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PSA vs BGS vs CGC for Badgermole Cub #167 MTG Avatar the Last Airbender: Which Pays Most in 2026?

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Grade now, hold raw, or sell? Badgermole Cub #167 is one of those decisions where each path has a very different expected value. As Magic: The Gathering, and particularly the Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover, continues to capture collector attention, understanding the nuances of professional grading becomes crucial for maximizing returns. This article dives deep into the current market for Badgermole Cub #167, comparing the profitability and logistical considerations of sending it to PSA, Beckett (BGS), or CGC. We’ll break down the latest sold data, the associated grading fees and wait times, and ultimately, guide you toward the most financially sound decision for your Badgermole Cub #167. Our analysis reveals that sending your Badgermole Cub #167 to PSA for a 10 grade currently yields the best financial outcome, with a PSA 10 trading at $54.50, while BGS and CGC data are currently unavailable. Here’s why PSA stands out and how to make the most of your grading submission for this specific card.

Table of Contents

• 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

When evaluating the market for any collectible card, understanding the sales velocity and price points across different grading companies is fundamental. For collectors looking to capitalize on the popularity of MTG’s Avatar: The Last Airbender set and specifically Badgermole Cub #167, the primary indicator of a card’s market value lies in its graded condition. The following table presents a snapshot of recent sales performance, highlighting the premium commanded by top-tier grades from major grading services. It’s crucial to note that the absence of sales data for BGS and CGC in this specific instance means the focus shifts solely to PSA, which currently shows clear market preference and established pricing for Badgermole Cub #167. This data suggests a strong market for PSA-graded copies, making it the primary consideration for sellers aiming to achieve the highest possible sale price.

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

Cost & Turnaround Comparison

Choosing a grading service involves more than just looking at potential resale prices; the cost of grading and the time it takes to receive your card back are significant factors, especially for cards in the current market. Different tiers of service are available from each grader, designed to cater to various needs, from budget-conscious collectors to those requiring rapid turnaround. Understanding these options is key to managing expectations and costs associated with grading Badgermole Cub #167. The following table details the available grading services for single cards, focusing on the most relevant tiers based on the card’s estimated value and typical collector needs. It’s important to note that some grading tiers or services might be temporarily unavailable, impacting the options for collectors.

Note: PSA Value tiers are currently paused. CGC Bulk is not used for single-card analysis. SGC data not available.

The ROI Math for Each Grader

Analyzing the potential return on investment (ROI) for grading Badgermole Cub #167 requires a clear-eyed look at the costs involved versus the projected selling price. With limited graded sales data available for BGS and CGC on this specific card, our focus for profitability calculations is squarely on PSA. The available data for a PSA 10 grade paints a picture of the current market’s willingness to pay for this condition. The following breakdown details the financial implications of grading Badgermole Cub #167 to a PSA 10, including the grading fee, estimated selling expenses, and the resulting profit or loss.

PSA

For a Badgermole Cub #167 graded PSA 10, the median sale price on eBay is $54.50. To achieve this grade, we’ll use PSA’s Standard service, which costs $59.99. This fee already exceeds the graded sale price, leading to an immediate net loss before accounting for selling expenses. The estimated eBay fee for a sale at $54.50 is $7.62, and we’ll factor in $5.00 for shipping and handling.

• PSA 10 Median Sold: $54.50

• Grading Fee (PSA Standard): $59.99

• eBay Fee (estimated): $7.62

• Shipping (estimated): $5.00

• Net Sale: $54.50 - $7.62 - $5.00 = $41.88

• Total Cost: $59.99 (grading) + $7.62 (eBay) + $5.00 (shipping) = $72.61

• Profit: $41.88 (net sale) - $59.99 (grading fee) = $-17.11 (loss)

• ROI: Calculated as (Profit / Total Cost) * 100. In this case, it’s a loss, so the ROI is negative. Net profit of $-17.11 on total costs (grading + fees) of $72.61 results in approximately -23.56%.

• Break-even Raw: To break even, the raw card would need to be valued at the selling price minus all fees. If the PSA 10 sells for $54.50, and total selling costs (eBay + shipping) are $12.62, the maximum amount you could spend on the raw card and still cover the $59.99 grading fee would be $54.50 - $12.62 - $59.99 = $-18.11. This indicates that even a free raw card wouldn’t allow for a profit at PSA’s Standard tier pricing and current market sales.

The current data suggests that grading Badgermole Cub #167 to a PSA 10 under the Standard service tier results in a financial loss. This is largely due to the grading fee exceeding the median sale price of the graded card. For this particular card and grading tier, the market does not currently support a profitable grading venture.

Which Grader Should You Choose for THIS Card?

Based on the available market data for Badgermole Cub #167, the choice for grading is unequivocally PSA. The current sales figures show a median sale price of $54.50 for a PSA 10. While this price point results in a loss when factoring in the PSA Standard grading fee, it is the only grader with available sales data, meaning it’s the only one with a quantifiable market presence for this card. Without comparable sales data for BGS 9.5 or CGC 10 grades of Badgermole Cub #167, it’s impossible to determine their potential market value or profitability. Therefore, if the goal is to sell the graded card in the current market, PSA offers the only established sales channel, even if it’s not currently profitable at the Standard tier.

However, the ROI math clearly shows that grading Badgermole Cub #167 under the current PSA Standard fee structure is not financially advantageous. This suggests that collectors interested in this card might be better served by holding the raw card, waiting for market prices to potentially increase, or exploring alternative grading tiers if available and if the declared value policy changes to accommodate lower tiers for high-value cards. For collectors prioritizing investment returns, it’s currently more prudent to hold the raw Badgermole Cub #167 or sell it as is. If you choose to grade for personal collection or speculative future value, PSA is the only data-supported option, but be prepared for an initial financial deficit.

