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Machamp V #172 Pokemon Astral Radiance PSA + CGC Pop Report: Rarity vs Price 2026

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Machamp V #172 from Astral Radiance has a PSA 10 median of $415.00, significantly higher than its raw price of $184.73, suggesting a strong grading return potential if population numbers support it. While the PSA 10 count is substantial at 5,333, the overall graded population across PSA and CGC reaches over 10,000, placing it in a “saturated” rarity tier that demands careful consideration for investment strategies.

You just pulled a Machamp V #172. The first instinct is to sleeve it and Google the PSA 10 price. Before you ship it, here’s the math. As of June 2026, PSA has certified 5,333 copies of Machamp V #172 at Gem Mint 10. At a median price of $415.00, this equates to a multiplier of approximately 2.25x the raw card’s current value of $184.73, indicating robust demand for top-tier graded copies. However, the overall graded population of nearly 11,000 across PSA and CGC suggests this card is firmly in the “saturated” rarity tier, meaning new submissions may struggle to significantly impact the market without exceptional condition. Last updated: June 2026.

In This Article

• The Population Report

• Reading the Scarcity Signal

• Rarity × Demand Quadrant

• What the Pop Data Says About Grading New Copies

• The Verdict

• Where to Buy

The Population Report

10,882 total graded across PSA and CGC (9,912 PSA + 970 CGC), median PSA 10 sells for $416.23. PSA’s API confirms 5,333 at PSA 10, matching PriceCharting’s count closely. The gem-mint rate for PSA 10 is approximately 53.8% based on PSA’s certified population, a healthy figure indicating a good number of cards are meeting the stringent criteria for a perfect grade.

Data sources: What The Slab checks eBay sold comps, PriceCharting market prices, and PriceCharting pop pages (PSA + CGC), plus PSA public API. All figures as of June 2026.

Reading the Scarcity Signal

With 5,333 Gem Mint 10 copies certified by PSA alone, Machamp V #172 from Astral Radiance firmly resides within the “saturated” rarity tier. This classification signifies that while the card commands strong demand, its supply at the highest grade is substantial enough that each new perfect grade entering the market has a limited impact on the overall scarcity premium. For collectors, this means focusing on the intrinsic appeal and current market value rather than expecting a scarcity-driven price surge from new submissions. Unlike a card with a population under 200 PSA 10s, where each new gem mint significantly shifts the supply dynamics, Machamp V’s numbers suggest a more stable, albeit competitive, market for top grades. Consider the Umbreon VMAX #215 from Evolving Skies, which also possesses a considerable population at PSA 10 but maintains strong collector interest due to its iconic status, serving as a parallel to Machamp V’s situation where demand can absorb high pop counts.

Rarity × Demand Quadrant

Machamp V #172, with its significant PSA 10 population of 5,333 and a median price of $415.00 that commands a strong multiplier over its raw price, lands squarely in the High Pop / High Demand quadrant. This quadrant is characterized by cards that are readily available in top condition but are consistently sought after by a large collector base. Such cards act as commodities within the graded market – they are liquid, their prices are well-established, and they tend to track market trends closely. While significant price appreciation driven by scarcity is less likely compared to low-population cards, the robust demand ensures consistent trading volume and a stable value proposition for collectors who appreciate the card’s artwork and its role within its set.

What the Pop Data Says About Grading New Copies

The PSA 10 population for Machamp V #172, standing at 5,333, firmly places it in the “pop-saturated” category. For collectors considering submitting raw copies for grading, this means that while a PSA 10 grade will still command a significant premium, the margin for profit on new submissions is tighter. The break-even point for grading a raw copy and selling it as a PSA 10 needs careful calculation. Assuming a raw card price of $184.73, grading costs of $25, and an estimated 13% in selling fees (including marketplace fees and shipping materials), the total cost to acquire and grade a PSA 10 copy is roughly $184.73 + $25 = $209.73. Selling at the median PSA 10 price of $415.00 leaves a gross profit of $205.27. After accounting for the $25 grading fee and selling fees (approximately $54.00 on $415.00), the net profit is around $136.27. This demonstrates that while grading can still be profitable, the substantial pop count means that anything less than a perfect PSA 10 grade significantly reduces or eliminates profit potential. The opportunity for substantial ROI hinges on consistently achieving gem mint status. This is similar to the considerations for cards like Greninja ex #214 Special Illustration Rare from Twilight Masquerade, where high demand is met with a growing population, necessitating a sharp eye for pristine condition.

