PSA vs BGS vs CGC for Umbreon ex SIR #161: Which Pays Most in 2026?
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It’s 2026, and Umbreon ex #161 sits in an awkward spot — valuable enough to grade, but with enough pop risk to make you hesitate. That perfectly centered Umbreon ex #161, the one with razor-sharp corners and pristine surfaces, taunts you from its clear sleeve. You know it could be a PSA 10, a BGS 9.5, or even a CGC 10 Pristine. But what’s the real payday? Which slab opens the most doors in today’s market? The latest numbers are in, and the answer might surprise you.
TL;DR: PSA 10 of Umbreon ex #161 trades at $4,908; BGS 9.5 at $2,025; CGC 10 at $2,201. Here’s which one to send: PSA reigns supreme for maximizing profit on Umbreon ex #161 in 2026, offering the highest potential return by a significant margin, even with its grading fees and potential for a lower grade.
Table of Contents
The Price Data: What Graded Umbreon ex #161 Is Worth
Looking at the current market, Umbreon ex #161 is a card that commands attention. Its raw median price hovers around $1,327, a solid foundation for any collector considering grading. The real question is how much that premium grading adds. Recent sales data from April 2026 paints a clear picture across the three major graders.
| Grader | Top Grade | Median Sold | Sales | Premium vs Raw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 10 | $4,908 | 26 | 270% |
| CGC | 10 | $2,201 | 22 | 66% |
| BGS | 9.5 | $2,025 | 11 | 53% |
Data source: PriceCharting completed-sales median (April 2026). All grader rows computed from the same sample for direct comparability.
The PSA 10 median sold price for Umbreon ex #161 is a staggering $4,908, a 270% premium over the raw median of $1,327. This is the kind of multiplier that makes grading decisions feel less like a gamble and more like a calculated investment. The CGC 10 Pristine ($2,201, 22 sales) and BGS 9.5 ($2,025, 11 sales) medians carry 66% and 53% premiums over raw, well short of PSA’s.
Cost & Turnaround Comparison: Fees and Wait Times
Beyond the potential sale price, the cost of grading and the time it takes are critical factors. Each grader sets the tier by declared value, which for a top-grade slab is its graded value. Here are the cheapest open single-card tiers for this card at each grader, from each grader’s own site:
| Grader | Value Used | Cheapest Open Tier | Fee Per Card | Max Declared Value | Posted Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | $4,908 (PSA 10 median) | Super Express | $349 | $5,000 | 10-15 business days |
| BGS | $2,025 (BGS 9.5 median) | Express (subgrades included) | $79.95 | Not published | 15 business days |
| CGC | $2,201 (CGC 10 median) | Standard | $55 | $3,000 | 10 working days |
| SGC | No SGC sales data | Standard | $50 / $85 | $1,500 / $3,500 | 40+ business days |
Fees and turnarounds checked October 12, 2026. PSA’s Value tiers are paused, and Beckett’s Base and Standard tiers are paused, leaving Express.
CGC’s $55 Standard tier is the cheapest of the three for this card and posts the fastest turnaround at 10 working days. A $4,908 PSA 10 sits just under the $5,000 cap of PSA’s Super Express tier at $349. Beckett’s only open tier, Express, is $79.95 with subgrades included.
| Grade | Sold median | Tier & fee | Turnaround | Profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA 10 | $4,908 | Super Express $349.00 | 10-15 business days | $2,576.29 | 153.7% |
| CGC 10 | $2,201 | Standard $55.00 | 10 working days | $521.97 | 37.8% |
| BGS 9.5 | $2,025 | Express $79.95 | 15 business days | $344.34 | 24.5% |
Fees from each grader's own site, checked Oct 12, 2026. PSA's Value tiers are paused. Beckett is taking Express submissions only. eBay trading-card fee: 13.25% up to $7,500, 2.35% above, plus $0.40 per order. Shipping is an estimate. Prices are recent sold medians. The tier is set by the card's value; PSA publishes no fee above $10,000.
The ROI Math for Each Grader: Unpacking the Profits
Now, let’s get down to the brass tacks. We’ll calculate the total cost to grade and sell, the estimated net profit, and the break-even raw cost for each grader, assuming we achieve their top grade.
