Hey guys, ever wondered which Pokémon cards are the most popular when it comes to getting a perfect PSA 10 grade? Well, you’re in the right place! We're diving deep into the world of Pokémon card collecting to uncover which cards have the highest number of PSA 10 grades. Understanding this can help you gauge the rarity, popularity, and potential value of your own cards. Let's get started!

What Does PSA 10 Mean?

Before we jump into the specifics, let's clarify what a PSA 10 grade actually means. PSA, or Professional Sports Authenticator, is one of the leading grading services in the collectible card industry. When a card is submitted to PSA, it undergoes a thorough inspection process. This includes checking for:

• Centering
• Surface flaws
• Corner sharpness
• Edge quality

A card that receives a PSA 10 grade is considered to be in gem mint condition. This means it has virtually no imperfections and is as close to perfect as possible. Achieving a PSA 10 is highly sought after by collectors because it significantly increases the card's value and desirability.

Why is PSA 10 Important?

The grade a card receives from PSA can drastically affect its market value. A PSA 10 card is generally worth significantly more than the same card in a lower grade. For example, a card graded PSA 9 (mint) might be worth a fraction of what a PSA 10 is worth. This is because:

1. Rarity: A PSA 10 card is rarer due to the stringent grading criteria.
2. Demand: Collectors are willing to pay a premium for cards in the best possible condition.
3. Investment: PSA 10 cards are seen as a more stable and lucrative investment.

Factors Influencing PSA 10 Numbers

Several factors influence the number of PSA 10 grades a particular card receives. These include the card's popularity, its age, and the print quality of the set it comes from. Let's explore these factors in more detail:

Popularity

Cards featuring popular Pokémon characters like Charizard, Pikachu, and Mewtwo tend to be submitted for grading more often than cards with less popular Pokémon. This increased submission rate naturally leads to a higher number of PSA 10 grades for these characters, but it also means that competition is fierce, and even minor flaws can prevent a card from achieving that coveted grade.

Age of the Card

Older cards, especially those from the early sets like Base Set, Jungle, and Fossil, are generally harder to find in perfect condition. These cards have often been handled and stored improperly over the years, leading to wear and tear. As a result, older cards that receive a PSA 10 grade are particularly valuable due to their rarity.

Print Quality

The print quality of a set can also impact the number of PSA 10 grades. Some sets have notoriously poor print quality, with common issues like miscuts, poor centering, and print lines. Cards from these sets are less likely to achieve a PSA 10 grade, making them more valuable when they do.

Top Pokémon Cards with the Most PSA 10 Grades

Alright, let's get to the juicy part – which Pokémon cards have the highest number of PSA 10 grades? Keep in mind that these numbers can change over time as more cards are submitted for grading. However, as of now, here are some of the most graded PSA 10 Pokémon cards:

1. Pikachu

Pikachu, being the face of the Pokémon franchise, unsurprisingly has a huge number of cards graded by PSA. Several Pikachu cards boast high PSA 10 populations. The Base Set Pikachu cards, both the Red Cheeks and Yellow Cheeks versions, are among the most graded. These cards are iconic and widely collected, leading to a high number of submissions. Other popular Pikachu cards include those from promotional sets and special releases.

2. Charizard

Charizard is another Pokémon that consistently ranks high in terms of PSA 10 grades. The Base Set Charizard is perhaps the most iconic and sought-after Pokémon card of all time. It's also one of the most graded cards, with a significant number achieving a PSA 10. Other Charizard cards from various sets also have high PSA 10 populations due to the character's immense popularity.

3. Blastoise and Venusaur

As the other two fully evolved starters from the original Base Set, Blastoise and Venusaur also see their fair share of PSA 10 grades. While not as popular as Charizard, they are still highly collected and graded, especially the Base Set versions. These cards represent a significant piece of Pokémon history and are essential for many collectors.

4. Mewtwo

Mewtwo, the powerful psychic Pokémon, has a strong following and many graded cards. Mewtwo cards from sets like Base Set, Legendary Collection, and various promotional releases have high PSA 10 populations. The character's mystique and power make these cards highly desirable.

5. Eeveelutions

The Eeveelutions, including Eevee, Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, and Umbreon, are also popular choices for grading. Cards featuring these Pokémon from various sets, including the Jungle, Aquapolis, and Skyridge sets, often have high PSA 10 numbers. Their unique designs and dedicated fan base contribute to their popularity.

Why These Cards? Digging Deeper

So, why do these particular cards have so many PSA 10 grades? It's a mix of factors:

• Iconic Status: Cards featuring iconic Pokémon like Pikachu and Charizard are naturally more popular and frequently submitted.
• Nostalgia: Base Set cards hold a special place in the hearts of many collectors who grew up with the original Pokémon games and the trading card game.
• Collectibility: Certain sets and promotional releases are highly sought after, leading to more grading submissions.
• Investment Potential: Many collectors view PSA 10 cards as a solid investment, driving them to seek out and grade these cards.

Tips for Getting Your Cards Graded

If you're thinking about submitting your Pokémon cards for grading, here are a few tips to increase your chances of getting a PSA 10:

1. Card Selection: Choose cards that appear to be in near-perfect condition. Look for good centering, clean surfaces, sharp corners, and clean edges.
2. Card Protection: Handle your cards with care and store them in protective sleeves and top loaders to prevent damage.
3. Cleaning: Gently clean the card surface with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints. Be careful not to scratch the surface.
4. Research: Research the grading standards of PSA and other grading services to understand what they look for.
5. Consider a Pre-Grade: Some collectors use pre-grading services to get an estimate of the potential grade before submitting to PSA.

The Future of Pokémon Card Grading

The Pokémon card collecting hobby is showing no signs of slowing down. As more collectors enter the market and the demand for graded cards increases, the number of PSA 10 grades will likely continue to rise. However, the standards for achieving a PSA 10 remain strict, so only the best condition cards will receive this coveted grade.

Conclusion

Understanding which Pokémon cards have the most PSA 10 grades can provide valuable insights into the market and help you make informed decisions about your own collection. While Pikachu, Charizard, and other popular Pokémon dominate the list, there are plenty of other cards with high PSA 10 populations that are worth considering. Remember to focus on card condition and do your research before submitting your cards for grading. Happy collecting, guys!