Everything You Need To Know to Get Your Pokemon Cards Professionally Graded

Let's get grading! Today we are to send a batch of pokemon cards into CGC grading and test out this new grading service out for ourselves. To add to the fun we're going to grade the cards ourselves and see how close our grades compare to those of the professional grader. As we'll also answer all of the biggest questions that collectors have when it comes to pokemon card grading, such as what are the best pokemon cards to get graded. And how can you tell what grade a pokemon card will get.
Check out CGC Cards for your Pokemon Cards Grading Needs
www.cgccards.com
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Thanks for watching this video on #Pokemon cards!
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/ twicejake

[@thememefactory8108]

Using an LeD light with a microscope to detail checking the surfaces are where many people miss the mark of 10 and get 9s. Using a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe surfaces and placing inside new and clean penny sleeves are also important to ensure the card stays clean.

[@stephenperez9751]

I got one of my cards graded with CGC. I did the 20-day turnaround time. I got it in 10 days instead of the 20!

[@TwicebakedJake]

Wow! Good to hear my PSA order is still out from April, haha.

[@vizualexx]

TwicebakedJake How many cards and days did you sent/select? Does it take that long or is due to the pandemic?

[@JeremyJud]

I legit was thinking about searching for a video exactly like this earlier today and then i saw in my sub box you posted this. So crazy.

[@tim2617]

Same here :D

[@salvadorlopez1954]

Thanks for this video Jake I really been wanting to know how to look at my cards and know what grade it might get 👍

[@jaybell8451]

75/25 on the back for centering it’s close but. You’ll get the 9 from the bad centering on the front though since it’s 60-40. For the gardevior

[@keeganwalker125]

That birthday pikachu be looking nice 😍 I’m currently looking into sending some cards from England, not much information on how to send them of to psa here. Great video mate👍

[@Pompey_blue]

Use graded gem

[@keeganwalker125]

sparkes44 would they send of to psa mate?

[@nanarosex3]

yes but would a CGS graded 10 vs a PSA graded 10 Raichu would be priced different.. thats the thing.

[@PokeyKen]

Awesome I definitely want some of my cards i pulled graded !

[@aluckypull1969]

I only use CGC to grade my Pokémon cards.

[@connorsherman535]

Do you have a video of them? Would like to see if possible

[@aluckypull1969]

Connor Sherman I don’t right now, however I will do one when my cards come back

[@connorsherman535]

Michelle the Collector will give ya follow then. Good luck to ya!

[@robertthecollector2229]

This is going to be interesting when u get them back bro 🤩🤘

[@M1SS1X]

Hi jake, can you tell me what kind of topploaders u are keeping your cards in? also always interested in your backdrop if u ever consider a room/collection tour vid.

[@TwicebakedJake]

I use ultrapro top loaders. When I do submission I use card saver I or II. My room is actually pretty plain. I'll definitely setup a proper collection room eventually.

[@simonJoel]

Hi, did you get the cards back? Thank you!

[@holdenpop12]

I just pulled the Crown Zenith Giratina VStar the other day, and it’s my first top hit pull! It’s got a bit of edge whitening, but I’m still thinking about getting it graded to try the process. New to collecting so it’s a bit intimidating for sure. Love the content! Thanks!

[@Ru_adventuring]

Great video Jake, can’t wait to see them come back

[@greenfinger8690]

Buy yourself a grademaster centering tool off ebay theyre cheap and tells you 50/50 55/45 60/40 etc.

[@Pompey_blue]

This intrigued me went and had a look and ordered one, thanks man!

[@greenfinger8690]

@@Pompey_blue np :) !

[@Duncan4president]

Great video! Do you have any videos on what protective equipment you use for your cards? The penny sleeves I bought are too wide for the Ultra Pro premium sheets I bought. Also which binder is best?

[@BeardedManCrafts]

Nice dude thanks for the info!!! I was just about to send some cards off and was wondering which service to go with. I think I will do a lil test run to CGC as well! :) Can't wait to see what you get back!! :)

[@rayoshields6681]

Was there every a follow up video to this?

[@JavierSanchez-yc4tg]

I was thinking the same thing?

