PSA vs BGS vs CGC for Gardevoir ex #245 (Pokemon Scarlet & Violet): Which Pays Most in 2026?
This post contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
I pulled every Gardevoir ex #245 sold listing from the last 90 days — raw, PSA 9, PSA 10, BGS, CGC — and the gap between grades tells you exactly what to do. As a collector who’s been deep in the trenches of the Pokémon card market for years, I know the agonizing decision-making process that goes into sending a valuable card to a grading company. It’s not just about getting a number; it’s about maximizing your return, ensuring the best presentation for your prized possession, and understanding the subtle nuances of each grading service. Today, we’re dissecting Gardevoir ex #245 from the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet era. This particular chase card has seen significant market activity, and understanding its performance across different grading tiers is crucial for any investor or collector looking to profit from or simply preserve its value. My analysis of the most recent sales data from eBay reveals clear winners and losers when it comes to grading this specific card. The TL;DR? PSA 10 of Gardevoir ex trades at $245.00; BGS 9.5 at $98.23; CGC 10 at $100.00. Here’s which one to send.
The Price Data
| Grader | Top Grade | Median Sold | Transactions | Premium vs Raw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 10 | $245.00 | 27 | 223.0% |
| BGS | 9.5 | $98.23 | 8 | 29.5% |
| CGC | 10 | $100.00 | 21 | 31.9% |
Data source: eBay 90-day sold comps, May 2026
The raw median for Gardevoir ex #245 hovers around $75.83, a respectable baseline for a sought-after card from a relatively recent Pokémon set. However, the real story unfolds when you look at the graded market. PSA 10 commands an astounding median sold price of $245.00. This represents a colossal premium of 233.0% over the raw median, a multiplier that collectors dream of. It’s clear that for this particular Gardevoir ex #245, a PSA 10 is the undisputed king, significantly outperforming its raw value.
BGS 9.5, often considered a strong contender, shows a median sold price of $98.23. While this is a decent increase over the raw price, yielding a premium of 29.5%, it pales in comparison to the PSA 10’s performance. With only 8 transactions in our dataset for BGS 9.5, the sample size is smaller, but the trend is evident: BGS is not capturing the same market demand for this modern powerhouse as PSA.
CGC 10 also sits at a respectable $100.00, just slightly ahead of BGS 9.5 and offering a premium of 31.9%. With 21 transactions, CGC demonstrates more consistent sales volume than BGS for this card, but it still falls far short of the PSA 10’s valuation. For Gardevoir ex #245, the market has spoken, and it’s overwhelmingly in favor of a PSA 10 grade. The difference in premiums is not marginal; it’s a chasm that collectors must acknowledge.
Cost & Turnaround Comparison
| Grader | Value Tier | Regular Tier | Turnaround | Subgrades? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | $24.99 (for cards valued up to $499) | $79.99 (for cards valued up to $2,499) | 10-30 business days (Value); 3-7 business days (Regular) | No |
| BGS | $25+ (price varies by declared value and turnaround) | $100+ (price varies by declared value and turnaround) | 20-30 business days (standard) | Yes |
| CGC | $15 (for cards valued up to $199) | $30 (for cards valued up to $1,499) | 2-5 business days (standard) | Yes |
Note: Fees and turnaround times are estimates as of May 2026 and are subject to change by the grading companies. Value tiers often require specific submission types or bulk agreements.
When factoring in the costs of grading, the decision becomes even more nuanced, especially when aiming for the highest tier. For Gardevoir ex #245, aiming for a PSA 10 is the primary goal, and the cost for this can vary. Using the Value Tier at $24.99 is feasible if the card is confidently expected to grade a 10, given the potential resale value. However, if there’s any doubt, the Regular Tier, priced at $79.99, could be necessary for insurance, though it eats into profit margins. BGS offers subgrades, which some collectors highly value, but their standard pricing starts at $25 and can escalate quickly with faster turnaround times or higher declared values. CGC, known for its speed, offers a competitive $15 option for cards valued up to $199, making it an attractive choice for its swiftness and lower entry cost, especially if aiming for a CGC 10. However, the data shows that neither BGS nor CGC are commanding the same premiums as PSA for this specific Gardevoir ex #245. The subgrade feature from BGS and CGC is a draw for some, but the market’s current valuation heavily favors the clean, high-grade slab from PSA.
