×

Image sourced from eBay listings

Badgermole Cub #167 MTG Avatar the Last Airbender: Should You Grade It? PSA 10 ROI 2026

This post contains affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Should you grade your Badgermole Cub #167, or is the PSA 9 fallback risk too high? Let’s break down the numbers the Twitter hot takes skip. Many collectors chase the dream of a PSA 10 grade, believing it’s an automatic profit. However, the reality of grading costs, selling fees, and the actual market value of a graded card can paint a very different picture. For the Badgermole Cub #167 from the Avatar the Last Airbender set, a close look at the current market data and grading expenses is crucial before sending your card off. At $44.90 raw and $54.50 PSA 10, grading this card yields $-63.01 in expected profit at today’s fees. This analysis dives deep into the financial implications, helping you make an informed decision about whether to slab or hold this specific card. We’ll examine the cost of grading, the potential return on investment, and the critical break-even points that determine profitability.

• Current Market Data for Badgermole Cub

• The Break-Even Math

• The Verdict

• Where to Buy

• Risks and Timing

• Frequently Asked Questions

Current Market Data for Badgermole Cub

Here’s a snapshot of the current market for the Badgermole Cub #167 from the Avatar the Last Airbender set. These figures reflect the latest available sold data, giving us a baseline for assessing grading potential.

Sources: eBay sold data, PriceCharting (checked 2026-10-12)

The data for Badgermole Cub #167 shows a relatively small premium for a PSA 10 grade over its raw price. While a PSA 9 offers only a marginal increase, the jump to PSA 10 is modest. This suggests that the market might not be fully valuing the pristine condition required for a gem-mint grade, or that there is a significant supply of high-grade copies available, impacting the multiplier. Understanding these market dynamics is the first step in any grading ROI calculation. Without further data on other grading companies like BGS or CGC, our analysis will focus on PSA’s offerings.

The Break-Even Math

To determine the financial viability of grading the Badgermole Cub #167, we must meticulously examine the costs involved and the projected returns. We’re using the PSA Standard tier for this analysis, as it represents the cheapest open tier that covers a card valued at $54.50, at a cost of $59.99 per card. This fee was confirmed on 2026-10-12. The eBay selling fee is calculated at 13.25% of the sale price up to $7,500, plus 2.35% above that threshold, plus a $0.40 order fee. Our estimated shipping cost is $5.00.

Let’s break down the PROFIT MATH step-by-step:

• Grading Tier Used: We’re using PSA Standard at $59.99 per card. This is the most economical option for cards in this value range from PSA’s current fee structure.

• Net PSA 10 Proceeds: The median sale price for a PSA 10 Badgermole Cub #167 is $54.50. After deducting the eBay selling fee of $7.62 and an estimated shipping cost of $5.00, the net proceeds from selling a graded PSA 10 copy are $41.88.

• Total Cost: The total investment to get a graded PSA 10 copy to market is the raw card price of $44.90 plus the grading fee of $59.99, totaling $104.89.

• Expected Profit: Subtracting the total cost from the net proceeds reveals an expected profit of $-63.01. This signifies a loss on the investment.

• ROI: The Return on Investment (ROI) is calculated as the expected profit divided by the total cost. In this case, it’s -60.1%, indicating a significant negative return.

• Break-Even Raw Price: To achieve profitability, the net proceeds from a PSA 10 sale must cover the grading fee. With net proceeds of $41.88, the break-even raw price would need to be $-18.11. This impossible figure highlights that even if the card was acquired for free, the grading fees alone make a PSA 10 sale unprofitable at current market prices.

There is no data available for the PSA 10 hit-rate or gem-rate for Badgermole Cub #167, meaning we cannot assign a historical probability to a raw card achieving a PSA 10 grade. This introduces an additional layer of risk, as the calculation above assumes a perfect outcome – that every card submitted returns a PSA 10. If a card comes back as a PSA 9, the net proceeds would be even lower ($46.00 median - $7.62 eBay fee - $5.00 shipping = $33.38), further increasing the loss.

The Verdict

SKIP GRADING.

The numbers for the Badgermole Cub #167 from the Avatar the Last Airbender set are unequivocally against grading at this time. The total cost to acquire a raw copy and have it graded by PSA, including the cheapest available tier, already exceeds the median sale price of a PSA 10 slab. This results in a substantial expected loss of $-63.01 per card, equating to a -60.1% ROI. The break-even analysis shows that even if you received the card for free, the grading cost alone would prevent profitability on a PSA 10 sale.

The current market data indicates a very slim premium for a PSA 10 over a raw copy, and even less for a PSA 9. This suggests that the demand for graded Badgermole Cub #167, particularly at the highest grades, is not strong enough to justify the significant grading expenses. Without a notable increase in the PSA 10 market value or a substantial decrease in grading fees, any attempt to grade this card is likely to result in a financial loss.

