×

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

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

Is Persian #78 worth sending to PSA right now? The raw-to-PSA-10 multiple says one thing, the pop report says another. As a longtime collector who’s been tracking the market for years, I’m constantly evaluating the perceived value versus the actual market performance of specific cards. Persian #78, an Illustration Rare from the Pokemon TCG’s Shrouded Fable set, is a card that’s generated a good amount of chatter. We’re seeing a raw median price of $64.18, but what does that translate to when you send it off to the big three grading companies? I’ve crunched the latest 2026 data to give you a clear picture. For those chasing the highest return, PSA 10 of Persian #78 currently trades at a median of $325.00, while a BGS 9.5 commands a median of $104.25, and a CGC 10 fetches $89.00. Here’s a breakdown of which grader might pay the most for your Persian #78.

• The Price Data

• Cost & Turnaround Comparison

• The ROI Math for Each Grader

• Which Grader Should You Choose for THIS Card?

• When to Use Each Grader in General

• Where to Source This Card

• Frequently Asked Questions

The Price Data

When you’re deciding where to send a valuable card like Persian #78, understanding the current market for graded copies is paramount. I’ve compiled the most recent sold data, focusing on the top grades each company offers to paint a clear picture of how these slabs are performing. It’s not just about the absolute highest price; it’s about the premium commanded over the raw card and the volume of sales that indicates market confidence. For Persian #78, we’re looking at a raw median of $64.18. The graded markets show a significant jump for PSA 10, while BGS and CGC offer alternative paths with their own price points.

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

As you can see, PSA 10 for Persian #78 is absolutely crushing it in terms of raw-to-graded multiplier, boasting an impressive 406.4% premium over the raw card median. This indicates strong demand for top-tier PSA-graded copies. BGS 9.5 holds its own with a respectable 62.4% premium, showing that collectors value the BGS slab, especially if subgrades are favorable. CGC 10, while offering a lower premium at 38.7%, shows a higher volume of transactions (25), suggesting a broader base of collectors who are comfortable with the CGC slab for this particular card, possibly due to faster turnaround times or perceived value for money.

Cost & Turnaround Comparison

Beyond the raw sales figures, the practicalities of grading – cost and time – are crucial factors for any collector. You want to maximize your profit, but you also want to know how long you’ll be waiting and how much you’ll invest. I’ve researched the current 2026 pricing structures for the major grading services to give you an idea of the upfront cost and potential wait times. This is especially important for modern cards where the market can shift quickly.

Note: “Value Tier” pricing is often dependent on declared value and may not be available for all cards. “Regular Tier” pricing is more standard for popular, mid-range cards. Turnaround times are estimates and can fluctuate.

Looking at this table, CGC immediately stands out for its speed and competitive pricing, especially if you can utilize their Value Tier. For a card like Persian #78, which isn’t a super high-value vintage piece, the standard CGC tier is likely to be well within reach. PSA offers a broad range of pricing, but even their lower-end service can be more expensive than CGC for a standard turnaround. BGS pricing is less transparent for lower-value cards and often leans towards higher-declared values, making it potentially more costly if you aren’t pushing for a high declared value. The inclusion of subgrades with BGS and CGC is a significant factor for many collectors who appreciate that detailed assessment of a card’s condition.

The ROI Math for Each Grader

Now, let’s get down to the brass tacks: the return on investment. This is where we combine the selling prices with the costs of grading and selling to see which option offers the best financial outcome. I’m calculating this based on the raw median price of $64.18, the estimated grading fees, and the standard 13% eBay selling fee. Shipping costs are also factored in, using a conservative estimate for a graded card.

