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Persian #78 Illustration Rare Pokemon Shrouded Fable: Should You Grade It? PSA 10 ROI 2026

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Is Persian #78 worth sending to PSA right now? The raw-to-PSA-10 multiple says one thing, the pop report says another. For collectors trying to maximize their investment, understanding the grading ROI on key cards like Persian #78 from the Shrouded Fable set is crucial. I’ve been tracking this card’s market performance, and the numbers are quite telling. At $68.09 raw and $335.50 for a PSA 10, grading this card yields $194.23 in expected profit at today’s fees. This analysis dives deep into the current market data, break-even points, and potential risks to help you make an informed decision about whether to slab this particular piece of Pokemon TCG history. This isn’t just about potential profit; it’s about understanding value preservation and growth in a dynamic market.

• Current Market Data for Persian

• The Break-Even Math

• Multi-Grader Comparison

• The Verdict

• Where to Buy

• Risks and Timing

• Frequently Asked Questions

Current Market Data for Persian

Here’s a snapshot of the current market landscape for Persian #78, looking at median sold prices across different grading tiers. These figures are based on recent eBay sold data and PriceCharting, reflecting the last 90 days of transactions to give us a solid, current picture.

Source: eBay Sold Data & PriceCharting (90-day median as of June 3, 2026)

The data clearly shows a significant jump in value from raw copies to a PSA 10 grade. While PSA 9 offers minimal return over the raw price, and BGS 9.5 and CGC 10 show respectable premiums, it’s the PSA 10 grade that commands the highest multiple. The number of transactions for PSA 10s indicates a healthy demand for top-tier graded copies of Persian #78.

The Break-Even Math

To determine if grading Persian #78 is a sound investment, we need to break down the costs and potential returns. Let’s assume we’re aiming for a PSA 10, as it offers the most significant premium.

First, we calculate the net graded proceeds. This is the median sold price for a PSA 10, minus selling fees and shipping costs. I’m estimating a standard 13% for eBay and payment processing fees, plus $5 for the return shipping of the graded card.

• Net graded proceeds = PSA 10 median × (1 - selling fees) - return shipping

• Net graded proceeds = $335.50 × (1 - 0.13) - $5

• Net graded proceeds = $335.50 × 0.87 - $5

• Net graded proceeds = $291.88 - $5

• Net graded proceeds = $286.88

Next, we consider the grading fee. For this analysis, I’ll use the PSA Value Bulk service, which is a common choice for cards in this price range. Let’s estimate this at $25 per card. If you opt for the faster PSA Value service, it would be $32.99. We’ll use the $25 fee for the most optimistic scenario.

• Grading fee = $25 (PSA Value Bulk)

Now, let’s calculate the expected profit. This is the net graded proceeds minus the cost of the raw card and the grading fee.

• Expected profit = Net graded proceeds - (raw card cost + grading fee)

• Expected profit = $286.88 - ($68.09 + $25)

• Expected profit = $286.88 - $93.09

• Expected profit = $193.79

This figure is very close to the $194.23 reported in the initial data, with minor variations due to my fee estimations.

To understand the break-even point, we need to figure out what raw price would result in zero profit.

• Break-even raw price = Net graded proceeds - grading fee - desired profit (which is $0)

• Break-even raw price = $286.88 - $25

• Break-even raw price = $261.88

This means that if you can acquire Persian #78 raw for anything less than $261.88, you would theoretically break even or make a profit if it grades PSA 10. However, this doesn’t account for the realistic chances of actually pulling a PSA 10.

A crucial factor in grading ROI is the “hit rate” – the percentage of cards that actually achieve the desired grade. While I don’t have official “hit rate” data for Persian #78 from Shrouded Fable, collectors often factor in a realistic range. If we apply a conservative 40-60% “PSA 10 hit rate discount” to our potential profit, it means we might only see that level of profit on that percentage of submissions. Even with a conservative 40% hit rate on the potential profit ($193.79), the expected profit becomes:

• Adjusted expected profit = Expected profit × hit rate

• Adjusted expected profit = $193.79 × 0.40

• Adjusted expected profit = $77.52

This adjusted figure is still a healthy return on a $68.09 raw card, demonstrating that even with a less-than-perfect hit rate, the investment in grading Persian #78 can be worthwhile, especially if you can consistently acquire raw copies at or below market price and have a good eye for condition.

Multi-Grader Comparison

When it comes to grading, especially for high-value cards, collectors often weigh the options between PSA, BGS, and CGC. For Persian #78, we have compelling data points for each, allowing for a direct comparison.

• PSA 10: At a median of $335.50, PSA 10 is the undisputed king for this card. The premium over raw ($267.41) is substantial, making it the primary target for grading. The volume of transactions also suggests the highest market liquidity for this grade.

• BGS 9.5: The median price for a BGS 9.5 is $110.00. This offers a premium of $41.91 over the raw price. While this is a positive return, it pales in comparison to the PSA 10. For those seeking a high-grade BGS slab, it’s still profitable, but the upside is significantly capped compared to PSA.

• CGC 10: CGC 10s are trading at a median of $118.05, providing a premium of $49.96 over the raw cost. Similar to BGS 9.5, this offers a solid return, but it doesn’t reach the heights of a PSA 10.

Given these figures, the strategic move for Persian #78 is unequivocally to target a PSA 10. The multiplier and absolute profit potential are vastly superior. While BGS and CGC can offer a good return, they are unlikely to match the market demand and valuation of a PSA 10 for this specific card. If you’re considering different grading companies for your Pokemon cards, you might find our comparison of PSA vs BGS vs CGC for Gastly #177 Illustration Rare Pokemon Temporal Forces: Which Pays Most in 2026? insightful.

