Image sourced from eBay listings
Charizard V #154 Pokemon Brilliant Stars: Should You Grade It? PSA 10 ROI 2026
This post contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Grading Charizard V #154 from Brilliant Stars is a financially sound decision when aiming for a PSA 10. A PSA 10 sale offers an expected profit of $291.34 and an 88.9% ROI, while a PSA 9 result would incur a $94.26 loss.
Current Market Data for Charizard V
The demand for Charizard cards remains incredibly strong, and Charizard V #154 from Brilliant Stars is no exception. As collectors, we always want to know where the market is today. Here’s a snapshot of the current pricing for Charizard V #154 across different grading tiers, based on recent sold data from eBay and PriceCharting as of October 6, 2026:
| Grade | Median | Premium Over Raw | Transaction Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | $267.87 | N/A | N/A |
| PSA 9 | $275.50 | $7.63 | 15 |
| BGS 9.5 | $457.93 | $190.06 | 8 |
| CGC 10 | $398.47 | $130.60 | 12 |
| PSA 10 | $720.00 | $452.13 | 22 |
Sources: eBay sold data, PriceCharting (as of October 6, 2026)
Looking at these numbers, it’s clear that achieving a PSA 10 grade on Charizard V #154 offers a significant premium over its raw price. The jump from a PSA 9 to a PSA 10 is substantial, and even the BGS 9.5 and CGC 10 grades show a healthy increase. This initial data is the foundation for our ROI calculations.
| Grade | Sold median | Tier & fee | Turnaround | Profit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA 10 | $720 | Standard $59.99 | 90-100 business days | $291.34 | 88.9% |
| CGC 10 | $398 | Economy $20.00 | 90 working days | $52.40 | 18.2% |
| BGS 9.5 | $458 | Express $79.95 | 15 business days | $44.03 | 12.7% |
Fees from each grader's own site, checked Oct 12, 2026. PSA's Value tiers are paused. Beckett is taking Express submissions only. eBay trading-card fee: 13.25% up to $7,500, 2.35% above, plus $0.40 per order. Shipping is an estimate. Prices are recent sold medians. The tier is set by the card's value; PSA publishes no fee above $10,000.
The Break-Even Math
To understand the financial viability of grading Charizard V #154, we need to break down the costs and potential returns. This isn’t just about the sticker price of a PSA 10; it’s about the net proceeds after fees and the cost of grading itself.
First, let’s establish the potential net proceeds from a graded sale. eBay charges trading cards a 13.25% selling fee plus a $0.40 per-order fee, and we also factor in an estimated $5 shipping cost.
- Net Graded Proceeds (assuming PSA 10 sale): PSA 10 Median Sale Price ($720.00) - eBay Fee ($720.00 * 13.25% + $0.40 = $95.80) - $5 Shipping Cost $720.00 - $95.80 - $5.00 = $619.20
Next, we consider the grading fee. PSA’s Value tiers are paused (checked October 12, 2026), so the cheapest open PSA tier for a card that sells for $720.00 is Standard at $59.99 per card (cards up to $1,000).
- Grading Fee: $59.99 (PSA Standard)
Now, we can calculate the expected profit for a card that sells as a PSA 10. This profit is the net amount received from selling the graded card minus the cost of acquiring the raw card and the grading fee.
-
Expected Profit (for a PSA 10 sale): Net Graded Proceeds ($619.20) - Raw Card Cost ($267.87) - Grading Fee ($59.99) $619.20 - $267.87 - $59.99 = $291.34
-
Grading ROI %: Total Cost = Raw Card Cost ($267.87) + Grading Fee ($59.99) = $327.86 Grading ROI % = ($291.34 / $327.86) * 100 = 88.9%
This figure represents the profit if the card comes back a PSA 10. A lower grade changes the picture:
-
Profit for a PSA 9 sale: Net Graded Proceeds (PSA 9): $275.50 - $36.90 eBay fee - $5.00 = $233.60 $233.60 - $267.87 (Raw Cost) - $59.99 (Grading Fee) = -$94.26 (a loss)
-
Break-Even Raw Price for a PSA 10: This is the maximum raw price you can pay for a card and still break even after grading and selling it as a PSA 10. Break-Even Raw Price = Net Graded Proceeds (PSA 10) - Grading Fee $619.20 - $59.99 = $559.21
Multi-Grader Comparison
While PSA is often the go-to for Pokemon cards, it’s always wise to look at what other major grading companies offer. Based on the sold data we track, we can compare the median prices for Charizard V #154 across PSA, BGS, and CGC.
| Grade | Median |
|---|---|
| PSA 10 | $720.00 |
| BGS 9.5 | $457.93 |
| CGC 10 | $398.47 |
PSA 10 holds a higher value than both BGS 9.5 and CGC 10 for Charizard V #154. This is a common trend in the Pokemon card market, where PSA generally maintains the highest resale values.
-
PSA 10: $720.00
-
BGS 9.5: $457.93 (approx. 63.6% of PSA 10 value)
-
CGC 10: $398.47 (approx. 55.3% of PSA 10 value)
Given these figures, if your primary goal is maximizing profit and you believe you can achieve a PSA 10, submitting to PSA is likely the most financially rewarding path for Charizard V #154. While BGS and CGC offer solid values, the multiplier effect for a PSA 10 is currently superior for this particular card. This doesn’t diminish the quality of BGS or CGC grading, but rather reflects the current market demand and perceived value for top-tier Pokemon grades. If you are looking for a lower entry cost into graded cards or specific sub-grades from BGS, they can still be viable, but for pure profit on this specific card, PSA appears to be the leader.