Assumptions:
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Raw purchase cost: $1,327 (median)
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eBay selling fee for trading cards: 13.25% of the sale (up to $7,500) + $0.40 per order
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Shipping to the buyer (estimate): $5
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Grading fee for Umbreon ex #161 (cheapest open tier covering each slab’s value, checked October 12, 2026):
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PSA: $349 (Super Express, up to $5,000)
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BGS: $79.95 (Express, the only open tier)
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CGC: $55 (Standard, up to $3,000)
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PSA: The Gold Standard?
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Net Proceeds: $4,908 (median sold) - $650.71 (eBay fee) - $5 (shipping) = $4,252.29
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Total Cost: $1,327 (raw) + $349 (grading) = $1,676.00
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Net Expected Profit: $4,252.29 - $1,676.00 = $2,576.29
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Expected PSA 10 ROI: ($2,576.29 / $1,676.00) * 100% = 153.7%
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Break-even Raw Cost (for a PSA 10): $4,252.29 (net proceeds) - $349 (grading) = $3,903.29. This is the maximum you could have paid for the raw card and still break even on a PSA 10 sale.
The numbers for PSA are compelling. The massive premium commanded by a PSA 10 makes it the clear frontrunner for profit potential on Umbreon ex #161. The expected profit of $2,576.29 is substantial, and the ROI is very healthy, even after the $349 grading fee.
BGS: The Contender with Subgrades
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Net Proceeds: $2,025 (median sold) - $268.71 (eBay fee) - $5 (shipping) = $1,751.29
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Total Cost: $1,327 (raw) + $79.95 (grading) = $1,406.95
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Net Expected Profit: $1,751.29 - $1,406.95 = $344.34
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Expected BGS 9.5 ROI: ($344.34 / $1,406.95) * 100% = 24.5%
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Break-even Raw Cost (for a BGS 9.5): $1,751.29 (net proceeds) - $79.95 (grading) = $1,671.34. You would need to acquire the raw card for less than $1,671.34 to break even on a BGS 9.5 sale.
A BGS 9.5 returns $344.34 (24.5% ROI): positive, but a fraction of the $2,576.29 a PSA 10 returns, and the 11 BGS 9.5 sales are the thinnest sample of the three. While BGS includes subgrades which can add value, they don’t appear to be a significant factor for Umbreon ex #161 in this market.
CGC: The Speedy Challenger
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Net Proceeds: $2,201 (median sold) - $292.03 (eBay fee) - $5 (shipping) = $1,903.97
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Total Cost: $1,327 (raw) + $55 (grading) = $1,382.00
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Net Expected Profit: $1,903.97 - $1,382.00 = $521.97
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Expected CGC 10 Pristine ROI: ($521.97 / $1,382.00) * 100% = 37.8%
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Break-even Raw Cost (for a CGC 10 Pristine): $1,903.97 (net proceeds) - $55 (grading) = $1,848.97.
CGC’s $55 Standard tier costs far less than PSA’s $349 Super Express and posts 10 working days, making it attractive. A CGC 10 Pristine returns $521.97 (37.8% ROI), the best of the non-PSA options, but the PSA 10’s $2,576.29 is nearly five times as much. This gap reflects the overwhelming preference collectors have for PSA on cards like this.
Winner on ROI (for top grade): PSA
Which Grader Should You Choose for THIS Card?
Based on the data available in April 2026, our recommendation for Umbreon ex #161 is unequivocally PSA. The market demand and the resulting price premium for a PSA 10 are simply unmatched by BGS or CGC for this specific card. While PSA’s grading fee is higher, the potential profit is vastly superior. Sending your Umbreon ex #161 to BGS or CGC for a top grade, according to current comps, returns $344.34 (BGS 9.5) or $521.97 (CGC 10), well under PSA’s $2,576.29, even if you secure the highest possible grade.
Edge cases where another grader might win:
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You find a raw copy for an exceptional price: Every dollar saved on the raw card adds a dollar of profit with any grader, so a cheap raw copy improves the BGS and CGC returns too. At the median prices above, though, PSA still returns the most by a wide margin.
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You prioritize cost over speed on bulk: If you have many cards and want them graded affordably, CGC (Bulk at $17 per card with a 25-card minimum, or Economy at $20 for cards up to $1,000) is still the best option for cost-efficiency, even if the profit per card is lower. But for maximizing profit on a single, high-value card like Umbreon ex #161, it’s not the play.
