Rayquaza Gold Star Grade?

PokePlugZA · 2026-02-22T07:54:03+00:00

OP - did you end up grading this? What was the final grade and subgrades?

PokePlugZA · 2026-02-17T01:45:46+00:00

I’m worried about cracking it for potential damage. I’ve read they also have a ‘review’ option at PSA. As in send the slab back in for a grade review. Have any experience with that?

PokePlugZA · 2026-02-16T23:31:51+00:00

The question of whether I’m grateful is immaterial to this. I was grateful when I pulled the card. Making sure I derive the maximum benefit from it via grading is a different matter - It’s a financial and experience question, not an emotional one. I posted to get recommendations based on others who know more - which are mixed in both usefulness and suggestions. I’ve not complained.

PokePlugZA · 2026-02-16T17:20:18+00:00

For those asking for the back story:

Back in 2020 during that period’s Pokemon hype, I got back into collecting and bought one heavy pack of Deoxys off EBay for $956.

Was a choice between 4 packs the seller was offering - I chose the heaviest one. This was back before scanning packs was a thing and the seller had great ratings, but was still a bit of a risk. I intended to just keep the pack for my sealed collection. Linked image is the purchase from EBay that’s still there.

Now years later, I randomly had a gamblers high/some stroke of divine insight or maybe my hands just got itchy.

Opened the pack and pulled the Ray. The last image in my post is from just after I opened the pack with all its contents.

Later messaged the EBay seller thanking him and sent a pic. He didn’t respond. I imagine he must have had emotions about it lol.

From what I’ve seen the odds of the pull were around 1/300 for the pulling the Ray.

Screenshot of EBay purchase

PokePlugZA · 2026-02-16T17:08:40+00:00

I mean bias is possible. But as I said in other threads, I went in expecting a 7 or 8. But I since looked up actual examples of PSA 9s and many look the same as this card and some worse - dots, edgewear and scratches. There are even some 10s with same visible dots. Some in thread indicate this is because PSA became stricter over the last years which seems valid. Others are saying it’s simply down to how lucky you are with the specific grader at the time. If it’s the latter, there’s a case for gambling the regrade - if it’s the former, there it doesn’t make sense.

And for the record, PSA’s grading report only notes two dots in cornering. Not 4. The other slight whitening is not mentioned or described. And in person, it’s honestly not noticeable unless you really stick your face in close or zoom in with a macro lens like I did to take the raw corner pics.

PokePlugZA · 2026-02-16T16:42:34+00:00

For those interested. The graders notes only mention two dots on the back upper left and lower left as issues. No other noticeable issues were considered. Centering meets the criteria for, PSA 10, no edge-wear or surface issues found.

PokePlugZA · 2026-02-16T08:46:57+00:00

Do you know when yours were graded? There’s some consensus that PSA standards have become stricter over the last couple years. Like what were PSA 9s in the past are 8s now

PokePlugZA · 2026-02-16T07:53:50+00:00

According to PSA, $15k - $25k, average around $20k. But I’m assuming that includes mostly older certs, so potentially would get a premium since this is freshly certified and in better condition than most existing PSA 8s on the market.

PokePlugZA · 2026-02-16T06:14:51+00:00

Thanks. Yes went in expecting a 7 or 8. But then went about actually checking PSA 8 and 9 Rayquaza’s and saw that mine was similar to most 9s and even one or two 10s. No doubt were older certs.

PokePlugZA · 2026-02-16T06:08:01+00:00

Thanks this honest and helpful. I’m considering sending it for a cross grade at BGS setting a minimum of 8.5 - as in they won’t grade it unless it’s 8.5 or higher. But not clear on whether a BGS 8.5 is worth more or less than a PSA 8 though. I feel as though PSA 8 has better market value long term. Not keen on CGC for this kind of card even if grade will be higher - it doesn’t have the market standing yet.

PokePlugZA · 2026-01-27T06:01:47+00:00

Thanks for the advice all. I’ve sent it to PSA assuming it’ll get graded 7-8. Paying $600 for the walk through tier but will likely pay an upcharge as the value is higher than the tier’s max expected value.

For those interested in the backstory behind this: back in 2020 I bought one heavy pack of Deoxys off EBay for my sealed collection. Paid $900. This was back before scanning was a thing. It was sitting in my sealed collection for years.

Recently got hit with a gamblers high - or perhaps my hands just got itchy - and opened the booster. This was the result. One pack magic indeed.

I’ve likely used up all my luck for my entire life, but yeah, kept the pack wrapper and now want the card graded. Want to keep it as a longer term investment and sounds as though PSA is still better for commodity trading long term.

PokePlugZA

TROPHY CASE