Pokemon Card Grading Premium Analysis: PSA vs BGS ROI Guide
Data-driven analysis of graded Pokemon card premiums and ROI calculations. Discover which cards are worth grading and compare PSA, BGS, and CGC performance.
Last updated: 12/31/2025 | 10 min read
Grading Premium Overview - Top 100 Most Profitable
12.3x
Avg PSA 10 Multiplier
14.1x
Avg BGS 10 Multiplier
902
High ROI Cards (100%+)
100
Top Cards Displayed
Top 100 Most Profitable Cards to Grade
The best bang for your buck: ROI calculated after PSA grading costs ($25 USD). Ranked by highest potential return on investment.
| Card | Raw Price | PSA 10 | BGS 10 | PSA ROI | BGS ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Charizard #4 base4 | $284 | $13,599 | $17,679 | 4182% | N/A |
Dragonite #9 ecard1 | $250 | $11,779 | $15,312 | 4049% | N/A |
Lugia #SL7 col1 | $272 | $12,342 | N/A | 3934% | N/A |
Groudon #SL4 col1 | $162 | $7,834 | N/A | 3901% | N/A |
Charizard #4 ex14 | $204 | $9,520 | N/A | 3900% | N/A |
Glaceon LV.X #98 dp5 | $279 | $12,308 | $16,000 | 3837% | N/A |
Charizard #4 base1 | $329 | $14,014 | $18,219 | 3764% | N/A |
Milotic EX #96 ex9 | $124 | $5,985 | N/A | 3692% | N/A |
Umbreon #86 hgss3 | $204 | $8,959 | N/A | 3664% | N/A |
Entei #6 neo3 | $121 | $5,747 | $7,472 | 3608% | N/A |
Latios EX #113 bw9 | $122 | $5,754 | $7,480 | 3595% | N/A |
Zekrom #115 bw11 | $194 | $8,296 | $10,785 | 3531% | N/A |
Primal Groudon EX #151 xy5 | $103 | $4,964 | $6,453 | 3525% | N/A |
Flareon EX #RC28 g1 | $94 | $4,567 | N/A | 3454% | N/A |
Charizard #103 dp7 | $331 | $12,588 | $16,365 | 3348% | 4300% |
Lugia EX #105 ex10 | $342 | $12,920 | N/A | 3338% | N/A |
Dragonite EX #90 ex3 | $135 | $5,644 | N/A | 3247% | N/A |
Dialga #SL2 col1 | $109 | $4,758 | N/A | 3232% | N/A |
Giratina #BW74 bwp | $107 | $4,695 | N/A | 3227% | N/A |
Reshiram EX #95 bw4 | $109 | $4,692 | $6,100 | 3186% | N/A |
Umbreon EX #112 ex10 | $411 | $14,484 | N/A | 3152% | N/A |
Blastoise cel25c | $114 | $4,754 | N/A | 3112% | N/A |
Blastoise #2 base1 | $114 | $4,754 | $6,180 | 3112% | N/A |
Blissey EX #101 ex10 | $60 | $2,992 | N/A | 3081% | N/A |
Rayquaza #SL10 col1 | $340 | $11,631 | N/A | 3010% | N/A |
Rayquaza #20 col1 | $52 | $2,550 | $3,316 | 2865% | N/A |
Charizard #136 bw8 | $573 | $17,851 | $23,207 | 2842% | 3683% |
Gardevoir EX #RC30 g1 | $52 | $2,516 | N/A | 2808% | N/A |
Charizard #11 xy12 | $65 | $2,847 | $3,701 | 2773% | N/A |
Shinx #SH12 pl4 | $81 | $3,308 | N/A | 2772% | N/A |
Armored Mewtwo #SM228 smp | $155 | $5,411 | N/A | 2764% | N/A |
Wailord EX #100 ex2 | $56 | $2,584 | N/A | 2756% | N/A |
M Charizard EX #69 xy2 | $120 | $4,356 | $5,663 | 2735% | 3429% |
R Energy [Reverse Holo] #95 ex7 | $63 | $2,720 | N/A | 2707% | N/A |
Deoxys EX #99 ex8 | $63 | $2,720 | N/A | 2694% | N/A |
M Charizard EX #107 xy2 | $139 | $4,770 | $6,202 | 2662% | 3355% |
Umbreon #13 neo2 | $225 | $7,140 | $9,282 | 2655% | 3390% |
Skyla #149 bw7 | $190 | $6,120 | $7,956 | 2638% | 3354% |
Mewtwo EX #164 xy8 | $95 | $3,536 | $4,597 | 2637% | 3280% |
Gyarados EX #109 ex6 | $59 | $2,534 | N/A | 2636% | N/A |
Rayquaza #128 bw6 | $340 | $10,200 | $13,260 | 2627% | 3382% |
Espeon EX #102 ex10 | $287 | $8,672 | N/A | 2603% | N/A |
M Gengar EX #35 xy4 | $118 | $4,080 | $5,304 | 2575% | 3230% |
Charizard #6 ecard1 | $376 | $10,880 | $14,144 | 2551% | 3290% |
