If you have been shopping for Pokémon cards, you may have seen cards sealed inside clear cases with labels such as “PSA 10” or “PSA 9.”

But what exactly does PSA mean?

And if you are buying your first graded Pokémon card, what should you look for?

GORIMARU Vintage Collection in Shinjuku-sanchome carries Pokémon cards, PSA-graded cards, and other collectible items.

Here is a simple introduction for anyone new to PSA-graded Pokémon cards.

What Is a PSA-Graded Card?

PSA is a third-party authentication and grading company.

When a trading card is submitted, PSA first checks its authenticity and looks for signs of alteration such as trimming or recoloring.

If it passes authentication, the card’s condition is graded on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest grade. The card is then encapsulated in a protective holder with a label showing information including the grade and certification number.

So a PSA-graded Pokémon card is more than simply a card placed inside a plastic case. It has gone through a third-party authentication and grading process.

What Does PSA 10 Mean?

PSA 10 is known as GEM MINT 10.

It represents a card that meets PSA’s highest grading standard and is considered virtually perfect.

Factors such as corners, surface, original gloss, and centering are part of the grading standard.

However, PSA 10 does not necessarily mean that every example will look completely identical.

PSA’s standards allow certain very minor printing imperfections when they do not affect the overall appearance of the card.

For this reason, collectors sometimes compare multiple PSA 10 cards and choose the example they personally find most attractive.

What About PSA 9?

PSA 9 is the grade directly below PSA 10 and is known as MINT 9.

It still represents a card in very strong condition.

For a beginner, there is no rule saying that every card in your collection needs to be PSA 10.

If you love the Pokémon or artwork, a PSA 9 can be a great way to enjoy a graded card while keeping your budget in mind.

Why Collect PSA-Graded Pokémon Cards?

Everyone collects Pokémon cards differently.

Some people enjoy keeping raw cards in binders. Others prefer graded cards that can be displayed individually.

PSA holders make it easy to store and display cards in a consistent format, with the card information, grade, and certification number visible on the label.

You might build a collection around Pikachu, Charizard, Mew, Gengar, or another favorite Pokémon.

You could also collect vintage Japanese cards, promotional releases, or cards from a particular era.

Vintage Pokémon Cards and Japanese Promos

PSA collecting is not limited to modern Pokémon cards.

Collectors also search for older Japanese cards, including classic old-back Pokémon cards and promotional releases.

Vintage Charizard, Pikachu, Mew, Gengar, and Lugia cards are examples of cards that collectors may enjoy finding in graded form.

Older promotional cards such as Shining Mew, magazine promos, and ANA-related releases can also make interesting additions to a collection.

For some people, these cards bring back childhood memories. For others, they are a way to discover an earlier era of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

How to Read a PSA Label

The label at the top of the PSA holder contains information that helps identify the card.

Depending on the card, this can include its name, year, set or issue information, grade, and certification number.

When buying a graded Pokémon card, take a moment to make sure the label matches the card you intended to purchase.

This is particularly useful when the same Pokémon appears in many different sets and promotional releases.

Is Every PSA 10 Expensive?

No.

The grade is only one part of what affects a card’s market price.

Popularity, supply, age, artwork, character, set, and the history of a promotional release can all make a difference.

A modern card with many PSA 10 examples may be priced very differently from an older Japanese promo with the same grade.

Instead of choosing a card only because it says PSA 10, consider what you actually enjoy about it.

Maybe it features your favorite Pokémon.

Maybe you love the artwork.

Or perhaps it is a card you remember wanting when you were younger.

What Should a Beginner Check?

When buying your first PSA card, look beyond the number on the label.

Take a look at the centering and overall appearance of the card.

If you are buying a pre-owned graded card, you may also want to check the outer PSA holder for scratches or signs of wear.

Most importantly, choose a card that you actually enjoy owning.

Grades and market prices matter to some collectors, but they do not have to be the only reason you choose a card.

Raw Cards or PSA-Graded Cards?

Ungraded cards are often called “raw cards” by collectors.

Neither raw nor graded cards are automatically better.

Raw cards can be ideal if you enjoy filling binders or collecting many different cards.

PSA-graded cards can be appealing if you want to display a favorite card in its own holder or collect specific grades.

You can also enjoy both.

Comparing raw cards, PSA 9 cards, and PSA 10 cards in person can help you discover which style of collecting feels right for you.

Find PSA-Graded Pokémon Cards in Shinjuku-sanchome

GORIMARU Vintage Collection offers a changing selection of Pokémon cards and other collectibles, including PSA-graded cards.

The store also features multiple rental showcases with items selected by individual showcase owners.

If you want to see your first PSA 10 in person, look for a favorite Pokémon, explore vintage Japanese cards, or simply compare raw and graded cards, take a look through the showcases when visiting Shinjuku or Shinjuku-sanchome.

The selection changes regularly, so the cards mentioned here are not guaranteed to be available at all times.

You do not need to start with an expensive card.

Start with a Pokémon, artwork, or era that you genuinely like.

That can be the beginning of your own PSA-graded Pokémon card collection.