The Verdict

HOLD. With 5,333 PSA 10 copies of Machamp V #172 already certified, the card is in a saturated market tier. While the current PSA 10 median of $415.00 offers a strong multiplier over the raw price ($184.73), the sheer volume of top-graded copies means that significant further appreciation driven by scarcity alone is unlikely.

The robust demand for Machamp V #172, evidenced by its healthy price point, suggests it will remain a stable hold for collectors who appreciate its aesthetic and its place within the Astral Radiance set. However, the high population count acts as a natural ceiling against dramatic price increases driven solely by rarity. For those holding graded copies, the current market offers liquidity.

For collectors considering purchasing graded copies, it is advisable to buy at or below the current median if possible, focusing on specific market opportunities rather than anticipating significant upward movement. The “hold” recommendation prioritizes the card’s established value and strong demand over speculative growth potential, acknowledging the saturation of its PSA 10 population.

Where to Buy

For collectors looking to acquire graded copies of Machamp V #172, vigilant searching on major auction and trading platforms is key. Focusing on listings that are priced competitively within the established PSA 10 median of $415.00 will yield the best results. Patience is often rewarded as opportunities arise.

Check active graded listings on eBay offers a vast selection of graded Pokémon cards, and by setting up specific searches and alerts, collectors can be notified of new listings that meet their criteria. Monitoring sold prices is crucial for understanding the true market value.

Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer is an excellent resource for purchasing raw copies of Machamp V #172. Acquiring a pristine raw card at a favorable price, then pursuing a PSA 10 grade, can still be a viable strategy, but it requires a keen eye for condition and an understanding of grading fees and potential returns, as detailed in the grading ROI section.

Pro Tip: Given the high PSA 10 population for Machamp V #172, pay exceptionally close attention to centering and edge condition when purchasing raw copies. Even minor imperfections can prevent a Gem Mint 10 grade, significantly impacting potential profit margins. Look for cards that appear to have near-perfect symmetry and crisp edges that show no signs of white specks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the PSA 10 population of Machamp V #172 compare to other chase cards in Astral Radiance?

While precise comparative data across all Astral Radiance chase cards isn’t detailed here, Machamp V #172’s PSA 10 count of 5,333 places it in a high-population bracket, suggesting it is more of a widely accessible sought-after card rather than an ultra-rare chase card with a population under a few hundred.

Is Machamp V #172 a good investment for long-term growth?

Machamp V #172 is likely a stable hold rather than a high-growth investment. Its significant PSA 10 population suggests that while demand is strong, scarcity-driven price surges are improbable. Long-term growth will likely be tied to the overall market appreciation of Pokémon TCG graded cards.

What is the biggest risk when grading Machamp V #172 now?

The biggest risk is failing to achieve a PSA 10 grade. With over 5,300 PSA 10s already certified, competition at the top tier is fierce. Submitting a card that only receives a PSA 9 ($179.99 median) or lower will significantly reduce or eliminate any profit margin compared to the raw card price of $184.73.

Should I buy graded Machamp V #172 or raw copies?

If you intend to hold the card as a collectible or appreciate the security of a graded asset, buying graded at or below the PSA 10 median of $415.00 is recommended. If you are confident in your ability to identify and grade perfect condition cards for a potential profit, purchasing raw copies from Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer can offer a better entry point, but carries higher risk.

How much does it typically cost to grade a Pokémon card with PSA?

The standard grading fee for Pokémon cards with PSA is generally around $25 per card, though this can vary based on declared value, service level, and membership status. This cost, along with potential shipping and insurance fees, must be factored into any grading ROI calculations.

What does “saturated rarity tier” mean for this card?

A “saturated rarity tier” means that there are many copies of Machamp V #172 available in high grades (like PSA 10). While the card is popular and in demand, the abundance of perfect grades limits its potential for significant price increases solely due to scarcity. The value is more firmly rooted in collector demand and market trends.

Explore more insights on Pokémon card collecting and grading at our dedicated Pokemon Cards Hub and learn essential tips for maximizing your returns in the Card Grading Guide.