In this article, I will delve into my personal grading history and the reasons behind my decision to attempt a potentially challenging experiment – crossing over PSA 9 cards to PSA 10. Over the years, I have graded around 1500 cards at PSA, 500 cards at CGC, and 30 cards at Beckett. As a long-time collector, I, like many others, found myself surprised by the increasing value of Pokémon cards in 2020. To learn about grading, protect my cards, and possibly capitalize on the booming market, I submitted some of my best cards for grading. However, the results were not entirely as I had hoped, with mostly 9s and only a few PSA 10s. Now, almost two years later, PSA's grading practices have evolved, and I have graded numerous cards since then. In this article, I will discuss my journey into regrades with some personally pulled grails and my optimism about potential PSA 10 upgrades.
The Evolution of PSA Grading
During the past two years, PSA has undergone significant changes in its grading practices, evolving to meet the demands of the dynamic collectibles market. As a result, some cards that previously received 9s might have a chance to achieve the elusive PSA 10 grade under the new standards. Furthermore, the experience of many collectors, including myself, indicates that PSA might be more open to awarding higher grades than before.
Reassessing Card Grades
Taking advantage of these developments, I decided to reevaluate some of my PSA 9 cards to see if they now meet the criteria for a PSA 10 grade. With an increased understanding of grading factors and nuances, there is a possibility that my initial assessments were slightly conservative. By carefully examining the cards' condition and comparing them to the latest grading guidelines, I hope to identify those that have the potential for an upgrade.
The Psychological Aspect of Grading
Another intriguing aspect to consider is the psychological influence of grading. Submitting a batch of high-quality PSA 9 cards may lead the grader to perceive the cards more favorably and potentially award a few PSA 10 grades. While this is merely speculation, it adds an interesting element to the process.
My First Attempt at Regrading PSA Cards
This current submission marks my first attempt at regrading PSA cards, and I am cautiously optimistic about the outcome. The cards are part of a 200-card mixed submission, which will provide a varied sample for assessment. The results of this endeavor will be eagerly anticipated, and I look forward to sharing them once the cards return.
By reevaluating my previously graded cards, I aim to take advantage of these changes and potentially uncover hidden gems among my collection. While the outcome remains uncertain, the excitement of the process is undeniably rewarding.
The following blog will explore some of the cards that I will be regrading.
About the Author
Deej is the proud owner of Ketch Em All Cards, a passionate collector, and an avid enthusiast of the Pokémon TCG. With years of experience in the world of grading and collecting, Deej enjoys sharing insights and experiences with fellow collectors and players. Stay tuned for more updates on the results of this PSA crossover attempt!