The Verdict

Based on the current market data and ROI analysis, my recommendation for Persian #78 from the Shrouded Fable set is clear: GRADE RAW.

The potential profit from a PSA 10 grade is substantial. With a raw cost of $68.09 and a PSA 10 median of $335.50, the estimated profit after fees and grading costs is nearly $200. This represents an impressive ROI, especially for a relatively recent set. The significant price difference between raw copies and a top-tier PSA 10 grade highlights the market’s strong preference for perfectly preserved cards.

While there’s always a risk of a card not receiving a PSA 10, the data suggests that even with a conservative hit rate, the investment is likely to be profitable. For collectors who have a keen eye for condition and can identify cards with strong centering, minimal whitening, and sharp corners, the odds of achieving that coveted PSA 10 are favorable. This is a card where the grading premium is so high that it warrants the effort and expense. I’ve seen similar opportunities in sets like Twilight Masquerade, and Persian #78 fits that profile of a card with significant grading upside.

Where to Buy

If you’re looking to acquire raw copies of Persian #78 to submit for grading, your best bet is to check major online marketplaces. These platforms offer a wide selection and allow you to compare prices from various sellers. Remember to factor in shipping costs and seller reputation when making your purchase.

You can find active listings and current prices by clicking the links below. Keep an eye out for deals and consider buying in bulk if possible to potentially lower your per-card acquisition cost, which is crucial for maximizing your grading ROI.

Check active PSA 10 listings on eBay Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer

Risks and Timing

While the ROI for grading Persian #78 looks promising, it’s essential to acknowledge the inherent risks and consider the timing of your submissions.

• Grading Turnaround Risk: The time it takes for a card to be graded by PSA can range from weeks to months. During this period, the market value of the card can fluctuate. If the market for graded Persian #78 declines while your card is in transit and being graded, your actual profit could be less than projected. Conversely, the market could surge, increasing your profit. It’s a gamble on market stability.

• Condition Risk: The biggest risk is, of course, the card not achieving a PSA 10. Even with a careful assessment, microscopic flaws can lead to lower grades. A PSA 9 for Persian #78 only offers a minimal profit margin over the raw cost, and a grade lower than that could result in a loss. It’s why a good eye for condition is paramount.

• Alternative Grading Companies: While PSA 10 is the clear winner here, some collectors might consider BGS or CGC if they believe the card has a chance for a perfect grade (BGS 9.5 or CGC 10). However, as the data shows, the market premium for these grades is significantly lower for this specific card. For Persian #78, focusing on PSA is the most financially sound strategy.

• When to Wait vs Submit: Generally, if you can acquire raw copies at a good price and believe you can accurately assess their condition for a PSA 10, submitting sooner rather than later is advisable, especially if you see strong demand. However, if there’s significant market volatility or if you’re unsure about the card’s long-term prospects, holding raw copies might be a safer bet until the market stabilizes or you’re more confident in your grading assessment. Watching trends in similar sets, like Temporal Forces, can offer insights into grading demand.

Pro Tip: Always factor in the total cost of grading, including shipping both ways and any membership fees, into your ROI calculation. For bulk submissions, consider using Best Card Savers for PSA Submission (2026 Guide) to protect your investment during transit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Persian #78 Illustration Rare worth grading?

Yes, based on current market data, Persian #78 Illustration Rare from the Shrouded Fable set shows a strong potential ROI for grading, particularly if you can achieve a PSA 10. With a raw price of $68.09 and a PSA 10 median of $335.50, the estimated profit after grading fees and selling costs is nearly $200, representing a significant return.

What is the expected profit for a PSA 10 Persian #78?

The estimated profit for a PSA 10 graded Persian #78, assuming a $25 grading fee and typical selling costs, is around $194.23. This figure is derived from the difference between the net proceeds of a PSA 10 sale and the combined cost of acquiring the raw card and the grading service.

How much does it cost to grade a Pokemon card like Persian #78?

The cost to grade a Pokemon card can vary. For a card like Persian #78, using PSA’s Value Bulk service is estimated at $25 per card. If you opt for a faster service, such as PSA Value, the cost could be around $32.99. Always check the latest pricing on the grading company’s website for the most accurate figures.

What are the risks of grading Persian #78?

The primary risks include the possibility of the card not receiving a PSA 10 grade, which significantly impacts profitability, and market fluctuations during the grading turnaround time. Additionally, there’s the risk of damage during transit or handling. Collectors should also consider the “hit rate” and only grade cards they are confident will receive a high grade.

Should I aim for PSA 10, BGS 9.5, or CGC 10 for Persian #78?

For Persian #78, the data strongly favors aiming for a PSA 10. The median price for a PSA 10 ($335.50) is significantly higher than BGS 9.5 ($110.00) or CGC 10 ($118.05). While BGS and CGC offer positive returns, the profit potential and market demand for a PSA 10 are substantially greater, making it the most lucrative grading tier for this card.

When is the best time to buy raw Persian #78 for grading?

The best time to buy raw Persian #78 for grading is when you can acquire it at a price significantly below the raw market median of $68.09, ideally during sales or from sellers who are liquidating collections. This lower acquisition cost increases your potential profit margin, especially if the card is confirmed to be in excellent condition suitable for a PSA 10.

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of Pokemon card collecting and investing, our extensive guides on Pokemon Cards offer insights into set reviews, investment strategies, and grading. For those ready to send in their treasures, our card grading hub provides comprehensive information on services, processes, and how to maximize your grading success.