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You’re building a specific registry set: If there’s a niche registry where BGS or CGC is highly sought after for specific set completion, that might sway your decision, but it’s unlikely to be the primary profit driver.
When to Use Each Grader in General
While PSA is the clear winner for Umbreon ex #161, it’s important to remember the strengths of each grader for different situations:
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PSA: Historically the most recognized and trusted grader, PSA typically commands the highest resale premiums, especially for modern, highly desirable cards and vintage Pokémon. They are the default choice for maximizing profit on popular chase cards like Umbreon ex #161.
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BGS: Black Label BGS 10s can fetch incredible premiums, and the presence of subgrades appeals to collectors who appreciate the granular detail of a card’s condition. BGS is often favored for vintage TCGs and some modern cards where subgrades are critical for competitive play grading.
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CGC: CGC has rapidly gained traction, particularly in the TCG space, due to their competitive pricing, fast turnaround times, and focus on unique card grading (like qualifiers for artwork or holo). They are excellent for bulk submissions and modern cards where speed and cost are priorities, and they are increasingly recognized for their TCG grading.
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SGC: Known for their distinctive tuxedo-style holders and a strong reputation in vintage sports cards, SGC is also a solid choice for Pokémon, especially vintage sets. While their modern Pokémon market share is smaller than PSA’s, they offer a reputable and aesthetically pleasing option.
Where to Source This Card
If you’re looking to add Umbreon ex #161 to your collection, whether raw or graded, a few key platforms are your best bet. For raw copies, TCGPlayer is an excellent resource for comparing prices from multiple reputable sellers, allowing you to find competitive deals. If you’re hunting for a pre-graded gem, eBay is indispensable. Its vast marketplace offers a wide selection of graded cards from various sellers, giving you a good chance to find that perfect slab. Always compare prices and check seller feedback before making a purchase.
Check active PSA-graded listings on eBay
Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer
Pro Tip: Before sending your Umbreon ex #161 for grading, thoroughly inspect it yourself. Pay close attention to centering, edges for chipping or “whitening,” surface for scratches or print defects, and corners for any softness or wear. A quick glance isn’t enough; use a loupe and good lighting. Knowing your card’s potential grade beforehand will help you decide if the investment in grading is truly worthwhile, and whether PSA, BGS, or CGC is the right choice for that potential grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a PSA 10 Umbreon ex #161 worth in 2026?
A PSA 10 of Umbreon ex #161 is currently valued at a median of $4,908 based on eBay sold comps from April 2026. This represents a significant premium over the raw card, making it a highly sought-after grade for collectors looking to maximize resale value.
Is it worth grading Umbreon ex #161 with BGS or CGC?
Both are profitable at the median prices, but neither comes close to PSA. A BGS 9.5 ($2,025) returns $344.34 (24.5% ROI) at Beckett’s $79.95 Express tier, and a CGC 10 Pristine ($2,201) returns $521.97 (37.8% ROI) at CGC’s $55 Standard tier, against $2,576.29 (153.7% ROI) for a PSA 10 at PSA’s $349 Super Express tier. Each figure includes eBay’s 13.25% fee plus $0.40 and an estimated $5 shipping. PSA 10 remains the clear leader for profitability.
What is the typical turnaround time for grading Umbreon ex #161 with PSA?
PSA’s tier follows the card’s declared value. A PSA 10 at the $4,908 median falls in Super Express ($349, up to $5,000), which posts 10-15 business days as of October 12, 2026. PSA’s cheapest open tier, Standard at $59.99, only covers cards up to $1,000 and posts 90-100 business days. For comparison, CGC’s Standard tier, which covers a $2,201 CGC 10, posts 10 working days.
What is the raw median price for Umbreon ex #161 in 2026?
The raw median price for Umbreon ex #161 as of April 2026 is approximately $1,327. This price point positions the card as a valuable target for grading, as it’s high enough to warrant the investment if a top grade can be achieved, particularly with PSA.
Deciding where to send your valuable Pokémon cards can feel like a high-stakes game, but with the right data and a clear understanding of the market, you can make informed decisions. For Umbreon ex #161, the path to maximum profit in 2026 is clear: aim for that PSA 10.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of card grading, understand its impact on your collection’s value, and learn the best practices for submitting your cards, check out our comprehensive guide on card grading. And for all things Pokémon, from market trends to set analysis, our Pokemon Cards section is your go-to resource.