Pokemon Card Rankings: Everything You Need to Know

By Jessie Schreuders
4 min read

As a Pokémon collector, you want to keep your cards in top condition. But how do you know if they are in top condition and how much they are really worth? That is where grading comes in. In this article, I will explain what grading is, why it is important, and how you can get your cards graded.

What is grading?

Grading is the process by which a professional company evaluates the condition of your Pokémon cards and assigns them a score. This score, ranging from 1 to 10, determines how good your card looks and helps determine its value. The higher the score, the more your card is worth.

Grading looks at the centering, corners, edges, surface and hologram. The goal is to determine if a card is perfect or if there are minor (or major) defects.

Why You Should Grade Your Pokemon Cards

There are several reasons why grading your Pokémon cards is a smart move:

  • Increase Value : A well-graded card can be worth much more than an ungraded card. Especially rare cards like Charizard or Eevee evolutions can be worth thousands of euros through grading.
  • Protection : Graded cards are often packaged in a hard case that protects them from damage, dust, and other environmental factors. This helps keep your card in top condition.
  • Trustworthiness : If you plan to sell the card, grading makes it easier for buyers to see that the card's condition has been professionally assessed.
  • Collectible Value : Graden adds value to your collection. A PSA 10 is something to be proud of, and it gives your collection an extra allure.

How does the grading process work?

The grading process is fairly simple, but can take a while. Here are the basic steps:

  1. Submission : You choose a grading company (more on that later), and submit your cards. There are several options: you can choose standard grading (which takes longer) or express grading (faster, but more expensive).
  2. Grading : Cards are graded on several criteria: centering, corners, edges, surface area, and hologram. Each of these factors affects the final score.
  3. Rating Score : After rating, you will receive a score from 1 to 10. The closer to 10, the better the card.
  4. Security : Graded cards are placed in a hard case so they are well protected.

The most famous grading companies

There are several grading companies, but the most popular are:

  • PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) : This is the most well-known grading company in the world. It is known for its accuracy and reliability. When you have a card graded by PSA, you know you are getting the best quality.
  • Beckett Grading Services (BGS) : Beckett is another reputable company and offers grading for both sports cards and Pokémon cards. BGS is known for its strict grading.
  • CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) : CGC is relatively new to the Pokémon card scene, but is quickly gaining popularity due to its detailed reviews and professional approach.

Where can you have your cards graded in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, you can have your Pokémon cards graded through various channels. Many people send their cards directly to the large grading companies such as PSA and Beckett. In addition, there are local intermediaries who can help you send the cards to the right grading companies.

Some of the platforms in the Netherlands where you can have your cards graded are:

  • Pokémonkaarten.nl – Offers a reliable service for grading your cards, in partnership with PSA and Beckett.
  • Grading-cards.nl – Another option for submitting cards for grading. They work with both PSA and BGS.
  • Cards Grading Netherlands – This intermediary helps you to send your cards to the grading companies in the correct way.

Grading costs

Grading costs can vary depending on the company and service you choose. In the Netherlands, grading usually costs between €10 and €50 per card, depending on the value of the card and the speed of the service. Express grading usually costs more, but is faster.

Why degrees?

Grading has several advantages. Not only does it increase the value of your cards, it also ensures that they are well preserved and in reliable condition. If you are a serious Pokémon collector, grading your cards is a wise investment. You will get more value in return and can sell or trade them more easily.

So, if you are serious about your collection, grading your cards is a logical step. Not only does it add value, but it also ensures that your cards are well protected for the future.