How Grading Increases Pokémon Card Value: Real Examples

2 July 2025

Theory is one thing. Numbers are another. Here are real examples of what cards sell for raw versus graded, based on actual UK eBay sales from early 2026.

Charizard VSTAR (Brilliant Stars, Secret Rare)

Raw: £35 to £45
Graded 9: £60 to £75
Graded 10: £120 to £150

A graded 10 roughly triples the raw value. Even a 9 nearly doubles it. This card is a strong grading candidate because Charizard demand is consistent and the graded premium is large.

Umbreon VMAX (Alternate Art, Evolving Skies)

Raw: £150 to £180
Graded 9: £250 to £300
Graded 10: £450 to £550

The multiplier from raw to 10 is about 3x. This is one of the most reliably profitable cards to grade, provided the condition justifies it.

Pikachu V (Full Art, Lost Origin)

Raw: £8 to £12
Graded 9: £15 to £20
Graded 10: £30 to £40

The multiplier is similar (about 3x for a 10), but the raw value is low. After grading fees of £10 to £15 per card, you're barely breaking even on a 10 and losing money on a 9. This card isn't worth grading for financial reasons unless you're getting bulk rates.

Base Set Charizard (Unlimited, 4/102)

Raw (good condition): £150 to £250
Graded 7: £200 to £300
Graded 8: £350 to £500
Graded 9: £600 to £900
Graded 10: £2,000+

Vintage cards show the most dramatic grading premiums. Even mid-grades (7 to 8) see meaningful price increases. A PSA 10 Base Set Charizard is in a completely different price category from a raw copy.

Lugia VSTAR (Silver Tempest, Secret Art Rare)

Raw: £40 to £55
Graded 9: £70 to £90
Graded 10: £130 to £160

Solid returns on a 10. The grading fee is well justified here if the card is in top condition.

The Pattern

Across all of these examples, the pattern is consistent: grading adds the most value (in percentage terms) when the base card has collector demand and the grade is high. A 10 typically adds 2x to 4x the raw value. A 9 adds 1.5x to 2x. Anything below an 8 adds minimal value unless the card itself is quite expensive raw.

The takeaway: be selective. Grade cards where a high score genuinely transforms the value. Don't grade cards where the maths doesn't work.