[@poppinoffthewalls4242]

Goodluck can't wait to see the results....CGC has been great at the Comic book grading and we really needed another grading company as Beckett and PSA are bogged down with so many in the Hobby now ...my question is do you think their grading services will be accepted and recognized well in the card grading world comparable to PSA?

[@arca173]

I get my favorite cards graded so I can display them or have them for my PSA collection no matter how low the grade is. I do it for sentimental value, and not for the money value. But grading cards is definitely a good investment. I want to start using CGC but I have been using LudkinsCollectables who use PSA. Have you thought about doing a grading service yourself? Where the viewers send you the cards like some do with TCAGaming or LudkinsCollectables and then you send them off to CGC since that's who you use for grading?

[@TwicebakedJake]

TCA runs an actual store front. I'm just a regular hobbyist and I enjoy being just another collector too much.

[@Dayz671]

Where do you get those hard case sleeves? Does it matter which one you use?

[@TwicebakedJake]

The most popular is Card Saver I. You can find them at hobby shop or online

[@Dayz671]

@@TwicebakedJake Thanks

[@christophermaciejowski2657]

Highly recommend you wipe your cards for fingerprints before sending them in. You may get knocked for fingerprints.

[@nicholasb4597]

How would you do so? Wipe with a lint free cloth?

[@christophermaciejowski2657]

Nicholas B Microfiber cloth

[@alexandergraves1035]

If i had a full darkness ablaze set (excluding the secrets) how much do you think that would sell for.

[@christiannunez8206]

Hey twice baked jake i recently just finished my energy secret rare collection do you think that was a good investment?

[@TwicebakedJake]

That's actually a pretty interesting choice. I've thought about doing the same since they're very in demand by the TCG players. As a collector though I really enjoy the Pokemon art but as a set I think the energies look great on display.

[@ascesuniverse]

What's up Jake! I love these grading sessions, but honestly I want to know how to get a birthday pikachu for an affordable amount. Do you think you could point me in the right direction?

[@TwicebakedJake]

The birthday Pikachu goes go up on eBay auction pretty often so you can always try sniping a good deal. Otherwise you can check out TCGplayer and other trading card markets.

[@nicholasb4597]

Great video, it actually related exactly to my question on one of your previous videos! Does anyone know if CGC will return your semi rigid card holders?

[@TwicebakedJake]

They do not return your sleeves or toploaders. During the grading process they are destroyed.

[@lcctcg]

CGC cuts the entire side out of the Card saver to slide the card out the right, they then discard the sleeve as well. I sent some Topps chrome in but they do not grade those cards yet and returned them in the cut off card savers with the unused blank labels. Hope this information helps. @twicebakedjake CGC was very on point and the cases are much much better than PSA the grading is also more spot on and they give extra detail to the centering emphasis.

[@brianp6859]

@@lcctcg Good to know! When you send them in are penny sleeves sufficient in the top loaders? I have a binder with many of my cards in the dragon shield sealable perfect fit sleeves, with a few of the full arts in just regular dragon shield perfect fits, can i send them in those or is that a no no with grading companies?

[@chriss.7606]

CGC has a real opportunity due to PSA failing to innovate or expand their operations as far as I’m aware

[@TwicebakedJake]

Yeah I'm hoping this is some much needed competition for PSA

[@malvarado9912]

sadly cgc needs to put in a lot of work before they can start to compete with psa. they'll most likely be competition for bgs

[@thelegacyofgaming2928]

@@malvarado9912 BGS is comp for PSA, lol

[@Chinobi_408]

Any of you know any Pokémon card discord’s? Also you made the shining lugia’s sell out, they went up to 40$ after your video was out! Ima try to get ahold of 5 for each shining legend and hopefully I can get some lugias for a lil less

[@malvarado9912]

E4 unless if you don't educate yourself a lot and are not open to criticism

[@Realletsplaygrey]

I pulled a reprint Zard from evolutions,it isn't perfectly center but perfect otherwise. Could it get a 9 from PSA? Or would the off center drop it to a 9 or 8

[@TwicebakedJake]

PSA is very generous when rating on centering. You should send it in. The odds of getting a PSA 10 is low but I hear the PSA 10 evolutions Charizard is going for $2k - $3k

[@_TJ_0]

How do you know that the ancient mew card isn't fake?

