What is a graded card?
A card is sent to a third-party company to authenticate it, assess its condition, assign a score from 1 to 10, and seal it in a rigid holder bearing a label and certification number. PSA is the largest provider; others include BGS and CGC.
Encapsulation preserves the assessed condition, reducing disputes between buyers and sellers over scratches or whitening. This helps explain why graded cards command more than raw cards on resale markets.
How PSA’s fee tiers work
PSA does not charge one flat fee per card. Fees depend on declared card value and how quickly you want it returned. Higher values and faster service cost more per card; lower-cost options can take several months.
Fees change, so check PSA’s current official price list. Specific prices are omitted here because they can quickly become outdated.
Submitting from Taiwan
PSA has no directly operated submission office in Taiwan. Common options are a card shop or group organizer offering submission services, or sending cards yourself to PSA in Japan or the US. An intermediary adds a service fee but handles international shipping and customs. Check acceptance rules, insurance, and expected return times before sending.
The difference between grades 10 and 9
PSA 10 is Gem Mint: corners, edges, surface, and centering are close to perfect. PSA 9 is Mint and allows very minor flaws. The difference can be hard to see unaided, yet prices vary greatly because 10s are scarcer and some collectors insist on them.
Inspect your card before submitting. Obvious whitening, scratches, or off-centering make a 10 unlikely, so grading fees may not be worthwhile.
What to check when a pool advertises PSA 10
Check whether the prize page names the grading company and grade, whether the certification number can be verified on PSA’s website, and where the platform defines its responsibility for graded cards. unravel’s terms rely on the grading company’s assessment and encapsulation and do not guarantee the market’s valuation of that grade.
These three checks tell you what the PSA 10 prize represents. This service is for ages 18 and older.
Frequently asked questions
How much does PSA grading cost per card?
Fees vary by declared value and turnaround speed, from hundreds to over ten thousand New Taiwan dollars. Prices change; consult PSA’s current official price list.
How long does PSA grading take?
Lower-cost services usually take months; expedited options can take a few weeks. Check the current estimates on the official website.
Can I submit directly to PSA in Taiwan?
PSA has no directly operated submission office in Taiwan. Most players use a submission service or ship to Japan or the US themselves.
Which cards are worth grading?
Cards with a market premium for PSA 10 and near-perfect condition on your own inspection. An average-condition card that grades 9 may cost more to grade than its increase in value.
Can I open a graded card’s holder?
It can be opened, but the card then loses its graded-card status and is valued as a raw card.
How can I verify a graded card drawn on unravel?
The prize page shows the grading company and grade. Compare the certification details on PSA’s official website. Graded cards are based on the company’s grade and encapsulation.