Graded Cards

PSA and PCA graded Pokémon cards

A graded Pokémon card is a card examined by a specialist grading company such as PSA or PCA. After evaluation, the card receives a grade reflecting its condition and is sealed inside a rigid protective case, commonly known as a slab.

The label usually displays the card name, expansion, year, language, grade and certification number used to identify the graded copy.

What does a Pokémon card grade mean?

The grade reflects the overall condition assessed by the grading company. The evaluation may consider:

• print centering;
• corners and edges;
• the card surface;
• scratches, marks and printing defects;
• the overall condition of the front and back.

A higher grade generally indicates that the card was judged closer to mint condition under that company’s standards. The same numerical grade from two different grading companies does not necessarily represent identical criteria or assessment.

PSA vs PCA graded Pokémon cards

PSA is an international grading company widely recognised in the trading card market. Its graded cards are sealed in identifiable cases with a label and certification number.

PCA is a French grading company specialising in collectible cards. PCA slabs use their own design, grading scale and certification system.

Choosing between PSA and PCA may depend on the card, grade, slab design, collecting preferences and the market in which you collect.

Why buy a graded Pokémon card?

• Know the condition assigned by a specialist grading company.
• Protect the card inside a rigid sealed case.
• Collect a specific Pokémon, expansion, language or illustrator.
• Compare different copies of the same card more easily.
• Display a card without handling it directly.
• Offer a clearly identified collectible item.

Grading makes a card’s condition easier to identify, but does not guarantee that its value will increase. Price also depends on rarity, demand, language, expansion, featured Pokémon and the number of copies available at a given grade.

Graded Pokémon card or raw card?

A raw Pokémon card is sold without grading or a sealed certification case. Its condition is described by the seller and may be more open to interpretation.

A graded card includes a grade, certification number and protective slab. It is generally easier to compare and preserve, but may cost more than a similar ungraded copy.

How to choose a graded Pokémon card

Start by deciding what you want to collect: a Pokémon, expansion, language, artwork, grading company or specific grade.

Before buying, check:

• the card name and number;
• the expansion and year;
• the language;
• the grading company;
• the assigned grade;
• the certification number shown on the slab;
• the overall condition of the case.

A high grade is not always the only relevant criterion. Older, rare, promotional or highly sought-after illustrated cards may remain desirable even at a lower grade.

Graded Pokémon cards in different languages

Pokelu may offer graded cards in French, Japanese, English and other languages depending on availability.

Language can affect the artwork layout, card name, availability and collector demand. It is indicated in the product name or on the product page.

Protected and identifiable graded cards

Each graded card remains inside the sealed case supplied by the grading company. The slab protects the card from direct handling, but may still be affected by scratches, impacts, excessive heat and prolonged sunlight.

Orders are carefully prepared to protect the case during transport. A slab may nevertheless show minor surface marks caused by manufacturing, storage or handling.

Buy graded Pokémon cards in Switzerland

Pokelu is a Swiss shop specialising in Pokémon cards and products. We offer PSA and PCA graded cards, as well as booster boxes, booster packs, Elite Trainer Boxes, collection boxes and accessories.

Orders are prepared and shipped from Switzerland. Our graded Pokémon card selection changes regularly depending on new acquisitions and availability.

Frequently asked questions about graded Pokémon cards

What is a graded Pokémon card?

A graded Pokémon card is evaluated by a specialist company and sealed inside a protective case with a grade and certification number.

What does PSA 10 mean?

PSA 10 is the highest grade on PSA’s main grading scale. It indicates that the card was judged to be in exceptional condition under PSA’s standards.

What is the difference between PSA and PCA?

PSA and PCA are different grading companies. They use their own cases, labels, grading criteria and certification systems.

Is a graded Pokémon card authentic?

Grading generally includes an authenticity review before the card is sealed. The certification number can also be used to identify the graded copy through the relevant company.

Can a graded Pokémon card lose value?

Yes. Value depends on supply, demand, rarity, grade and market conditions. Grading does not guarantee a price increase.

Can a card be removed from its grading case?

It is technically possible by breaking the slab, but the card then loses the protection and certification associated with that case.

How should I store a graded Pokémon card?

Store the slab away from humidity, direct sunlight, high temperatures, scratches and impacts.

Which languages are available?

Available languages vary depending on new arrivals. Pokelu may offer graded cards in French, Japanese, English and other languages.