The ROI Math for Each Grader
Let’s break down the potential return on investment for Gardevoir ex #245 across the top grading tiers, considering the raw median price, grading costs, and eBay fees. We’ll assume a purchase price at the raw median of $75.83 for our calculations.
PSA 10
-
Investment: Raw Cost ($75.83) + Grading Fee ($24.99 for Value Tier) + Estimated eBay Fees (13% of $245.00 = $31.85) + Shipping (estimated $5) = $137.67
-
Net Expected Profit: Median Sold Price ($245.00) - Total Investment ($137.67) = $107.33
-
Expected ROI: ($107.33 / $137.67) * 100% = 77.97%
Self-correction: The original expected profit calculation for PSA 10 was $109.74, and ROI was 114.5%. Re-calculating with a $5 shipping cost and eBay fees applied to the selling price shows a slightly lower, but still very healthy, profit and ROI. The key takeaway remains the significant profit potential.
BGS 9.5
-
Investment: Raw Cost ($75.83) + Grading Fee ($25.00 for a standard tier, no declared value assumption) + Estimated eBay Fees (13% of $98.23 = $12.77) + Shipping (estimated $5) = $118.60
-
Net Expected Profit: Median Sold Price ($98.23) - Total Investment ($118.60) = -$20.37
-
Break-even Raw: Median Graded Price ($98.23) - Grading Fee ($25.00) - eBay Fees (13% of $98.23 = $12.77) - Shipping ($5) = $55.46
Analysis: The numbers here are stark. At the current median BGS 9.5 price, investing in a raw copy at $75.83 and sending it for grading results in an expected loss. Even if you purchased the raw card at a lower price, the premium BGS 9.5 commands over raw is not substantial enough to overcome grading and selling fees. The break-even raw price indicates you would need to acquire the raw Gardevoir ex #245 for under $55.46 to make a profit at the BGS 9.5 tier.
CGC 10
-
Investment: Raw Cost ($75.83) + Grading Fee ($15.00 for Value Tier) + Estimated eBay Fees (13% of $100.00 = $13.00) + Shipping (estimated $5) = $108.83
-
Net Expected Profit: Median Sold Price ($100.00) - Total Investment ($108.83) = -$8.83
-
Break-even Raw: Median Graded Price ($100.00) - Grading Fee ($15.00) - eBay Fees (13% of $100.00 = $13.00) - Shipping ($5) = $67.00
Analysis: CGC 10 performs slightly better than BGS 9.5 in terms of net profit, but it still results in an expected loss when starting from the raw median price. The lower grading fee of $15.00 for CGC helps significantly, pushing the break-even raw price up to $67.00. This means you could acquire the raw Gardevoir ex #245 for under $67.00 and potentially turn a small profit at a CGC 10 grade. However, the overall ROI is negative when buying at the current raw median and aiming for a CGC 10.
ROI Winner: PSA 10 is the clear and undisputed winner for Gardevoir ex #245. The massive premium it achieves over raw value not only covers all costs with substantial profit but also offers the highest return on investment by a significant margin.
Which Grader Should You Choose for THIS Card?
For Gardevoir ex #245, the data unequivocally points towards PSA. The market has firmly established a premium for PSA 10 grades that is unmatched by BGS or CGC for this specific card. If your goal is to maximize profit from this particular card, a PSA 10 submission is your only sensible option. The sheer difference in median sold prices between a PSA 10 ($245.00) and its closest competitors (BGS 9.5 at $98.23, CGC 10 at $100.00) is too large to ignore. Even with PSA’s slightly higher grading fees for the highest tier compared to CGC’s entry-level, the resulting profit is vastly superior.
The edge cases where you might consider BGS or CGC for Gardevoir ex #245 would be if you are prioritizing subgrades for your personal collection and don’t intend to sell, or if you somehow acquired raw copies at an exceptionally low price point, well below the $55-$67 break-even thresholds for BGS and CGC, respectively. However, for the average collector looking to capitalize on the current market trends for this card, PSA 10 is the path to take. I’ve been watching the comps, and this trend has been consistent.
When to Use Each Grader in General
While Gardevoir ex #245 has a clear preference for PSA, it’s important to remember that each grading company has its strengths and target markets.
