What The Slab

psa vs bgs vs cgc Charizard ex

PSA vs BGS vs CGC for Charizard ex #223: Which Pays Most in 2026?

Published 2026-04-23 · Updated 2026-04-23 · by Jason
Pokemon Cards 12 min read

This post contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Is Charizard ex #223 worth sending to PSA right now? The raw-to-PSA-10 multiple says one thing, the pop report says another. As a collector who’s been tracking the market for years, I’m always looking for those sweet spots where a card’s raw value can explode with the right grading. Charizard ex #223, fresh from the Obsidian Flames set, presents a fascinating case study. We’re seeing a raw median of $106.21 for this sought-after dragon. When you look at the graded market, PSA 10s are commanding a hefty $735.00, BGS 9.5s are sitting at $237.50, and CGC 10s are pulling in $290.00. This leaves us with a crucial question: which grading company offers the best return for Charizard ex #223 in April 2026? We’ll break down the numbers, the costs, and the strategic advantages of each to help you make the smartest decision for your collection. TL;DR: PSA 10 of Charizard ex trades at $735.00; BGS 9.5 at $237.50; CGC 10 at $290.00. Here’s which one to send.

The Price Data

Grader Top Grade Median Sold Transactions Premium vs Raw
PSA 10 $735.00 26 591.8%
BGS 9.5 $237.50 7 123.6%
CGC 10 $290.00 23 173.1%

Data source: eBay 90-day sold comps, April 2026

As you can see, the data for Charizard ex #223 paints a clear picture in early 2026. PSA is the undisputed leader when it comes to raw price appreciation, with its PSA 10 grade achieving a remarkable 591.8% premium over the raw median of $106.21. This translates to a staggering $735.00 median sold price for a perfect 10. While BGS 9.5s show a solid premium of 123.6% over raw, landing at $237.50, they are significantly outpaced by both PSA and CGC in terms of dollar value for this specific card. CGC 10s, meanwhile, offer a healthy 173.1% premium, achieving a median sale of $290.00. The transaction counts are also interesting, with PSA having a decent 26 sales, CGC leading the pack with 23, and BGS showing a much smaller sample size of 7. This suggests that while PSA may have the highest ceiling, CGC is seeing substantial activity for Charizard ex #223 at competitive prices.

Cost & Turnaround Comparison

Grader Value Tier Regular Tier Turnaround Subgrades?
PSA $24.99 $79.99 10-20 days No
BGS $25+ N/A 20-30 days Yes
CGC $15-$30 N/A 5-10 days Yes

Note: Turnaround times are estimates and can fluctuate based on volume.

When considering which grader to use for Charizard ex #223, the cost and speed are just as important as the potential payout. PSA offers a wide range of pricing tiers, with their value tier for common modern cards like this one sitting at a competitive $24.99, while express services can push it up to $79.99. Their estimated turnaround time is currently around 10-20 days, which is decent but not the fastest. BGS, on the other hand, starts its pricing around $25 and typically doesn’t have distinct tiers like PSA for modern, often taking a bit longer at 20-30 days. A major draw for BGS is their detailed subgrade reporting, which can significantly impact the perceived quality of a card. CGC, known for its speed and often attractive bulk pricing, offers grading for around $15-$30 and boasts the quickest turnaround time of 5-10 days. CGC also provides subgrades, making it a strong contender for collectors who value comprehensive grading reports and fast service. For Charizard ex #223, CGC’s speed and subgrade offering at a competitive price point are very appealing, especially if you’re grading a batch of cards.

The ROI Math for Each Grader

PSA

To calculate the potential ROI for sending Charizard ex #223 to PSA for a 10 grade, we’ll factor in the raw cost, the grading fee, and associated selling expenses.

BGS

For BGS, we’ll use their 9.5 grade as it’s the closest equivalent to a PSA 10 for most collectors and the median data point provided.

CGC

Now let’s look at CGC for their 10 grade.

Based purely on the ROI calculation for a standard grading submission of Charizard ex #223, PSA is the clear winner with an expected ROI of 217.1%. While the initial investment is higher for a PSA 10, the potential return is substantially greater. CGC offers a respectable 66.8% ROI, making it a viable second choice, especially if speed is a factor. BGS, with its much lower ROI of 42.1%, appears to be the least profitable option for this specific card in its current market.

Which Grader Should You Choose for THIS Card?

For Charizard ex #223 in April 2026, PSA is the hands-down winner if your primary goal is maximizing profit. The numbers show a consistent trend: a PSA 10 grade for this card commands a significant premium over raw value, far exceeding the premiums seen for BGS 9.5 or CGC 10. The ROI analysis backs this up unequivocally. If you have a Charizard ex #223 that you believe has a strong shot at a PSA 10, sending it to PSA is your best bet for a substantial return.