[@shinjanaytor]

Thank you for this video! I have so many cards I'd love to send to PSA, but I've never done it before and it makes me anxious sending away my favorite/valuable cards lol. I'm glad you mentioned that a curved card doesn't affect the grade because I've heard the opposite and I was worried about it. I have a really minty Base Set 2 Charizard but it's a little curved and that was a concern of mine.

[@TwicebakedJake]

Glad to help. Yeah, I've submitted a lot of curved cards in the pass that came back as PSA 10. And if you look at their grading categories, curving is not one of the factors they have. If you're worried about the risk then I would recommend sending in just one or two card in and seeing if you like the process for yourself.

[@Life_with_hope]

so if you send in a stack of cards to get graded, do you buy insurance on for the transport? each way?

[@TwicebakedJake]

I buy insurance one way, the grading company should have insurance on your product as it comes back

[@tats742]

Hi Jake, can I also use CGC in Europe (Belgium)? Thanks a lot!!

[@wddthedraftsman8679]

Hallo! Ja hoor, dat kan! Was er ook een tijdje naar op zoek! En ik vond deze website: www.flash-cards.be/PSA-Grading

[@alejandrocamacho9002]

Hi, where would you recommend me to grade my cards if i live in Spain?? Newbie to the hobbie here 👍

[@bretrubash4847]

I was wondering where do you buy your single cards from where when buying near mint ungraded cards are actually in decent shape. i seen a Charizard on TCGplayer that said nearmint but when you look at the picture it had scratches on the foil and foil showing through the red parts of the card. for $267. I am wanting to buy certain singles pre-graded so i can get them graded

[@TwicebakedJake]

TCGplayer is fine. If you disagree with the sellers condition you can always return the card. EBay is great since they usually have clear pictures. And you can check your local game store since you can see the card in person

[@yeeterhd530]

Cgc ain't too shabby jake. A question do you have some champions path to open when it comes out or will you keep it sealed?

[@TwicebakedJake]

Oh yeah! We're going to open hundreds of Champion's Path packs 👍

[@MrMichaelsu]

Have you done an update video since they were returned?

[@ZakordPT]

I was thinking about grading my scizor undaunted 84/90 from HGSS, it's got a bit or corner damage on the back and a very hard to see scratch on the front which if I were to grade would probably put it at a 7/8 do you think that's worth it?

[@grabbingkitties7824]

I have 1999 charizard bastiose and venusaur Trio but not first edition and I have a first edition fossil Dragonite that I know are worth a few bucks. I got them back in the 6th grade and sleeved them right out of the pack. Then put them away and got into magic instead. I found them the other day and I'm afraid to send them out cause I have the worst luck with shipping items. Ive had packages go missing for over a year Before I got it back. Is there a legit place I can go to to find out the value? I can't seem to find any Trading Card places around. The one I originally bought them from over twenty years ago isn't around no more

[@richardsimpson5638]

Thanks jake

[@connorsherman535]

I think you had originally made me aware of CGC with your Superman you showed from your collection. (Nice by the way!) Huge Superman fan. And saw they were taking the cards in so I'm excited to turn in some of my cards. I'll be opening my 3 legendary heartbeat booster boxes and submit those! I may deal with CGC just because I enjoy the label and overall look. If I ever a big heavy hitter I would submit to BGS. PSA to me just seems boring. Hoping to see CGC bringing some pressure to the other companies.

[@TwicebakedJake]

Yeah! CGC is very large and reputable company. I'm sure they'll give PSA and BGS some much needed competition

[@MarvelFan-gw3ou]

Hey, Jake I know this video is super old but I saw other KZbinrs using a small stick note which they would attach to the soft sleeve of the card, to pull the card out of the semi-rigid easier. (They say they use it as a tab) Would you recommend this?

[@asstasticgaming4850]

CGC is owned by the same corp that owns NGC (2nd best coin grading company)

[@thesub5749]

I live in uk were can I grade my cards

[@kieronandrews1553]

Hey man, Try Graded Gem.. their on youtube and have their own website (they are based in the UK, BUT- only submit to PSA)

[@thesub5749]

Ok

[@MrErikgarcia1000]

Is there a minimum? Or membership required to send to cgc? I have only send to psa via TCG.

