Grading your Pokémon cards: when, how and with whom
Grading a card means entrusting it to a specialist company that authenticates it, assesses its condition on a scale of 1 to 10 and seals it in a numbered rigid case, the "slab". It's mainly worthwhile for a rare card in very good condition that you want to protect for the long term or make easier to identify. The best-known companies are PSA, CGC and Beckett (BGS), as well as PCA in France.
How does grading work?
The principle is the same everywhere. You declare your cards online, choose a service level, then send off the parcel. The company checks each card's authenticity, examines it and gives it a grade, then encapsulates it in a sealed case bearing a label: card name, set, grade and certification number.
The grade is based on four criteria, used by all the major companies:
- centring: how balanced the borders are, front and back;
- corners: sharp, with no whitening or crushing;
- edges: no chips or whitening;
- surface: no scratches, creases, marks or print defects.
The main grading companies
| Company | Key points |
|---|---|
| PSA | Scale of 1 to 10. The most widespread company on the international Pokémon card market. |
| CGC Cards | Scale of 1 to 10 with half points. It distinguishes Gem Mint 10 from Pristine 10, its highest grade. |
| Beckett (BGS) | Possible subgrades for each of the four criteria. The "Black Label" rewards a 10 in every criterion. |
| PCA | A French company based in Paris, well established among French-speaking collectors. |
Other players exist, particularly in Europe. Before choosing, look at which company is most recognised where you plan to keep or trade your cards, along with the stated turnaround times and the shipping conditions from Belgium or France. Terms and service levels change often: always check the company's official website before submitting.
Which cards are worth grading?
Grading costs money and takes time. Here are our criteria before sending a card:
- Its condition: examine it under good light, with a magnifying glass if possible. The slightest edge whitening or surface scratch will lower the grade.
- Its appeal: illustration rares, secret cards, hard-to-find promos, vintage cards or cards with strong sentimental value.
- Your goal: protecting a centrepiece, authenticating it or completing a graded collection. Grading doesn't guarantee any increase in value, and an average grade can be disappointing.
The best time to assess a card is straight out of the booster. Put it in a sleeve and a toploader right away, without handling it any further. Our toploader guide explains how.
Preparing your submission
PSA and CGC publish very similar guidelines, summarised here:
- Put each card in a clear soft sleeve, not an opaque or coloured one.
- Slide the sleeved card into a semi-rigid holder (such as a "Card Saver"). PSA asks you not to use toploaders, tape or pull tabs.
- Arrange the cards in the order of your submission form.
- Place the stack between two slightly larger pieces of rigid cardboard, held with loose rubber bands.
- Pack everything in a new, sturdy cardboard box with bubble wrap, and include the required documents.
Don't clean your cards with any product, and don't try to flatten a curved card: any intervention can be detected and may count against the grade.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sending cards with visibly off-centre printing in the hope of a top grade.
- Using thick or playing sleeves: the company needs to be able to take the card out easily.
- Forgetting to insure or track a valuable parcel.
- Choosing a company solely on its top grade, without looking at how well recognised it is in your market.
To kit yourself out before sending, our sleeves and toploaders are available on request. For any questions, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Can Japanese Pokémon cards be graded?
Yes, the major companies grade Japanese cards just like French or English ones. Simply check that the language and set are supported by the service you choose.
Can a graded card be taken out of its case?
The case is sealed to prevent tampering. Opening it damages it, and the card loses its certification.
Should I grade a low-value card?
Rarely, unless it has personal meaning for you. The cost and turnaround time often outweigh the benefit.
Toploader or semi-rigid holder for shipping?
For grading, use a semi-rigid holder, as PSA and CGC require. Toploaders remain ideal for storage and for sending cards between collectors.