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psa vs bgs vs cgc Persian

PSA vs BGS vs CGC for Persian #78 (Pokemon Shrouded Fable): Which Pays Most in 2026?

Published 2026-05-25 · Updated 2026-05-25 · by Jason Trogdon
Pokemon Cards 12 min read
RAW $64.18PSA 10 $329MULTIPLIER 5.1×

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Grade now, hold raw, or sell? Persian #78 is one of those decisions where each path has a very different expected value. As a collector who’s been tracking the market for years, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial timing and grading decisions can be for cards like this one. Persian #78, from the Shrouded Fable set, presents a fascinating case study in modern Pokémon grading. Raw, it commands a respectable median price, but the real question for serious investors and collectors is where that value escalates significantly. After crunching the latest 2026 market data, it’s clear that achieving a top-tier grade with the right company can unlock substantial profit. My analysis shows that a PSA 10 of Persian #78 currently trades at $329.00; a BGS 9.5 at $104.25; and a CGC 10 at $89.00. Here’s which one to send.

The Price Data

When I’m looking at a card like Persian #78, the first thing I want to see is how it performs across the major grading companies. The raw median price for this card is $64.18, which gives us a solid baseline for understanding the premiums commanded by graded examples. This is especially important for cards from popular sets where collector demand consistently drives the secondary market.

Grader Top Grade Median Sold Transactions Premium vs Raw
PSA 10 $329.00 22 413.4%
BGS 9.5 $104.25 6 62.5%
CGC 10 $89.00 25 38.7%

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

As you can see, PSA is pulling ahead significantly for Persian #78, offering the highest median sale price and a staggering premium over the raw card. While BGS and CGC also show a positive return, the difference is far less dramatic. The transaction counts, particularly for CGC, indicate healthy market activity, which is always a good sign.

Cost & Turnaround Comparison

Beyond the raw sales data, the practicalities of grading – cost and time – are crucial. I always factor these in, especially when considering bulk submissions or aiming for specific market windows. The fees and turnaround times can vary wildly, and understanding them helps in planning your grading strategy.

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

Note: Turnaround times are estimates for standard service levels in May 2026 and can fluctuate based on submission volume.

CGC stands out here for its speed and competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for collectors looking to get cards back quickly or for those submitting large quantities. PSA’s value tier is competitive, but their regular tier can get quite expensive, especially for higher-value cards. BGS pricing can be variable, but they remain the go-to for collectors who prioritize subgrades.

The ROI Math for Each Grader

Now, let’s get down to the brass tacks: the return on investment. This is where we see the real financial implications of choosing one grader over another for Persian #78. I’ve calculated the expected profit and break-even points based on the median raw price, grading fees, and estimated selling fees. For this analysis, I’m using the Value Tier pricing for PSA and the lower end of the range for CGC, assuming a mid-range value for BGS submissions. I’ll factor in a 13% combined eBay and payment processor fee, plus an estimated $7 for shipping the raw card to the grader and $10 for shipping the graded card to a buyer.

PSA 10

BGS 9.5

CGC 10

ROI Winner: PSA

The numbers don’t lie here. For Persian #78, PSA is the undisputed winner when it comes to maximizing profit and ROI in May 2026. The premium commanded by a PSA 10 is so substantial that it completely dwarfs the costs associated with grading, resulting in a very healthy profit. BGS 9.5 and CGC 10, while representing some upside over raw, are currently not yielding a profit based on these median sale prices and estimated costs. The BGS 9.5 is very close to breaking even, and with slightly higher sale prices or lower grading fees, it could become profitable.

Which Grader Should You Choose for THIS Card?

For Persian #78, my strong recommendation is to send it to PSA for a PSA 10 grade. The data unequivocally supports this. The market clearly values a PSA 10 of this card significantly higher than a BGS 9.5 or CGC 10, making it the most financially rewarding path. The ROI is substantial, turning a card with modest raw value into a significantly more profitable graded asset.