[@TwicebakedJake]

There is no minimum but there is a membership requirement. All the graders have a membership requirement. CGC only cost $20 a year I think for their most basic tier

[@blackened696]

I was fortunate enough to get many first edition cards as a kid and have kept them all this time. However most of them are in played condition. I have a 1st edition base set charizard,venusaur,raichu, red cheeks pika and many others but I'm not sure if grading is worth it. Most people do it so they can hopefully get a 9 or 10 but I know none of mine could score that high. Without the grading the value of the card is hard to know since the condition of the cards can be up for debate. Would getting the cards mentioned be worth it in my case? I don't plan on ever selling them and I don't collect Pokémon cards anymore but I do cherish what I have. I do have some pack fresh cards that i cracked myself as a kid like everything from the 1st 6 sets and several regular non shadow charizards. Also a 1st edition rocket dark charizard holo and non holo. Im just really not sure how long the grading would take and how much it would cost and if it would be worth it. I know this is an older video now but any suggestions is appreciated. thank you.

[@themurrdogbottomtext8055]

I got rid of a dark Charizard not knowing how much it was worth

[@andyherrejon558]

I have that playmate 😃

[@joeluisi]

Do you prefer card saver 1 or 2?

[@TwicebakedJake]

Definitely 1

[@joeluisi]

Thanks dude

[@King_Turtle1221]

Should I get cards like miscuts graded?

[@TwicebakedJake]

I don't think miscuts count as errors since anyone can theoretically cut a card

[@ProfesserChoas25]

Are cards worth less when they are appraised by CGC rather than PSA?

[@Wafflesthecheetahproductions]

I’m so glad I know how to do this not because it can get up to 300 dollars a card

[@MrErikgarcia1000]

Let me ask you since PSA has now removed their economical service. If you had or have the new Shiny V Chard would you send it off to psa or cgc? In other words would you stick to PSA for your high ends cards and CGC for cards you just want to get encapsulated? Right now PSA is at $50 per card which it will still have a lead time of up to 3++ months. Or possibly make a video on this topic.

[@TwicebakedJake]

I would actually consider BGS for the shiny Charizard V. Their service speed is still ok and if your Charizard gets a black label from BGS then it's worth significantly more than a PSA 10

[@MrErikgarcia1000]

@@TwicebakedJake Ok. Man this is tough, I had just organized and pre packaged the cards I was going to send to PSA and well as you know they changed their services. My current cards that I have graded are from PSA. Now kinda undecided if to continue with using PSA too expensive plus their long lead times or use a different source. I was lucky enough to pull a Shiny Chard V. Guess will do more research.

[@yanxu9069]

thanks for the tip!

[@harlanthomajan8059]

Did you get sub grades?

[@smedspets695]

Found out Hy halo gold star mudkips on eBay for 200-500

[@kungogge3047]

Ur favourite pokemon?

[@MrMichaelsu]

Error card is usually worth more

[@thatchertrudell6195]

You can put their name on the Pikachu card that means someone can autograph it😱

[@givemethebestmortgage3070]

Does anyone ever double sleeve cards then put in the Card Saver? It's a pain putting it in the Card Saver, never seems to want to get in there.

[@TwicebakedJake]

I single sleeve and then put mine into the card saver. It's how they recommend it for submission. I worry double sleeve could actually cause damages if they handle it improperly

[@SuperMasterchai]

You got to make sure you use card saver 1s instead of card saver 2s makes difference

[@Mr.Bonez2Go]

Lol cgc. I seen them grade a 9.0 a 9.8

[@kickstand284]

I subscribed because I’m tryna find the price of my blastoise second edition

[@TwicebakedJake]

What's second edition? Does it have a 2 logo on the card?

[@kickstand284]

TwicebakedJake it has a logo with a 2

[@kickstand284]

TwicebakedJake question did you do a video on the symbols on the right hand because I got a 1995 jiggly puff and I don’t know what the symbol means

[@TwicebakedJake]

The symbol represents what set it's in. You can Google search the name of the Pokemon and the card number and you'll get the set. Base set 2 Blastoise is around $50

[@kickstand284]

TwicebakedJake yeah I just found it lmao it is actually base set 2 like you said

[@DarkSageTCG]

Epic

[@Steamy_Dumpling]

Real question is, does the grading company send my card savers back?

