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PSA vs BGS vs CGC for Machamp V #172 Pokemon Astral Radiance: Which Pays Most in 2026?

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The consensus on Machamp V #172 is wrong. Raw volume, grading hit rates, and PSA 10 pop all point somewhere the hype crowd isn’t looking. I’ve been digging into the Q2 2026 grading market for this particular card, Machamp V #172 from the Astral Radiance set, and what I’m seeing flies in the face of common assumptions. While many collectors are automatically chasing the PSA 10 for its perceived prestige, the actual numbers from eBay sold comps reveal a different story for investors and players alike. My deep dive shows that while a PSA 10 of Machamp V #172 fetches a solid $400.00 per eBay 90-day median, the real value might be hiding in plain sight. BGS 9.5 commands a respectable $203.50, and CGC 10 sits closely at $199.48. This disparity, especially considering grading costs and turnaround, suggests that the “obvious” choice might not be the most profitable one. This article breaks down the exact figures, cost-benefit analyses, and provides a clear recommendation on which grader offers the best return for your Machamp V #172 in 2026.

• 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

Here’s a look at how Machamp V #172 is performing across the major grading companies, based on eBay 90-day sold comps from June 2026:

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

The numbers here are stark for Machamp V #172. While PSA 10 sales are relatively robust with 24 transactions, its median sale price of $400.00 represents a significant premium over the raw median of $192.84. This is the headline number everyone chases, but it’s crucial to look at the entire picture. BGS 9.5, with 16 transactions, sits at $203.50, indicating a much more modest premium of just 5.6% over the raw card. CGC 10, with 21 sales, is even closer to the raw price, landing at $199.48, a premium of only 3.4%. This suggests that while PSA 10 commands the highest price, the market for BGS 9.5 and CGC 10 Machamp V #172 is much more aligned with the raw card’s value. This crucial insight is what separates seasoned collectors from the masses when it comes to optimizing grading investments for cards like Machamp V #172.

Cost & Turnaround Comparison

Beyond the raw sales data, understanding the cost and time involved in grading is paramount. Here’s a breakdown of typical fees and turnaround times for Machamp V #172 as of mid-2026:

Note: Turnaround times are estimates and can fluctuate based on grader volume.

When considering Machamp V #172, the pricing tiers are important. For the PSA 10 median of $400.00, you’re likely looking at PSA’s “Regular Tier” at $49.99, assuming its value doesn’t spike above $999. BGS 9.5 at $203.50 would fall into their base $25+ tier for cards valued under $1000. Similarly, CGC 10 at $199.48 would likely fall into CGC’s $15 tier, potentially even $30 if they assess its potential resale value higher than their initial estimate. The turnaround times also present a significant difference: PSA generally offers a quicker turnaround than BGS, while CGC falls somewhere in between, often positioning itself as a faster alternative. The presence of subgrades with BGS and CGC is a key differentiator, especially for collectors who value that granular detail.

The ROI Math for Each Grader

Let’s crunch the numbers to see the expected profit and Return on Investment (ROI) for Machamp V #172, factoring in the grading costs, potential eBay fees (approximately 13%), and shipping. We’ll use the median sold prices and assume a grading fee that aligns with the card’s current median graded value.

PSA 10

• Raw Cost + Grading Fee + eBay Fees + Shipping: $192.84 (raw median) + $49.99 (PSA regular tier) + ($400.00 * 0.13) + $15 (estimated shipping/insurance) = $192.84 + $49.99 + $52.00 + $15 = $309.83

• Net Expected Profit: $400.00 (PSA 10 median) - $309.83 (total cost) = $90.17

• Expected ROI: ($90.17 profit / $309.83 total cost) * 100% = 29.1%

BGS 9.5

• Raw Cost + Grading Fee + eBay Fees + Shipping: $192.84 (raw median) + $25.00 (BGS base tier) + ($203.50 * 0.13) + $15 (estimated shipping/insurance) = $192.84 + $25.00 + $26.46 + $15 = $259.30

• Net Expected Profit: $203.50 (BGS 9.5 median) - $259.30 (total cost) = -$55.80

• Expected ROI: (-$55.80 profit / $259.30 total cost) * 100% = -21.5%

CGC 10

• Raw Cost + Grading Fee + eBay Fees + Shipping: $192.84 (raw median) + $15.00 (CGC value tier) + ($199.48 * 0.13) + $15 (estimated shipping/insurance) = $192.84 + $15.00 + $25.93 + $15 = $248.77

• Net Expected Profit: $199.48 (CGC 10 median) - $248.77 (total cost) = -$49.29

• Expected ROI: (-$49.29 profit / $248.77 total cost) * 100% = -19.8%

Based purely on these ROI calculations for Machamp V #172, the PSA 10 is the only grader showing a positive expected profit and ROI. The raw median price of $192.84 is critical here. When you send a card like Machamp V #172 to BGS or CGC and it only achieves a 9.5 or 10 respectively, the premium over the raw price is so minuscule that it gets eaten up by grading fees and selling costs. The true winner on ROI for Machamp V #172, based on current market data, is unequivocally PSA.

Which Grader Should You Choose for THIS Card?

For Machamp V #172, the clear recommendation for maximizing your return in 2026 is PSA. The numbers don’t lie: the significant premium commanded by a PSA 10 grade over its raw value is the only thing that makes grading profitable for this particular card. While BGS 9.5 and CGC 10 are viable options for other collectibles, the data for Machamp V #172 shows that the market simply does not reward those grades with enough of a jump to offset grading fees and selling expenses.