However, there are a few edge cases where you might consider other options. If your Persian #78 is an absolute unicorn, showing immaculate centering and surface with virtually no edge wear, and you’re targeting a BGS 9.5 with perfect subgrades (quad 9.5s), you might see a stronger return than the current BGS 9.5 median suggests. The BGS 9.5 median is currently quite low, indicating that the average 9.5 isn’t commanding much of a premium. But if you manage to pull a BGS 10 Pristine, that’s a different story entirely – though extremely rare.

Similarly, if you need to move the card quickly or are submitting in bulk and prioritizing speed and cost-effectiveness, CGC might be a consideration, though the profit margin is currently negative. Its faster turnaround times and lower fees could make it appealing for volume, but for maximum profit on this specific card, PSA is the way to go.

When to Use Each Grader in General

While PSA is the clear choice for Persian #78 right now, it’s always good to have a general understanding of what each major grader brings to the table:

Where to Source This Card

If you’re looking to grade Persian #78, you’ll want to start by acquiring raw copies. The market for raw cards can be competitive, so staying informed is key. You can often find great deals by monitoring listings and being ready to act quickly.

For active listings of graded Persian #78, eBay is usually the best place to start. I recommend using this link to Check active PSA-graded listings on eBay to see what’s currently available at various grade tiers. This will give you a good pulse on the market and what collectors are paying.

If you’re looking to buy raw copies to grade yourself, Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer is an excellent resource. You’ll find a wide selection of raw cards from various sellers, often at competitive prices, allowing you to select copies with the best potential for a high grade. Remember to always check the raw card’s condition carefully – centering, edges, and surface are critical for achieving a PSA 10 or BGS 9.5.

Pro Tip: Always inspect raw cards under good lighting, looking for any signs of print defects, whitening on the edges, or surface scratches. Even minor imperfections can prevent a perfect grade and significantly impact your ROI.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the raw median price for Persian #78?

The raw median price for Persian #78 is $64.18 as of May 2026, based on 90-day eBay sold comps. This is the baseline from which we calculate the potential profit from grading.

Is grading Persian #78 worth it in 2026?

Yes, grading Persian #78 is worth it if you can achieve a PSA 10. The PSA 10 median sale price of $329.00 offers a substantial profit margin over the raw card and grading costs, yielding an estimated ROI of 169.6%.

PSA 10 is recommended for Persian #78 because the market currently assigns the highest premium to this grade. With a median sale price of $329.00, it generates a significant profit, whereas BGS 9.5 ($104.25 median) and CGC 10 ($89.00 median) are not currently profitable based on standard grading costs and fees.

How do BGS 9.5 and CGC 10 prices compare for Persian #78?

BGS 9.5 for Persian #78 has a median sale price of $104.25, while CGC 10 sits at $89.00. Both are considerably lower than the PSA 10 price, and currently, neither grade is profitable after factoring in grading fees and selling expenses.

When should I consider sending Persian #78 to BGS or CGC instead of PSA?

You might consider BGS for Persian #78 if your specific card has perfect centering, edges, surface, and centering, giving it a strong chance at a BGS 10 Pristine grade, which commands a significant premium. CGC is a better option if your priority is speed and lower costs for bulk submissions, though it won’t yield as high a profit on this card currently.

What are the estimated costs for grading Persian #78?

Estimated costs for grading Persian #78 using value tier services in May 2026 are approximately $24.99 for PSA, $25 for BGS, and $15-$30 for CGC. These costs are in addition to the raw card purchase price and potential shipping fees.

This analysis of Persian #78 highlights the critical role grading companies play in the Pokémon TCG market. While the raw card has value, achieving the right top-tier grade with the most recognized company can unlock its true financial potential. For collectors looking to navigate the complexities of grading and maximize their returns, staying informed on market trends and grader performance is paramount. For more insights into card grading and market analysis, be sure to explore our comprehensive guides at /card-grading/ and dive deeper into the Pokémon TCG world at /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 →

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