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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. At $68.09 raw and $335.50 for a PSA 10, grading this card yields $157.57 in expected profit (ROI 123.0%) at today’s fees, if it grades a PSA 10. 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. This estimate uses eBay’s trading card fee (13.25% of the sale plus $0.40 per order) and an estimated $5.00 to ship the slab to the buyer.

• Net graded proceeds = PSA 10 median - eBay fee - shipping

• Net graded proceeds = $335.50 - $44.85 - $5.00

• Net graded proceeds = $285.65

Next, we consider the grading fee. PSA’s Value tiers, including Value Bulk and Value, have been paused since June 2, 2026, so the cheapest open tier for a card worth $335.50 is Standard at $59.99 per card, which covers declared values up to $1,000.

• Grading fee = $59.99 (PSA Standard)

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 = $285.65 - ($68.09 + $59.99)

• Expected profit = $285.65 - $128.08

• Expected profit = $157.57

That is an ROI of 123.0% on the $128.08 total cost.

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 = $285.65 - $59.99

• Break-even raw price = $225.66

This means that if you can acquire Persian #78 raw for anything less than $225.66, 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 whether the card actually grades a 10, and there is no published PSA 10 rate for Persian #78 from Shrouded Fable to plug in. What the sold data does show is the cost of missing: a PSA 9 sells for a $70.00 median, which nets $55.32 after eBay fees and shipping, a loss of $72.76 (ROI -56.8%) on the same $128.08 outlay. The investment in grading Persian #78 is worthwhile only for copies that look like strong PSA 10 candidates, 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, which does not cover Beckett’s $79.95 Express fee (the only BGS tier currently open). After eBay fees and shipping, a BGS 9.5 loses $58.02 (ROI -39.2%), so it is not a profitable target for this card.

• CGC 10: CGC 10s are trading at a median of $118.05, providing a premium of $49.96 over the raw cost. After CGC’s $20.00 Economy fee, eBay fees and shipping, that leaves a profit of just $8.92 (ROI 10.1%), far short 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. A BGS 9.5 loses money and a CGC 10 barely clears a profit, so neither matches 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, our 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 $157.57 at PSA’s cheapest open tier. This represents an ROI of 123.0%, especially strong 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.

There’s always a risk of a card not receiving a PSA 10, and a PSA 9 loses $72.76 at its $70.00 median, so the profit depends on submitting the right copies. For collectors who have a keen eye for condition and can identify cards with strong centering, minimal whitening, and sharp corners, the PSA 10 margin is wide enough to justify the submission. This is a card where the grading premium is so high that it warrants the effort and expense. Similar opportunities exist 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 sells for a $70.00 median, barely above the raw cost, so after PSA’s $59.99 Standard fee and selling costs it loses $72.76. 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 $157.57 (ROI 123.0%) if the card grades a PSA 10.

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

The estimated profit for a PSA 10 graded Persian #78, assuming PSA’s $59.99 Standard fee (the cheapest open tier while the Value tiers are paused), eBay’s trading card fee and an estimated $5.00 for shipping, is $157.57. 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. PSA’s Value tiers, including Value Bulk and Value, have been paused since June 2, 2026, so for a card like Persian #78 the cheapest open PSA tier is Standard at $59.99 per card (posted turnaround 90-100 business days). Faster tiers cost more, such as Priority at $79.99. 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 only grade cards they are confident will receive a PSA 10, since a PSA 9 loses money at current fees.

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). A BGS 9.5 loses $58.02 after Beckett’s $79.95 Express fee and a CGC 10 returns only $8.92, so the PSA 10 is by far 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.