Primal Kyogre EX #149 xy5 | $156 | $5,038 | $6,548 | 2545% | 3220% |
Sylveon EX #RC32 g1 | $107 | $3,716 | N/A | 2531% | N/A |
M Charizard EX #108 xy2 | $229 | $6,888 | $8,954 | 2517% | 3217% |
Charizard #6 ex16 | $71 | $2,757 | N/A | 2516% | N/A |
Deoxys EX #93 ex9 | $120 | $4,015 | N/A | 2512% | N/A |
Charmander #101 dp7 | $56 | $2,324 | $3,021 | 2485% | N/A |
M Rayquaza EX #105 xy6 | $270 | $7,816 | $10,161 | 2474% | 3173% |
Light Togetic #15 neo4 | $52 | $2,217 | $2,882 | 2473% | N/A |
Ampharos #H1 ecard2 | $118 | $3,876 | N/A | 2458% | N/A |
Mew #XY110 xyp | $78 | $2,842 | N/A | 2432% | N/A |
M Gardevoir EX #RC31 g1 | $87 | $3,063 | N/A | 2422% | N/A |
Gengar EX #108 ex6 | $476 | $12,784 | N/A | 2407% | N/A |
Genesect EX #97 bw10 | $102 | $3,400 | $4,420 | 2391% | 2985% |
Blaine's Moltres #1 gym1 | $71 | $2,568 | $3,339 | 2352% | 2894% |
Gengar #5 base3 | $75 | $2,665 | $3,465 | 2350% | 2898% |
Dark Houndoom [Reverse Holo] #37 ex7 | $79 | $2,720 | N/A | 2310% | N/A |
Venusaur #13 basep | $127 | $3,825 | N/A | 2276% | N/A |
Charizard EX #105 ex6 | $429 | $10,880 | N/A | 2250% | N/A |
Kyogre EX #148 xy5 | $54 | $2,071 | $2,693 | 2242% | 2728% |
Rayquaza EX #102 ex8 | $214 | $5,773 | N/A | 2230% | N/A |
Venusaur #15 base1 | $76 | $2,568 | $3,337 | 2227% | 2749% |
Venusaur cel25c | $76 | $2,568 | N/A | 2227% | N/A |
Gyarados #8 ex13 | $66 | $2,306 | N/A | 2216% | N/A |
Deoxys EX #98 ex8 | $79 | $2,618 | N/A | 2215% | N/A |
M Charizard EX #12 g1 | $113 | $3,383 | $4,398 | 2200% | 2758% |
Serperior #125 bw6 | $102 | $3,079 | $4,004 | 2167% | 2708% |
Celebi EX #117 ex10 | $510 | $12,311 | N/A | 2165% | N/A |
Tyranitar #29 ecard1 | $169 | $4,590 | $5,968 | 2157% | 2739% |
Rayquaza EX #97 ex3 | $216 | $5,644 | N/A | 2156% | N/A |
Rayquaza EX #97 ex15 | $156 | $4,258 | N/A | 2144% | N/A |
Latias EX #93 ex3 | $157 | $4,289 | N/A | 2141% | N/A |
Mew #19 ecard1 | $152 | $4,163 | $5,413 | 2140% | 2709% |
Darkrai #BW73 bwp | $57 | $2,040 | N/A | 2133% | N/A |
M Latios EX #102 xy6 | $90 | $2,766 | $3,596 | 2126% | 2644% |
Alakazam EX #125 xy10 | $86 | $2,668 | $3,468 | 2120% | 2631% |
Reuniclus #126 bw6 | $75 | $2,380 | $3,094 | 2077% | 2565% |
Mew #1 si1 | $213 | $5,357 | N/A | 2073% | N/A |
Iris #101 bw10 | $90 | $2,685 | $3,491 | 2070% | 2574% |
Kyurem #21 dv1 | $56 | $1,955 | N/A | 2062% | N/A |
Raichu hgss3 | $75 | $2,330 | N/A | 2042% | N/A |
Gyarados [Gold Star] #102 ex13 | $1,109 | $24,480 | N/A | 2041% | N/A |
Krookodile #127 bw6 | $86 | $2,550 | $3,316 | 2022% | 2512% |
Reshiram #114 bw11 | $197 | $4,896 | $6,365 | 2018% | 2575% |
Charizard Ex [Jumbo] #125 sv3 | $63 | $2,040 | $2,652 | 2013% | 2466% |
Charizard ex3 | $2,558 | $54,400 | N/A | 1999% | N/A |
Charizard [Gold Star] #100 ex15 | $2,558 | $54,400 | N/A | 1999% | N/A |
Articuno EX #32 np | $79 | $2,336 | N/A | 1976% | N/A |
Pikachu #RC29 g1 | $74 | $2,231 | N/A | 1969% | N/A |
Steelix EX #109 ex10 | $120 | $3,179 | N/A | 1964% | N/A |
Colress #135 bw8 | $82 | $2,380 | $3,094 | 1959% | 2428% |
Infernape LV.X #108 pl2 | $65 | $2,040 | $2,652 | 1955% | 2400% |
Houndoom #8 neo3 | $138 | $3,536 | $4,597 | 1952% | 2466% |
Mew #97 hgss4 | $115 | $3,026 | N/A | 1933% | N/A |
Rayquaza C #8 pl3 | $52 | $1,736 | $2,256 | 1926% | 2340% |
M Aggron EX #154 xy5 | $74 | $2,184 | $2,840 | 1922% | 2373% |
Salamence EX #103 ex8 | $84 | $2,346 | N/A | 1894% | N/A |