The “hype crowd” is chasing PSA 10s because they see the $400.00 median and extrapolate that to a guaranteed profit. However, without factoring in the costs, that $400.00 can quickly turn into a loss if you’re aiming for anything less than a perfect PSA 10. If you have a Machamp V #172 that you believe has a strong chance of achieving PSA 10 – meaning excellent centering, sharp corners, and minimal edge wear or surface imperfections – then sending it to PSA is your best bet.

The edge case where another grader might make sense is if you are solely interested in the aesthetic appeal of subgrades and plan to hold the card long-term, accepting a potential loss on paper for the sake of having a perfectly documented card. However, for any collector looking to actively profit from grading Machamp V #172 in the current market, PSA is the only path forward.

When to Use Each Grader in General

While our focus has been on Machamp V #172, it’s worth remembering that each grading company has its strengths and typical collector base. This context helps explain why the numbers might look different for other cards.

• PSA: This is the undisputed king for modern, mass-market Pokémon cards where the highest possible grade (PSA 10 Gem Mint) unlocks the most significant price multiplier. If you have a highly sought-after modern Pokémon card that you’re confident can grade a 10, PSA often provides the highest resale ceiling. They have the largest market share and are generally the most recognized name, especially by casual buyers.

• BGS: Beckett Grading Services is often favored by vintage card collectors, particularly those in the sports card world, or by Pokémon collectors who value the detailed subgrades. A BGS 9.5 is a strong grade, but the real allure for some is the elusive BGS 10 Black Label, which commands astronomical premiums. If subgrades are crucial to your collection strategy or you’re targeting that ultra-rare BGS 10, it can be a worthwhile investment.

• CGC: CGC has carved out a niche by being a faster and often more affordable option, especially for bulk submissions. They are also very popular with TCG players and collectors who appreciate their consistent grading standards and slab design, which often feels more modern. While their 10 grade doesn’t typically reach PSA 10 premiums on its own, their efficiency and tiered pricing make them attractive for volume grading or when speed is a priority.

• SGC: While not data-present for Machamp V #172, SGC is renowned for its classic “tuxedo” slab aesthetic and strong presence in vintage sports card grading. For specific vintage Pokémon sets where that aesthetic is highly prized, SGC can offer a unique appeal and often a good multiplier, though generally less than PSA for modern cards.

Where to Source This Card

If you’ve read this analysis and decided that grading Machamp V #172 with PSA is the path for you, or if you’re looking to snag a raw copy to attempt a grade, you’ll need to know where to find them. The best places to look are online marketplaces that specialize in trading cards.

For those looking to purchase Machamp V #172 that have already been graded by PSA, eBay remains the dominant platform. It offers a vast selection from numerous sellers, allowing you to compare prices and specific slab conditions. Keep an eye out for auctions and Buy It Now options, and always check seller feedback.

Check active PSA-graded listings on eBay

If you’re aiming to find raw copies of Machamp V #172 to submit for grading yourself, TCGPlayer is an excellent resource. This platform aggregates listings from many different retailers and individual sellers, often providing competitive pricing for individual cards. You can compare prices from various vendors and find the best deal for your needs.

Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer

Pro Tip: When purchasing raw cards with the intent to grade, always inspect the photos carefully for potential flaws. Look for off-centering, print lines, whitening on the edges, or scratches on the surface. Even a minor imperfection can prevent a PSA 10, which is crucial for the ROI calculations on Machamp V #172.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median price for a raw Machamp V #172 in June 2026?

The raw median price for Machamp V #172, according to eBay 90-day sold comps in June 2026, is $192.84. This is the baseline value from which grading premiums are calculated for cards like this from the Astral Radiance set.

Is it profitable to grade Machamp V #172 with BGS or CGC?

Based on current data, it is not profitable to grade Machamp V #172 with BGS or CGC if your goal is resale. The median sale prices for BGS 9.5 ($203.50) and CGC 10 ($199.48) are too close to the raw median ($192.84) to cover grading fees and selling expenses, resulting in an expected loss for both graders.

What are the grading fees for Machamp V #172?

For PSA, assuming a value under $499, the regular tier grading fee is $49.99. BGS would likely charge at least $25 for a card valued under $1000. CGC’s value tier for a card under $250 is $15, or $30 if they assess its potential value higher. These figures do not include potential bulk discounts or express service fees.

How much profit can I expect from a PSA 10 Machamp V #172?

If you grade a Machamp V #172 and it achieves a PSA 10, the estimated net profit is $90.17. This calculation assumes the PSA 10 median sale price of $400.00, a grading fee of $49.99, eBay fees of approximately 13%, and $15 for shipping and insurance. This represents an ROI of approximately 29.1%.

Should I submit Machamp V #172 to PSA or CGC if I want the fastest turnaround?

If speed is your primary concern for Machamp V #172, PSA typically offers a faster turnaround time, estimated at 10-20 business days, compared to CGC’s 15-25 business days. However, both are generally quicker than BGS, which can take 25-40 business days. Remember that these are estimates and can fluctuate based on the grading company’s current workload.

What makes PSA the best choice for Machamp V #172 in 2026?

PSA is the best choice for Machamp V #172 in 2026 due to the significant price premium its Gem Mint 10 grade commands over the raw card price. While BGS 9.5 and CGC 10 grades offer minimal gains over the raw median, the PSA 10 price allows for a positive profit margin after all costs are considered, making it the only viable option for ROI on this specific card.

If you’re looking to understand the nuances of the card grading market and make informed decisions about your collection, diving into detailed comparisons like this is essential. For more insights into optimizing your grading strategy and understanding the value of different cards and grading services, be sure to explore our comprehensive guides on card grading and Pokémon cards.

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