The Verdict
GRADE.
The data overwhelmingly suggests that grading Charizard V #154 from Brilliant Stars, with the aim of achieving a PSA 10, is a financially sound decision. The potential profit of $291.34 and an ROI of 88.9% on a PSA 10 sale are compelling, as long as the card comes back a PSA 10.
The premium for a PSA 10 grade over the raw card price is substantial. A PSA 9 result loses $94.26 after fees, while a PSA 10 earns $291.34, so the outcome depends heavily on hitting the top grade. The market demand for Charizard, especially in high grades, continues to be a driving force.
In a multi-grader comparison, PSA 10 for Charizard V #154 shows a higher median sale price than BGS 9.5 and CGC 10. For maximizing return on investment, pursuing a PSA 10 grade for this card is an effective strategy. Collectors should submit cards with excellent centering and minimal surface/edge defects, as these are critical factors for achieving top grades. The raw card’s condition should be evaluated before submission.
Where to Buy
If you’ve decided to grade Charizard V #154, or if you’re looking to acquire one to potentially grade, securing a high-quality raw copy is the first step. Finding cards with excellent centering, sharp corners, and clean edges will improve your chances of hitting that coveted PSA 10.
Check active PSA 10 listings on eBay is a great place to see what the market looks like for already graded examples and to get a feel for the condition of PSA 10s. For acquiring raw copies, Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer is an excellent resource. When buying raw, always examine the provided photos carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask sellers for additional images or videos if you’re serious about a purchase. If you’re interested in other high-value cards, checking out the Tyranitar V #155 Pokemon Battle Styles: Should You Grade It? PSA 10 ROI 2026 analysis might offer further insights into grading strategies.
Risks and Timing
While the numbers for Charizard V #154 look strong, grading is never without risk. It’s important to approach this with realistic expectations.
-
Grading Turnaround Risk: The time it takes for a card to be graded can vary significantly. While you wait, market prices for both raw and graded cards can fluctuate. A delay could mean a lower selling price upon return, or it could mean the market has moved in your favor. Planning for longer turnaround times is always prudent.
-
Condition Risk: This is the most significant variable. Not every card submitted will receive a PSA 10. Even cards that look perfect to the naked eye might have microscopic flaws that prevent a top grade. Factors like centering, edge wear, and surface scratches are critical. Refer to a Pokemon Card Centering Guide for Grading (2026) to understand what graders look for.
-
Alternative Grading Companies: While PSA often leads, other companies like BGS and CGC offer different grading tiers and may appeal to different collectors. If PSA 10 proves elusive, a BGS 9.5 or CGC 10 can still yield a profit, though generally less than a PSA 10 for this card.
-
When to Wait vs Submit: The decision to submit now or wait depends on market stability and your personal risk tolerance. For a card like Charizard V #154, which has strong demand, submitting when you have a good raw copy and the grading fees are stable is often a good strategy. Waiting for extremely low grading fees can be a gamble if the card’s raw market price drops significantly.
Pro Tip: Always factor in the cost of shipping both ways when calculating your potential profit. Insurance for shipping your cards to the grading company is also a wise investment for valuable submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charizard V #154 from Brilliant Stars a good long-term hold?
Yes, Charizard V #154 is generally considered a good long-term hold, especially in high grades. Charizard is consistently one of the most popular Pokemon, driving sustained demand. The Brilliant Stars set also features other desirable cards, contributing to the set’s overall collectibility. If you have a PSA 10 copy, it represents a significant investment that, based on historical trends, is likely to appreciate over time.
What is the typical grading fee for Charizard V #154?
PSA sets the fee by declared value, and a copy that sells for $720.00 as a PSA 10 falls in PSA’s Standard tier: $59.99 per card for cards up to $1,000. PSA’s Value tiers, including Value Bulk, are paused (checked October 12, 2026). These fees can change based on demand and PSA’s service level availability.
How much profit can I expect from a PSA 10 Charizard V #154?
Based on current data, a PSA 10 Charizard V #154 selling at the median price of $720.00, after eBay’s 13.25% selling fee plus $0.40 per order ($95.80) and an estimated $5 shipping, yields $619.20 in net proceeds. Subtracting the raw card cost of $267.87 and PSA’s $59.99 Standard grading fee results in an expected profit of $291.34 (88.9% ROI) for a single PSA 10 sale. This figure can change based on actual selling price and fees.
Should I submit Charizard V #154 to BGS or CGC instead of PSA?
While PSA 10 holds the highest median value for Charizard V #154 at $720.00, BGS 9.5 ($457.93) and CGC 10 ($398.47) also offer solid returns. If your primary goal is profit maximization and you believe you can achieve a PSA 10, PSA is generally recommended. However, if you are considering other companies, BGS can offer desirable sub-grades and CGC has a strong reputation for accurate grading and attractive labels. It depends on your specific goals and confidence in achieving top grades with each service.
For Charizard V #154 from Brilliant Stars, a raw price of $267.87 and a PSA 10 median of $720.00 show potential for profit. Understanding the ROI is key for collectors building an investment portfolio or protecting their cards. For more insights into card grading, information is available at the Pokemon Card grading hub. Analysis on other valuable cards, such as the Machamp V #172 Pokemon Astral Radiance: Should You Grade It? PSA 10 ROI 2026, may also be helpful.