[@TwicebakedJake]

They do not. I believe they cut open the card savers to remove your card safe in the grading process.

[@malvarado9912]

@@TwicebakedJake They do if you add it in the requests.

[@TheBackRoom_Gaming]

If that’s the case, why do people put sticky note tabs on the back of the sleeve (to make it easier to pull out of the card saved?).

[@malvarado9912]

@@TheBackRoom_Gaming he might just be talking about cgc

[@WilesEmu]

birfday

[@berkshirepokemon2621]

Your information is not 100% correct. You can't submit a card to PSA for example in a Toploader, they will only take it in a card saver rigid holder. They even say that on their site. Also, many big-time collectors and submitters would no like the rubber bands on stack of cards. Never use rubber bands or tape near the cards.

[@TwicebakedJake]

PSA changed their submission guidelines, they advise against toploaders and screwdowns but they will accept them. They'll remove the case and put your card into their own cardsavers. I always submit mine in cardsavers personally since I don't want to risk incurring additional fees or return

[@liaminc.4723]

Idc about the hobby I’m just broke and have some vintage Pokémon cards 😅

[@langleey2756]

Second

[@xkillerghost4649]

if i had a dollar for everytime he says pokemon card....

[@anthonybattillo6785]

Bruh ruber bands and cards should never be said in the same sentence i have traumatic flashbacks

[@TwicebakedJake]

Its actually the way they recommend you package cards haha. What's worse is people who use tape!

[@gabenixon2566]

Early

[@soundclickcomdatabase]

Dm me i buy cards

[@SwizE]

Be sure to make a video when they come back! Im curious how close you were

[@ayzikdig1983]

i might be a silly question , i am kinda new in this but why not make cards from pure adamantium?

[@TwicebakedJake]

Kids might cut themselves, or develop mutant abilities. One of the two.

[@kingturk]

I'm confused about PSA, if you submit a card for grading for it to turnaround in 1 month itll take 6-8 months instead? Do people get to know ahead of time?

[@TwicebakedJake]

PSA's grading service has an estimated turn around time rather than a guaranteed. You can certainly pay more to expedite the process. And they give you very little information on the status of your card. It's actually pretty insulting.

[@riahburton1846]

So i used perfect fit sleeves then put them into an elite trainer sleeve an then into a top loader. I see alot of people use penny sleeves an card savers. Do u think the way i do my cards is good for sending off to be graded?

[@TwicebakedJake]

The grading company recommends only one soft sleeve. So I think you can remove the elite trainer sleeve. Your cards are being handled by someone else so I think the added sleeve could also cause them to handle the cards improperly. A toploader is fine.

[@thepackcardshop1517]

Main issues I have with cgc, their cases/designs look super ugly & their value is questionable. Beckett has the best looking cases, but psa brings the most value to your graded card as if now, but sucks with turnaround time. Have you tried sending cards to Graded Gem? They give 60 day turnarounds with PSA. I just submitted 8 cards for only $13/card

[@TwicebakedJake]

CGC are still very new to the hobby so there's definitely more risk. That's why this submission is really a trial run. My PSA submission usually only cost $8 per card. Graded Gem is mainly a middle-man for EU and UK collectors. Which is great. But since I live fairly close to PSA headquarters it probably isn't worth it to send stuff through them.

[@thepackcardshop1517]

@@TwicebakedJake gotcha. Graded Gem now works with ZandGEmporium for US submissions now which is kool. I honestly hope CGC succeeds though. I was also considering them.

[@Lucky-eq4po]

In terms of value is CGC up there with PSA and Becketts? For example a psa 10 charizard and a gem mint 10 cgc.. would they both fetch the same price?

[@seans696]

im wondering the same cause i want to go with BGS i am thinking

[@TwicebakedJake]

In terms of value yes, I think all three are viable. PSA are the most popular by far so they certainly sell easier.