PSA 10

• Raw Cost: $64.18

• Grading Fee (assuming Regular Tier): $79.99

• eBay Fee (13% of $325.00): $42.25

• Shipping (estimated): $15.00

• Total Cost: $64.18 + $79.99 + $42.25 + $15.00 = $201.42

• Net Expected Profit: $325.00 (Median Sold) - $201.42 (Total Cost) = $123.58

• Expected ROI: ($123.58 / $201.42) * 100% = 61.35%

BGS 9.5

• Raw Cost: $64.18

• Grading Fee (assuming a mid-tier service for BGS 9.5): $35.00 (This is an estimate, as BGS pricing can be fluid based on declared value and service level)

• eBay Fee (13% of $104.25): $13.55

• Shipping (estimated): $15.00

• Total Cost: $64.18 + $35.00 + $13.55 + $15.00 = $127.73

• Net Expected Profit: $104.25 (Median Sold) - $127.73 (Total Cost) = -$23.48

• Expected ROI: (-$23.48 / $127.73) * 100% = -18.38%

CGC 10

• Raw Cost: $64.18

• Grading Fee (assuming Regular Tier): $30.00

• eBay Fee (13% of $89.00): $11.57

• Shipping (estimated): $15.00

• Total Cost: $64.18 + $30.00 + $11.57 + $15.00 = $120.75

• Net Expected Profit: $89.00 (Median Sold) - $120.75 (Total Cost) = -$31.75

• Expected ROI: (-$31.75 / $120.75) * 100% = -26.29%

Based purely on these calculations, PSA 10 emerges as the clear winner for ROI on Persian #78. While the initial investment is higher due to the grading fee, the significantly higher median selling price for a PSA 10 grade more than makes up for it, resulting in a positive net profit and a solid ROI. Both BGS 9.5 and CGC 10, at their current median selling prices and with estimated grading fees, show a negative ROI. This suggests that while collectors may buy these graded cards, the premium they command over raw copies isn’t enough to cover the grading costs and fees at this specific moment in time. It’s crucial to remember that these are median figures, and individual card condition, subgrade potential, and market fluctuations can always influence outcomes.

Which Grader Should You Choose for THIS Card?

For Persian #78, the data points overwhelmingly towards PSA. The raw-to-PSA-10 multiple is astronomical compared to BGS and CGC. If your goal is to maximize your profit on this specific card, sending it to PSA for a shot at a Gem Mint 10 is the strategic move. The sheer volume of sales (22 transactions) for PSA 10s indicates a robust secondary market willing to pay a significant premium for that perfect grade.

The ROI math highlights this starkly: PSA 10 delivers a positive profit, while BGS 9.5 and CGC 10, based on current medians and estimated costs, result in a loss. This is common for modern, high-rarity cards where PSA holds a perceived market dominance for top grades.

Edge Cases:

• Exceptional Subgrades for BGS: If your specific Persian #78 has truly flawless centering, edges, and surface, and you are confident it will achieve BGS 9.5 with strong subgrades (e.g., 9.5 or 10 across the board), the premium could potentially increase beyond the current median. However, given the significant gap, it’s a high-risk, potentially moderate-reward scenario compared to the PSA 10 ceiling.

• Speed and Convenience for CGC: If you are grading a large bulk of cards and speed is your absolute top priority, or if you are less concerned with maximizing every last dollar and more focused on getting cards slabbed quickly for personal enjoyment or collection display, then CGC remains a viable option due to its faster turnaround. However, financially, it’s not the play for Persian #78 right now.

• Potential for Undervalued BGS/CGC Market: It’s always possible that the market for BGS 9.5 or CGC 10 Persian #78 is temporarily depressed. However, with the volume of PSA sales, it’s more likely that PSA has established itself as the dominant player for this card’s graded market.

When to Use Each Grader in General

While Persian #78 has a clear grading path based on current data, different cards and collector goals suit different grading companies.

• PSA: Still the king for modern, mass-market popular cards. If you’re aiming for the highest resale ceiling and targeting the broadest collector base, PSA is usually the default choice. Their brand recognition and perceived value for Gem Mint 10s are unmatched for many modern sets. Think of popular chase cards from recent sets like Scarlet & Violet.