When to Use Each Grader in General

While the specific data for Badgermole Cub #167 points towards PSA, understanding the general strengths of each grading company is vital for any collector. Each grader has carved out its niche, appealing to different segments of the market and types of collectibles.

• PSA: Remains the dominant force in the market for modern, mass-produced cards and is generally considered to have the highest resale ceiling for most TCGs and sports cards. If you have a card with broad appeal and believe it has the potential for significant future appreciation, PSA is often the safest bet for maximizing its market value. Their extensive pop reports and long-standing reputation lend confidence to buyers.

• BGS (Beckett Grading Services): Historically, BGS has been a strong contender, particularly for sports cards, with a notable premium for their BGS 10 Black Label, a grade that signifies absolute perfection. Their subgrades (centering, edges, corners, surface) provide a more detailed assessment of a card’s condition, which can appeal to highly discerning collectors, especially for vintage or rare items where minute flaws significantly impact value. However, BGS’s turnaround times can be longer, and their pricing structure can be more complex.

• CGC (Certified Guaranty Company): CGC has rapidly grown its presence, especially within the TCG community, by offering competitive pricing, faster turnaround times, and a strong focus on the nuances of trading card grading. Their Economy service, in particular, makes grading more accessible for collectors with bulk submissions. For TCG collectors who prioritize speed and value, or who are submitting larger quantities of cards, CGC is often a very attractive option. Their grading standards are well-respected within the TCG space.

• SGC: SGC has a long history and is a respected name, particularly within the sports card collecting world, often favored for vintage cards. Their distinctive tuxedo-style slabs are iconic and appeal to collectors who appreciate a classic aesthetic. While not as dominant in TCGs as PSA or CGC, SGC is a solid choice for cards where its established reputation and aesthetic are valued.

Where to Source This Card

For collectors looking to acquire Badgermole Cub #167, whether raw or already graded, the primary marketplaces offer extensive options. The vibrant secondary market for Magic: The Gathering cards, especially those from popular crossover sets like Avatar: The Last Airbender, means that opportunities to purchase this card are usually plentiful.

When searching for graded copies, eBay remains a dominant platform. Collectors often list their newly slabbed cards here, providing immediate access to a wide array of graded conditions. Check active PSA-graded listings on eBay to see current offerings and sold prices for PSA-graded Badgermole Cub #167. This allows you to gauge the market directly and find specific listings that match your criteria.

For those looking to acquire raw copies of Badgermole Cub #167, TCGPlayer is a premier destination. This platform aggregates listings from numerous reputable vendors, offering competitive pricing and a secure buying experience. Browse raw copies on TCGPlayer provides access to the largest selection of raw cards, ensuring you can find the best available price and condition before deciding whether to grade it yourself. Exploring both platforms will give you a comprehensive view of the market for this sought-after card.

Pro Tip: Always compare prices across multiple platforms and check recent sold listings to ensure you’re getting the best deal, whether buying raw or graded. For grading, research the specific grading tiers and their associated costs and turnaround times to make an informed decision that aligns with your investment goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth grading Badgermole Cub #167 right now?

Based on current market data for a PSA 10 grade and the cost of PSA’s Standard service, grading Badgermole Cub #167 is not financially profitable. The grading fee ($59.99) exceeds the median sale price ($54.50) of a PSA 10. Without data for BGS or CGC, it’s impossible to assess profitability there. Holding raw or waiting for prices to rise might be a better strategy for investment.

Which grader offers the best value for TCG cards like Badgermole Cub #167?

CGC often provides good value for TCG collectors due to its faster turnaround times and competitive pricing, especially for bulk submissions. However, for pure resale value on cards with broad appeal, PSA generally commands higher prices, as seen with the PSA 10 median for Badgermole Cub #167, despite the current ROI challenge.

What are the typical turnaround times for PSA Standard service?

For PSA’s Standard service, which is the most common tier for many collectors, the posted turnaround time is 90-100 business days. This means it can take approximately 4-5 months to receive your graded cards back. Faster, more expensive tiers are available for those who need their cards back sooner, such as Express or Super Express.

How does the MTG Avatar: The Last Airbender set perform in the grading market?

The Avatar: The Last Airbender set for Magic: The Gathering has shown strong collector interest, driving demand for key cards like Badgermole Cub #167. Cards from this set tend to hold their value well when graded, with top grades achieving significant premiums over raw copies. However, the profitability of grading is subject to the card’s specific market price versus the grading costs and fees.

Should I consider BGS or CGC if PSA data isn’t profitable for Badgermole Cub #167?

Given that there is no current sales data for BGS or CGC graded copies of Badgermole Cub #167, it’s difficult to recommend them for profit-driven grading. If your priority is to obtain a graded copy for your collection and you value their grading standards or aesthetics, they remain options. However, for resale, the lack of market presence makes them a riskier choice compared to PSA.

What is the break-even price for grading Badgermole Cub #167 to a PSA 10?

To break even on a PSA 10 Badgermole Cub #167, considering the $59.99 PSA Standard grading fee, approximately $7.62 in eBay fees, and $5.00 for shipping, the card would need to sell for roughly $72.61. This means the raw card would need to be acquired for free or at a significant loss to potentially see a profit at this grade and service level.

Navigating the world of collectible card grading requires constant attention to market trends, grading service costs, and individual card performance. For Badgermole Cub #167, the current landscape suggests that while PSA offers the most established resale market, profitability at the Standard grading tier is elusive. As you consider your next steps with your collection, remember to consult our detailed guides and pillar pages to stay informed. For more insights into card grading and the TCG market, explore our card grading section, and for a broader look at the hobby, check out our TCG Collectibles coverage.

Data: PSA population reports · 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.