[@seans696]

@@TwicebakedJake was thinking bgs cause their registry of cards is a lot smaller then psa and would be worth more bgs 10 is worth more then psa 10 etc

[@thelegacyofgaming2928]

BGS is more valuable than PSA

[@speedpotions8892]

Can’t believe it took me two days to figure out your outro it’s been stuck in my head glad Ik what anime it’s from lmao

[@TwicebakedJake]

Ah I see you're a fan of culture

[@speedpotions8892]

TwicebakedJake evangelion 😎😎 the original 02 Is from there

[@pudncld25ify]

I see ya flexing that Mario pikachu

[@robertthecollector2229]

Really enjoying your videos bro! 😄👊 Question! 🧐 could u say if it’s some tools u need to see what the cards will grades as or can u use just your eyes? 🤔

[@EagleRaid2]

Hey Jake i just found your channel and i love it, Subscribed 🤗

[@TwicebakedJake]

Thanks friend

[@T1Micavity]

yea go with cgc if you dont want your card to be worth as much as a psa or beckett lol, their turn around time may be nice, but they are nobody in the realm of cards. look at the value of a cgc 9 and a psa 9. there is a CLEAR value difference in the worth of the card.

[@brandonringstad]

I would be careful putting a ruler to my cards. If you use a ruler make sure the sleeve is still on.

[@8585cinco]

I wish the English printed cards were as nice at Japanese printed ones. I Wonder if the English 10 would lose value though

[@layrics8011]

Went to a mall the other day and found some base set 2 and fossil common and un-common cards pretty bad condition but only cost me less than a dollar per card

[@RealBonk]

Does card saver 1 vs 2 matter for Pokemon cards? Is their a preference for shipping to get graded?

[@TwicebakedJake]

Card graders are fine with either. I would recommend Card saver 1 if you can find them. They fit Pokemon cards way better. Card saver 2 are a bit tight but will work.

[@cameronradic154]

What does it mean if my card has a yellow holo to the picture name and hp number?

[@TwicebakedJake]

Im not sure. Pokemon does lots of designs. What's the name of the Pokemon and the card number?

[@cameronradic154]

@@TwicebakedJake i have 3 of them first is gloom 2/98 ,metang 48/98 , cottonee 55/98

[@jessebartlett6959]

Thank you so much for this video! Extremely helpful and you explain things so well. Thank you

[@ambroulard]

I find it RIDICULOUS that a brand new out of the pack card would be less than a 10 due to centering issue--- So arbitrary and ANAL.

[@jettandtacos6074]

is it smarter to hold on to a charizard vmax or to sell it

[@TwicebakedJake]

Do you like the card? If you enjoy having it in your collection then you should hold on to it. If it's not your kind of collectible then sell it

[@OutlawedOutlier]

I have a lot of 1st edition/shadowless Pokémon cards. A lot are in NM/M condition. I’m not sure if it’s worth to get graded solely because by the time I get the cards back the market will be flooded. Thoughts?

[@brianp6859]

Did you get them graded? 1st editions are always a good driver of value, i assume they are base set shadowless? And in terms of market flooding i think it's winding down right now but i think it's also cheaper to get your cards graded now so it may be a good time to get them graded and see how they come out. If worse comes to worse you can always have them graded and hold on to them until there is another jump in the market during which you will be positioned to sell them if you so choose.

[@romancanales573]

I want you to be my friend so you can give me birthday gifts hence Pokemon cards ❤😂

[@jl6168]

Such a great video thank you for this. Do you think cards graded by CGC are slightly less valued in comparison to psa simply because psa is more well-known ?

[@TwicebakedJake]

I think all graded cards will be valued similarly, however PSA is the most popular service so their graded cards certainly sell easier.

[@rosiemaguire3352]

hey what's the website u use for the Japanese to order you're cards?

[@Meinnr]

tysm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@orenshepper2436]

dude does PSA grade single cards or do you have to send 50-100 cards?

[@TwicebakedJake]

They do grade single card but it's significantly more expensive to ship and grade one card

[@orenshepper2436]

TwicebakedJake thanks

[@jlui4403]

what is your location?

[@abssend11]

How much it cost to get graded? UK

[@thelegacyofgaming2928]

Very helpful