Grading Service Comparison
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
Pros:
- Highest market recognition and liquidity
- Strongest resale values globally
- Most accepted by Singapore collectors
- Clear, simple 1-10 grading scale
Cons:
- Longer turnaround times (3-6 months)
- Higher costs for valuable cards
- No sub-grades for detailed analysis
Avg Cost: $25-50 USD
Turnaround: 3-6 months
Best For: High-value cards, resale focus
BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
Pros:
- Detailed sub-grades (centering, corners, edges, surface)
- Premium "Black Label" 10s command highest prices
- More nuanced grading system
- Beautiful presentation and labels
Cons:
- More complex grading scale
- Smaller market than PSA
- Higher grading standards
- Less liquid in Singapore market
Avg Cost: $30-60 USD
Turnaround: 2-4 months
Best For: Perfect condition cards, detailed analysis
CGC (Certified Guaranty Company)
Pros:
- Most affordable grading option
- Fastest turnaround times
- Good quality control and consistency
- Growing market acceptance
Cons:
- Lowest market premiums
- Limited recognition in Singapore
- Newer service with smaller market
- Less established track record
Avg Cost: $15-25 USD
Turnaround: 1-3 months
Best For: Budget grading, modern cards
When to Grade Your Cards
✅ Grade These Cards:
- High-Value Cards ($100+ SGD raw): The grading premium usually justifies the cost
- Mint Condition Vintage Cards: Base Set, Neo series, and other classic sets
- First Edition Cards: Significant premiums for graded 1st edition cards
- Rare Promotional Cards: Tournament prizes, special releases, and exclusive promos
- Key Cards from Popular Sets: Charizard, Pikachu, and other iconic Pokemon
❌ Don't Grade These Cards:
- Low-Value Cards (Under $50 SGD): Grading costs exceed potential returns
- Damaged or Poor Condition Cards: Will likely receive low grades with minimal premiums
- Common Modern Cards: Unless in perfect condition, limited upside potential
- Cards You Plan to Play: Graded cards can't be used in tournaments
- Cards with Obvious Defects: Centering issues, scratches, or edge wear
Grading ROI Calculator
Quick ROI Assessment
High ROI Potential (200%+ returns):
- Vintage cards worth $200+ raw
- First edition Base Set cards in mint condition
- Japanese exclusive promotional cards
- Error cards and misprints
- Tournament prize cards
Moderate ROI Potential (50-200% returns):
- Modern chase cards in perfect condition
- Popular Pokemon from recent sets
- Full art and special texture cards
- Cards with strong competitive play history
- Limited edition promotional releases
Singapore Grading Considerations
Shipping and Logistics
- Shipping Costs: Expect $20-40 SGD for secure shipping to/from grading services
- Insurance: Always insure valuable shipments (2-3% of declared value)
- Turnaround Time: Add 2-4 weeks for international shipping each way
- Customs: Minimal issues for personal collections under $1000 SGD value
Local Market Preferences
- PSA Preference: Singapore collectors strongly prefer PSA for liquidity
- Japanese Cards: BGS sometimes preferred for Japanese cards due to sub-grades
- Modern Cards: CGC gaining acceptance for recent releases
- Vintage Premium: Higher grading premiums for cards from 1998-2003
Ready to Grade Your Cards?
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