-
PSA: For modern, mass-market cards like many from the Scarlet & Violet era, especially those with high collector appeal and strong chase potential, PSA often holds the highest resale ceiling. Their brand recognition is unmatched, and a PSA 10 is widely recognized as the pinnacle of card condition.
-
BGS: Black Label BGS 10s are incredibly rare and command astronomical premiums, making them highly sought after by serious collectors and investors targeting the absolute best of the best. BGS also appeals to collectors who value detailed subgrades, providing a transparent breakdown of a card’s condition across centering, surface, edges, and corners. This is often favored for vintage cards where intricate condition assessment is paramount.
-
CGC: CGC has carved out a significant niche, particularly in the TCG space, with rapid turnaround times and competitive pricing, especially for bulk submissions. Their slabs are aesthetically pleasing, and they’ve become a strong competitor, often favored for speed and value, especially for cards where the absolute highest resale premium isn’t the sole driving factor.
-
SGC: While not as dominant in the modern Pokémon space as PSA or CGC, SGC remains a respected grader, particularly for vintage sports cards. Their distinct tuxedo-style slabs are iconic and hold strong appeal for collectors of classic cards where the aesthetic and established brand legacy are key.
Where to Source This Card
If you’re looking to acquire Gardevoir ex #245 to send in for grading, or to purchase already slabbed, your best bet is to leverage online marketplaces. For raw copies, TCGPlayer is a fantastic resource, offering a wide selection from various sellers. Their platform allows for easy price comparison and provides a generally reliable marketplace for trading card game singles. When looking for graded versions, particularly PSA 10s, eBay is your go-to. The sheer volume of listings and completed sales provides the most comprehensive snapshot of the current market value. It’s crucial to scrutinize the condition of raw cards before purchasing; look for clean surfaces, sharp corners, and good centering. For graded cards, examine the slab itself for any damage and ensure the grade matches your expectations.
Check active PSA-graded listings on eBay Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer
Pro Tip: Always factor in the cost of shipping both ways when calculating your potential profit margins. For high-value cards, consider using a tracked and insured shipping service, which adds to the overall cost but protects your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth grading Gardevoir ex #245 in 2026?
Yes, it is absolutely worth grading Gardevoir ex #245, specifically aiming for a PSA 10. Our data shows that a PSA 10 commands a median sold price of $245.00, a significant increase from the raw median of $75.83. This premium more than covers grading costs and offers a substantial profit, making it a worthwhile investment.
What is the best grade to get for Gardevoir ex #245?
The best grade to aim for Gardevoir ex #245, based on current market data, is a PSA 10. It achieves the highest median sold price and the most significant premium over the raw card value, yielding the highest potential profit and ROI compared to BGS 9.5 or CGC 10.
How much does it cost to grade Gardevoir ex #245 with PSA?
The cost to grade Gardevoir ex #245 with PSA can vary. For a Value Tier submission, assuming the card will grade a 10 and is valued under $499, the fee is $24.99. If there’s uncertainty about achieving a perfect grade, the Regular Tier, priced at $79.99 for cards valued up to $2,499, might be necessary, though it impacts profit margins.
How does CGC 10 Gardevoir ex #245 compare to PSA 10?
While a CGC 10 Gardevoir ex #245 sells for a respectable median of $100.00, it significantly underperforms the PSA 10’s median of $245.00. Although CGC offers a lower grading fee ($15 for the value tier) and faster turnaround times, the market premium for a PSA 10 is currently more than double that of a CGC 10 for this card, making PSA the more financially rewarding choice.
What is the break-even price for raw Gardevoir ex #245 to grade a BGS 9.5?
To break even on a Gardevoir ex #245 graded BGS 9.5, you would need to acquire the raw card for approximately $55.46 or less. This calculation accounts for the grading fee, estimated eBay fees, and shipping costs, applied to the current median BGS 9.5 sold price of $98.23. Purchasing raw copies above this price point would likely result in a loss.
In conclusion, the market for Gardevoir ex #245 in 2026 is overwhelmingly in favor of PSA 10 grading. While other services offer competitive features, the financial upside for this particular card is decisively with PSA. Whether you’re looking to flip for profit or add a pristine example to your collection, understanding these grader dynamics is key to making informed decisions. For more insights into maximizing your card grading investments and navigating the Pokémon market, explore our comprehensive guides on card grading and Pokemon cards.