?

✅ Raw value is at least $5+
✅ PSA 10 value is 3–5x raw
✅ Condition looks flawless under light
✅ Pop report shows low gem rate or low 10 count
✅ You’re grading with purpose (not just hype)

Still on the fence? Grade 1–2 test cards first. Learn the process. Build confidence.

📦 Ready to Grade Like a Pro?

We make it easy:
👉 Submit Your Cards for Grading

Or — want to sell instead?
💰 Get a Fast Quote

💬 Let’s Hear from You

Still unsure? Tag us on Instagram or X (Twitter) and ask!
We’re here to help you slab smart, not blindly.

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