However, there are edge cases where other graders might make sense. If you’re less concerned about chasing the absolute highest profit and more interested in a fast turnaround and a quality slab, CGC is a strong contender. With its quick grading times and competitive pricing, you can get your Charizard ex #223 slabbed and ready for sale or personal enjoyment much faster. CGC’s 10 grade is also highly respected and has a solid market presence, as evidenced by the transaction data.

BGS, while showing the lowest ROI for this card, still has its niche. If your Charizard ex #223 possesses exceptional centering, corners, edges, and surface qualities that would earn it BGS subgrades of 9.5 or higher across the board, potentially leading to a coveted Black Label 10 (though exceedingly rare), it could command a premium that outstrips standard slab values. However, given the current median data, this is a high-risk, high-reward play that deviates from the straightforward profit-maximization strategy. For most collectors aiming for predictable gains on Charizard ex #223, PSA remains the top choice.

When to Use Each Grader in General

While our focus has been on Charizard ex #223, it’s helpful to remember the general strengths of each major grading company in the broader collecting landscape.

Where to Source This Card

If you’re looking to acquire raw copies of Charizard ex #223 to send for grading, or perhaps to pick up already slabbed versions, the secondary market is your go-to. eBay and TCGPlayer are the two titans for finding these cards.

When searching for raw copies, TCGPlayer is an excellent resource. They aggregate listings from numerous reputable dealers, often providing competitive pricing and a good overview of the current market value for ungraded cards. It’s crucial to pay attention to the descriptions and seller ratings to ensure you’re getting a card that accurately represents its condition.

For those looking for graded examples, or even raw cards, eBay remains a powerhouse. You can find a vast array of listings for Charizard ex #223, from raw to every major grading tier. Setting up saved searches and keeping an eye on auction endings can help you snag deals. Always scrutinize photos, understand the grading scale if buying graded, and factor in shipping costs when comparing prices.

Check active PSA-graded listings on eBay Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer

Pro Tip: Always remember that grading is an investment. The fee you pay, plus the cost of the card and selling fees, needs to be recouped by the sale price of the graded card. For Charizard ex #223, aiming for a PSA 10 offers the highest potential return, but a near-mint raw card with strong centering is crucial for achieving that grade.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current market value for Charizard ex #223?

As of April 2026, the raw median price for Charizard ex #223 is approximately $106.21. This fluctuates, but provides a good baseline. Graded copies see significantly higher values: PSA 10s are around $735.00, CGC 10s fetch about $290.00, and BGS 9.5s are valued at roughly $237.50.

Should I send my Charizard ex #223 to PSA or CGC for grading?

For maximizing profit on Charizard ex #223, PSA is generally the better choice, showing a much higher potential ROI of 217.1% compared to CGC’s 66.8%. However, if speed and a competitive price are more important, CGC offers a quick turnaround (5-10 days) and a strong resale value for its 10 grade.

How much does it cost to grade Charizard ex #223?

The cost varies by grader and service tier. For Charizard ex #223, using a value tier, PSA typically costs around $24.99. CGC’s standard grading is often in the $15-$30 range, and BGS usually starts around $25. These prices exclude potential bulk discounts or express service fees.

What is the “premium vs raw” for Charizard ex #223?

The premium versus raw price indicates how much more a graded card sells for compared to its ungraded counterpart. For Charizard ex #223, a PSA 10 commands a premium of about 591.8% over the raw median. CGC 10s show a premium of around 173.1%, while BGS 9.5s offer a premium of about 123.6%.

How do subgrades affect the value of Charizard ex #223?

Subgrades, provided by BGS and CGC, detail the card’s condition in centering, edges, corners, and surface. For Charizard ex #223, exceptional subgrades (e.g., all 9.5s for BGS) can significantly increase its value beyond the standard median for a BGS 9.5, potentially approaching or even exceeding PSA 10 prices if the overall grade is perfect.

Is Charizard ex #223 a good investment card to grade?

Yes, Charizard ex #223 from Obsidian Flames is currently a strong candidate for grading, particularly for a PSA 10, due to its high resale premium over the raw card. The estimated ROI for a PSA 10 is very attractive, making it a worthwhile venture for collectors looking to capitalize on market demand.

For collectors looking to maximize their return on investment for Pokémon cards, understanding the nuances of each grading service is crucial. Whether you’re focused on the absolute highest resale ceiling with PSA, the detailed subgrade analysis of BGS, or the speed and value of CGC, there’s a strategic approach for every card. If you’re interested in diving deeper into card grading and understanding its impact on your collection’s value, be sure to explore our comprehensive guide on card grading and our extensive collection of articles on Pokemon Cards.

J

About Jason

Jason has been collecting cards since 1999 and retro video games since 2008. Based in the Southeast US. What The Slab cites real eBay sold comps, PriceCharting data, and PSA pop reports — no guesswork. Read more →

Keep Reading