• BGS: This is where vintage collectors often gravitate, especially for sports cards, where subgrades can significantly impact value and authenticity is paramount. The allure of a BGS 10 Black Label is legendary, commanding prices far beyond what other graders can achieve. For cards where condition is incredibly nuanced and every fraction of a point matters, BGS offers that detailed breakdown.

• CGC: CGC has carved out a strong niche, particularly in the TCG space. They are often lauded for their speed and bulk submission pricing, making them attractive for high-volume grading or for collectors who prioritize getting their cards back quickly. Their grading is generally considered accurate and consistent, and they’ve built a solid reputation for TCGs.

• SGC: While not as prevalent in this specific comparison due to lack of data for Persian #78, SGC is predominantly known for vintage sports cards. Their distinct “tuxedo” slab design is iconic, and they often cater to collectors who appreciate that aesthetic and the historical significance of older sports memorabilia.

Where to Source This Card

If you’re looking to add Persian #78 to your collection, whether raw or graded, there are several reliable avenues. For raw copies, TCGPlayer is an excellent resource. It aggregates listings from numerous sellers, allowing you to compare prices and find the best deal from reputable vendors. The platform is a go-to for many TCG players and collectors looking to complete their sets or find specific singles.

Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer

When it comes to graded cards, particularly the highly sought-after PSA 10, eBay is often the dominant marketplace. You can find a wide array of listings, often with detailed photos and buyer protections. It’s crucial to compare prices from different sellers and pay attention to their feedback scores. For those targeting a specific grade like PSA 10 of Persian #78, checking active listings can give you a real-time pulse on the market’s pricing and availability.

Check active PSA-graded listings on eBay

Remember to always factor in shipping costs and potential import duties if purchasing internationally. For modern chase cards like this Illustration Rare, staying informed about market trends and availability across these platforms will help you secure the best value for your collection.

Pro Tip: Always check the grading population reports (pop reports) for your target card and grade on each grading company’s website. A high population of a specific grade can indicate market saturation, while a low pop report for a desirable grade can signify rarity and potential for higher premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Persian #78 a valuable card to grade in 2026?

Based on the current data, sending Persian #78 to PSA for a chance at a PSA 10 grade is financially viable, offering a strong positive ROI. The median PSA 10 sale price is $325.00, significantly higher than its raw median of $64.18, while BGS 9.5 and CGC 10 currently show a negative ROI when factoring in grading and selling costs.

What is the raw median price for Persian #78?

The raw median price for Persian #78 is currently $64.18, according to eBay 90-day sold comps in May 2026. This is the baseline from which we evaluate the potential returns from grading.

Why does PSA 10 command such a high premium for Persian #78?

PSA holds significant market dominance, especially for modern TCGs. Collectors often perceive PSA 10 as the ultimate grade, leading to higher demand and prices for Gem Mint copies, particularly for popular Illustration Rare cards from sets like Shrouded Fable. The volume of PSA 10 sales at $325.00 highlights this strong market preference.

Are BGS 9.5 or CGC 10 worth grading for Persian #78?

At the current median prices of $104.25 for BGS 9.5 and $89.00 for CGC 10, and considering estimated grading fees and selling costs, neither BGS 9.5 nor CGC 10 currently offer a positive ROI for Persian #78. While CGC offers faster turnaround, the financial outcome favors PSA 10.

How long does it take to get a card graded by PSA, BGS, or CGC?

Turnaround times vary significantly. CGC generally offers the fastest service, estimated at 7-14 days. BGS turnaround is typically around 15-30 days. PSA’s standard turnaround can range from 10-20 days, but expedited services are available at a higher cost. These times are estimates and can fluctuate based on submission volume.

The world of card grading is dynamic, and understanding the specific market for a card like Persian #78 is key to making informed decisions. While PSA 10 is the clear financial winner for this particular Illustration Rare, remember that your personal collecting goals might lead you to different choices. Whether you’re chasing profit, building a personal collection, or seeking speed, there’s a grading service that can fit.

For more insights into the grading landscape and to discover the best grading strategies for your collection, dive deeper into our comprehensive guides on card grading and the exciting world of Pokemon Cards.