PSA grading levels for Pokémon cards
Grade is half the deal on chase Pokémon cards. PSA 10 (Gem Mint) sits at the top of a 1–10 scale — and mixing grades in comps is the fastest way to overpay. Use this hub to learn the levels, then open live card pages with grade filters.
What PSA 10 means
PSA 10 is Gem Mint: virtually perfect centering, corners, edges, and surface under a close look. Only a small share of submissions earn it, which is why Gem Mint prices often jump far above PSA 9 for the same card.
Buy within a grade
A cheap PSA 8 is not a PSA 10 deal. Sort listings by grader and grade, set alerts with a grade filter, and log owned slabs in Portfolio with the grade filled in so floors stay like-for-like.
Other graders
BGS and CGC also use numeric scales, but labels and market premiums differ. PSA 10 is not automatically equal to a BGS 10 or CGC 10 in the resale market — match the slab you actually want.
References and comparisons
- PSA grading levels 1–10
Full scale with buying tips for each grade.
- What does PSA 10 mean?
Gem Mint explained in plain language.
- PSA scale (docs)
Quick reference for alerts and comps.
- PSA vs BGS vs CGC
Which grader for which card.
- Graded vs raw
When a slab is worth the fee.
- Moonbreon live guide
Modern chase where grade moves price hard.
Guides
FAQ
What does PSA 10 mean?
PSA 10 means Gem Mint — the top grade on PSA's 1 to 10 scale for a virtually perfect trading card.
Why is PSA 10 more expensive than PSA 9?
Gem Mint copies are scarcer, and buyers concentrate on the top tier. For chase cards with low gem rates, that one point can mean a large price gap.
Should I compare raw and graded prices?
Only as separate markets. Raw carries grade risk; a slab locks condition. Never use a PSA 10 sold comp to justify a raw ask.
Track this in your portfolio
Log what you own, see live floors and historical value, and keep cost basis next to the chase list you're hunting.
Not affiliated with Nintendo, Game Freak, or The Pokémon Company. GrailHawk does not authenticate cards. Prices are market observations, not appraisals.