Given these figures, the most prudent course of action for the Badgermole Cub #167 is to hold it raw. The potential for profit through grading is simply not present with the current market values and service costs. Focusing on cards with higher multipliers for their top grades or exploring other investment opportunities within TCGs, such as those found in our Best Foundations Jumpstart MTG Cards Under $25 (2026 Budget Guide), would likely yield more favorable results.

Where to Buy

If, after reviewing this analysis, you still wish to acquire raw copies of Badgermole Cub #167 to potentially hold for the long term or for personal collection purposes, there are several avenues to explore. The most direct way to find raw copies is through major online marketplaces.

For those looking for graded copies, particularly a PSA 10 if you intend to hold it as-is or use it as a benchmark, actively monitoring auction sites is key. Be sure to compare pricing diligently to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.

• Check active PSA 10 listings on eBay

• Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer

Risks and Timing

When considering any card for grading, it’s essential to acknowledge the inherent risks and the importance of timing. The market for TCG collectibles is dynamic, and prices can fluctuate significantly.

• Grading Turnaround Risk: The time it takes for a card to be graded, which can range from weeks to months, is a critical factor. During this period, the market value of the card could decrease, diminishing your potential profit or even turning a planned profit into a loss. It’s crucial to be aware of current market trends and projections before submitting.

• Condition Risk: Not every raw card submitted for grading will achieve a PSA 10. The condition of the raw card, including factors like centering, surface flaws, edge wear, and corner condition, directly impacts the grade received. A card that appears perfect to the naked eye might receive a lower grade upon close inspection by professional graders, significantly reducing its resale value and potential profit. For the Badgermole Cub #167, a downgrade to a PSA 9 would result in an even larger financial loss.

• Alternative Grading Companies: While this analysis focused on PSA, other grading companies like BGS and CGC exist. However, without comparable sales data for Badgermole Cub #167 with these companies, it’s impossible to perform a similar ROI analysis. Generally, PSA holds the strongest market share and demand for many TCGs, but it’s always worth researching the specific market for the card and set in question.

• When to Wait vs. Submit: The decision to grade should be based on a clear profit margin after accounting for all costs and potential risks. If the potential profit is marginal or negative, as is the case with the Badgermole Cub #167, holding the raw card is a safer strategy. Waiting for market conditions to improve – either through increased demand for the card or a decrease in grading fees – might be a better long-term approach. For collectors interested in cards that do show profit potential, similar analyses can be found for other titles, like Ms. Bumbleflower #103 MTG Bloomburrow Commander: Should You Grade It? PSA 10 ROI 2026 or Cinderella - Ballroom Sensation #205 Lorcana Rise of the Floodborn: Should You Grade It? PSA 10 ROI 2026.

Pro Tip: Always factor in all costs associated with grading and selling, including shipping to and from the grading company, eBay fees, and payment processing fees, before committing to a submission. A small profit margin can quickly disappear when all expenses are accounted for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current market value for a raw Badgermole Cub #167?

As of the latest data checked on 2026-10-12, a raw Badgermole Cub #167 from the Avatar the Last Airbender set is valued at approximately $44.90. This raw price is the starting point for any grading investment calculation.

How much does it cost to grade a Badgermole Cub #167 with PSA?

The cheapest available tier from PSA for a card valued at $54.50 is the PSA Standard service, which costs $59.99 per card and has an estimated turnaround time of 90-100 business days. This fee is a significant factor in the overall profitability of grading.

What is the expected profit or loss from grading a Badgermole Cub #167 to PSA 10?

Based on the current median sale price of $54.50 for a PSA 10, after accounting for grading fees, eBay selling fees, and shipping, the expected profit for a graded Badgermole Cub #167 is $-63.01, indicating a substantial loss.

Is there a significant price difference between a PSA 9 and a PSA 10 Badgermole Cub #167?

The data shows a modest premium for a PSA 10 over a PSA 9. A PSA 10 median is $54.50, while a PSA 9 median is $46.00, resulting in a premium of only $8.50. This small increase makes the upgrade from PSA 9 to PSA 10 less financially impactful compared to other cards.

Should I grade Badgermole Cub #167 if I think it will get a PSA 10?

Even if you are highly confident your Badgermole Cub #167 will achieve a PSA 10 grade, the current math shows a negative expected profit. The cost of grading ($59.99) plus the raw card cost ($44.90) significantly outweighs the net proceeds from a PSA 10 sale ($41.88). Therefore, grading is not recommended even with a guaranteed PSA 10.

What are the key risks of grading this card?

The primary risks include the high cost of grading, which currently exceeds the potential resale value of a PSA 10. There’s also the condition risk, as not all cards receive a PSA 10, and a lower grade would further increase losses. Market fluctuation during the grading turnaround time is another significant risk that could negatively impact the final profit.

We encourage you to explore our broader coverage of TCG collectibles and grading strategies. For more insights into card collecting and investment, visit our TCG Collectibles pillar page, and for detailed information on the grading process, consult our comprehensive Card Grading hub.

Data: PriceCharting · eBay sold listings. Analysis: What The Slab. How we get our numbers.

Price data, not financial advice. Past sales don't predict future value. We may earn a commission on eBay, TCGplayer and Amazon links.