What Are Graded Pokemon Cards and Why Collect Them? Beginner's Guide

If you've ever browsed our website or scrolled through Pokemon communities online, you've probably seen those shiny plastic cases with numbers on them. These are graded Pokemon cards, and they've become a huge part of the collecting world. But what exactly are they, and why do collectors go crazy for them?

Whether you're completely new to collecting or you've been buying raw cards for years and are curious about making the jump to slabs, this guide will break down everything you need to know about graded Pokemon cards.

What Is a Graded Pokemon Card?

A graded Pokemon card is simply a card that has been sent to a professional grading company to be authenticated and assessed for its condition. The card is examined by experts who look at various factors like centring, surface quality, edges and corners. Based on this assessment, the card receives a numerical grade (typically on a scale of 1-10) and is then sealed in a protective tamper-proof case, commonly referred to as a "slab."

The grade assigned to the card tells you and any future buyers exactly what condition the card is in. A PSA 10 or ACE 10 (Gem Mint) means the card is essentially perfect, while lower grades indicate varying degrees of wear or imperfections.

How Does the Grading Process Work?

When you submit a card for grading, professional graders examine it under magnification and bright lighting. They're looking at four main areas: centring (how well the image is positioned within the borders), corners (any wear, dings or whitening), edges (damage, nicks or colour loss) and surface (scratches, print defects or any blemishes).

Each of these categories contributes to the final grade. Even cards that look perfect to the naked eye can receive lower grades due to minor factory defects or barely visible imperfections.

Once graded, the card is encapsulated in a sealed case along with a label displaying the grade, card name, set information and a unique certification number that can be used to verify its authenticity.

Popular Grading Companies

There are several grading companies in the market, but the two you'll see most often in the UK (and the two we primarily stock) are:

PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) is the most well-known grading company worldwide. Founded in 1991, they've graded millions of cards and their slabs are highly recognised in the collecting community. PSA grades on a 1-10 scale with 10 being Gem Mint.

ACE Grading is a UK-based grading company that has gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly among UK and European collectors. They offer competitive turnaround times and their slabs have a sleek, modern design. ACE also grades on a 1-10 scale with 10 being Gem Mint.

Both companies produce quality slabs and have their own followings in the community. You'll find both PSA and ACE graded cards available on our website.

Why Collect Graded Pokemon Cards?

So why would you want to buy a graded card instead of a raw one? There are several compelling reasons:

Condition Certainty - When you buy a graded card, you know exactly what you're getting. That PSA 9 or ACE 10 label tells you the precise condition of the card. No more worrying about hidden scratches or seller descriptions that don't quite match reality.

Protection - The slab provides excellent protection for your card. It shields against dust, moisture, bending and general handling damage. Your card stays in the same condition as when it was graded.

Authentication - Grading companies verify that your card is genuine. With the rise of counterfeit cards, especially for valuable vintage Pokemon cards, this peace of mind is incredibly valuable.

Value Retention - Graded cards, particularly those with high grades, tend to hold their value well and often appreciate over time. A raw card's value can fluctuate significantly based on subjective condition assessments, but a graded card's value is more standardised.

Investment Potential - For those looking at Pokemon cards as an investment, graded cards offer a more liquid market. A PSA 10 Charizard has a clearer market value than a raw Charizard described as "near mint."

Display Quality - Let's be honest, graded cards look fantastic on display. The professional presentation of a slab makes showcasing your collection so much more satisfying.

Understanding the Grading Scale

Here's a quick breakdown of what the grades mean (this applies to both PSA and ACE):

10 (Gem Mint) - A virtually perfect card. Four sharp corners, sharp focus, full original gloss and no print defects. Centring must be approximately 50/50 front and 60/40 back.

9 (Mint) - A superb condition card with only a minor flaw. Great eye appeal with minimal imperfections.

8 (Near Mint-Mint) - A super high-end card that appears Mint at first glance but upon closer inspection shows slight wear or a minor printing defect.

7 (Near Mint) - A card with just slight surface wear or a minor printing defect. Still presents well overall.

6 and below - These cards show increasing levels of wear, from slight to heavy. They're often more affordable options for collectors who want iconic cards without the premium price tag.

What Types of Cards Are Worth Grading?

Not every card needs to be graded. Generally, collectors focus on grading cards that are valuable enough to justify the cost of grading, cards that appear to be in excellent condition (potential 9s or 10s), vintage cards where authentication adds significant value and personal favourites they want to preserve forever.

Modern chase cards like Special Illustration Rares, vintage holos from Base Set, Neo or other early expansions, and popular Pokemon like Pikachu, Charizard, Umbreon and the Eeveelutions are all commonly graded.

Getting Started with Graded Card Collecting

If you're new to collecting graded Pokemon cards, here are a few tips to get you started:

Start with what you love - Don't just chase what's expensive. Collect Pokemon or artwork that genuinely appeals to you. Your collection should bring you joy.

Set a budget - It's easy to get carried away. Decide what you're comfortable spending and stick to it. We offer slabs at various price points, from budget-friendly options under £35 to higher value pieces.

Do your research - Learn about the sets, the artwork variants and what makes certain cards more desirable. The more you know, the better decisions you'll make.

Buy from trusted sources - This is crucial. When buying graded cards online, you want clear photos and videos of the exact slab you're purchasing. That's why we provide high-quality images and 360-degree videos of every graded card we sell, so you know precisely what you're getting.

Consider both English and Japanese cards - Japanese Pokemon cards often have unique artwork, earlier release dates and sometimes better print quality. Many collectors enjoy having both in their collection.

Ready to Start Your Collection?

We hope this guide has given you a solid foundation for understanding graded Pokemon cards. Whether you're drawn to the protection and peace of mind they offer, the investment potential, or simply the joy of owning professionally preserved pieces of Pokemon history, graded cards are a fantastic way to build a collection.

If you're ready to browse, we have a wide selection of both PSA and ACE graded cards available, including English, Japanese and even Chinese graded Pokemon cards. From budget-friendly slabs to high-end chase cards, there's something for every collector and every budget.

New slabs are added regularly, so be sure to check back often or sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know when new cards drop. Happy collecting!