5 Profitable Pokémon Cards to Buy & Grade For Under $100

Includes 5 cards you can buy and grade on a budget, plus one bonus card.

The Pokémon market is warming back up, and there are several cards in the sub-$100 range that are profitable to buy and grade right now. I also snuck in a bonus card that’s a bit pricier but that I can’t stop buying.

This post will highlight Expected Profitability for each card based on Expected Value. While this post won’t go through the math, we calculate EV with the following formula:

• EV = PSA 10 Price x Average Gem Rate + PSA 9 Price x (100% - Average Gem Rate) - Grading Costs - Selling Fees

For the cards listed below, we will assume all cards are submitted at the Value service level for $32.99, there are no upcharges, and the selling fee is 13%.

One thing worth noting is that Value submissions can have unpredictable turnaround times. Some level of timing risk is unavoidable in this business, and we’re comfortable with it when the Expected Profitability is strong.

And lastly, here are some helpful resources before we start:

• Complete Guide to PSA Grading: Get More PSA 10s

• How to Find PSA 10 Candidates on eBay

• Complete Guide to Expected Value

1. Gastly S&V Temporal Forces #177

Market Values & Gem Rate

• Raw Value (Near-Mint): $55

• PSA 10 Value: $340

• PSA 9 Value: $60

• Gem Rate: 34%

Profitability

• Expected Value: $107

• Expected Profitability: $52

• Expected ROI: 94.5%

Notes: The low gem rate is the main thing to keep in mind here. At 34%, you’ll be taking losses more often than not, which is fine because you’ll be making a lot when you get PSA 10s. When evaluating these, be careful of the centering. The borders are small which means even if the card looks just a bit off, it may be outside of PSA’s acceptable range. I usually measure these with a ruler if I’m unsure. Also be cautious of whitening on the back corners.

2. Umbreon & Darkrai GX Unified Minds #125

Market Values & Gem Rate

• Raw Value (Near-Mint): $55

• PSA 10 Value: $280

• PSA 9 Value: $80

• Gem Rate: 47%

Profitability

• Expected Value: $118

• Expected Profitability: $63

• Expected ROI: 115%

Notes: Be mindful of chipping on the front corners. It looks different on these cards than on more traditional paper Pokémon cards. Additionally, the borders are a bit unusual and can be tricky if you don’t know how to measure them. I’ve marked in red exactly how I would measure the centering on the front.

This one has pretty minimal downside since the PSA 9 value is well above the Raw Value. This means that even if you get a 9, your loss will be small.

3. Groudon S&V Paradox Rift #199

Market Values & Gem Rate

• Raw Value (Near-Mint): $75

• PSA 10 Value: $375

• PSA 9 Value: $85

• Gem Rate: 36%

Profitability

• Expected Value: $131

• Expected Profitability: $56

• Expected ROI: 75%

Notes: All the same challenges with grading the Gastly from above apply to this card (and most S&V era cards). This card has high upside, as a PSA 10 increases your value by 5x, but you will take losses about 60% of the time.

4. Umbreon Celebrations Classic Collection #17

Market Values & Gem Rate

• Raw Value (Near-Mint): $75

• PSA 10 Value: $300

• PSA 9 Value: $85

• Gem Rate: 57%

Profitability

• Expected Value: $148

• Expected Profitability: $73

• Expected ROI: 97%

Notes: One of our favorite buys in this price range. These have larger borders than most modern Pokémon cards, which makes centering much easier to evaluate accurately. The 57% gem rate is solid, and the math is strong. Like most cards in this era, watch the back for whitening and corner wear.

5. Team Rocket’s Nidoking ex S&V Destined Rivals #233

Market Values & Gem Rate

• Raw Value (Near-Mint): $85

• PSA 10 Value: $270

• PSA 9 Value: $100

• Gem Rate: 59%

Profitability

• Expected Value: $141

• Expected Profitability: $56

• Expected ROI: 66%

Notes: Grading concerns are more or less the same as the other S&V era cards, except that this one has a much higher average gem rate. I see these cards a lot on eBay, so this is a good one if you’re looking to buy higher volume.

This one also has pretty minimal downside. The Gem Rate is high, and PSA 9s are worth a decent bit more than raw, so your loss on 9s will be small.

Bonus: Charizard Celebrations Classic Collections #4

Market Values & Gem Rate

• Raw Value (Near-Mint): $170

• PSA 10 Value: $550

• PSA 9 Value: $160

• Gem Rate: 61%

Profitability

• Expected Value: $298

• Expected Profitability: $128

• Expected ROI: 75%

Notes: This is my favorite buy near this price range. It’s a bit above $100 but expected profit is so good I had to include it. The card grades well at 61%, and is basically the same as the Celebrations Umbreon from an grading perspective. Anytime I see a gradable copy for $180 or less, I buy without a second thought.