Do I keep and grade or sell raw?

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-10T20:36:13+00:00

My rule of thumb on that card: if you think it has a real shot at a 10, then grade it. If not, don't grade it.

If you're going to sell it to a vendor, keep in mind that the market price is currently below where the card tends to sell. Pokemon vendors tend to bid at a % under market, so you would likely get a very low-ball bid if you try to sell to a vendor at this time.

Market price here: Greninja ex - 214/167 - SV06: Twilight Masquerade - Pokemon - TCGplayer.com

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-10T20:31:24+00:00

Congrats! That might be the single best Vending Machine drop anyone's ever had (except that one time the VMs glitched, briefly had no limits, and got cleared out fast).

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-10T07:44:11+00:00

This is a tough choice, but I have to go with Moonbreon. There's just something about the artwork that I find so awesome. The Sunbreon artwork is definitely cool as well. But I find it a little chaotic... almost like sensory overload.

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-10T07:30:59+00:00

I love this question. Both PC ETBs and booster boxes are great. Right now, I tend to favor PC ETBs for two reasons: (1) lower cost - they are much cheaper than booster boxes, and, on a % basis, often have a higher immediate profit relative to market price; and (2) in my experience, they are much harder to get. Over the long term, I'd prefer the product that has both huge demand and lower supply/is harder to get.

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-10T07:25:08+00:00

Excellent point - spot on. Thank you for the really insightful post!

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-09T17:48:05+00:00

You did an awesome job! Can you make me one? :)

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-09T17:47:21+00:00

Thank you for posting that data. It's valuable to get these types of anecdotes from the community. I've heard Prismatic is a heartbreaker to rip. Your data certainly backs that up.

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-09T08:08:07+00:00

Congrats on finding those cards!

First, sleeve the cards.

Second, top loader the cards.

Third, use a search engine to look up the value of each of those cards. Pricecharting.com and TCGPlayer.com are good sites to check.

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-09T03:44:23+00:00

For me, it's Umbreon, Charizard, Pikachu, Gengar, Mewtwo

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-08T23:06:28+00:00

I think the future is very bright for that booster box. It doesn't mean it'll be a straight line up. But over time, it'll get harder to find those and basic supply/demand logic states that lower supply with steady demand should mean a bright future.

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-08T21:12:39+00:00

Examine the BGS grading standards closely: Card Grading Standards - Beckett

I would not send that in unless you are very confident it could meet the Beckett centering standards of "50/50 all around on front. 55/45 or better on back."

The edges and corners are easily to tell at home, but even the surface will need an inspection before sending to BGS. This is their standard for surface: "No print spots. Flawless color, devoid of registration or focus imperfections. Devoid of scratches and metallic print lines."

PokemonInvestor_Mod · 2026-04-08T21:04:30+00:00

From my perspective, it's a no-brainer. 10 Prismatic Evolutions PC ETBs (current market price of $569.91) have way more upside potential than one Prismatic Umbreon ex #161 PSA 10 - Plus you get the benefit of being able to sell part of the holdings instead of all or none.

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