If you've been sitting on a collection wondering which cards are worth sending to PSA, this guide is for you. The same card can be worth $50 raw and $5,000 in a PSA 10 slab. Grading the right card at the right time changes everything. Grading the wrong one is just an expensive lesson.
At Fearless Cards & Collectibles we process hundreds of PSA submissions every year. Here are the 10 cards we think are most worth grading right now — with real June 2026 price comparisons pulled from recent eBay sold listings and Card Ladder data.
The Golden Rule Before You Submit Anything
PSA raised prices in February 2026. Regular service now runs about $105 per card all-in including shipping. That means your PSA 9 outcome needs to clear at least $100 above raw value just to break even. Always check recent sold comps — not asking prices — before you submit.
1. 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan Rookie Card #57
The most iconic basketball card ever printed. There are only about 330 PSA 10 copies in existence out of nearly 50,000 graded — a pop rate under 1%.
- Raw (near mint): ~$5,000–$6,000
- PSA 8: ~$17,000–$20,000
- PSA 9: ~$42,000–$52,000
- PSA 10: ~$270,000–$340,000+
- Verdict: If you have a raw copy that looks perfect, this is the most valuable grading candidate in the hobby. Even a PSA 8 is worth serious money. The jump from raw to PSA 10 is life-changing.
2. 1999 Pokémon Base Set 1st Edition Charizard Holo
The king of all Pokémon cards. The grading math on this one is almost unbeatable at every grade level.
- Raw (1st Edition, near mint): ~$4,000–$8,000
- PSA 9 (1st Edition): ~$54,000–$60,000
- PSA 10 (1st Edition): ~$400,000–$560,000+
- Unlimited print PSA 10: ~$25,000–$30,000
- Verdict: One of the safest grading investments in the hobby regardless of which print run you have. Even unlimited copies make strong sense to grade if they're in gem condition.
3. 2023 Panini Prizm Victor Wembanyama Base RC #136
Card Ladder data shows the Wembanyama Prizm Base PSA 10 recently selling between $450 and $550, with active eBay auctions currently running at $390–$510. With Wembanyama putting up historic playoff numbers in 2026 the card is surging right now. Card Ladder
- Raw: ~$25–$45
- PSA 9: ~$125–$140
- PSA 10: ~$450–$500+ (spiking with playoff run)
- Verdict: Wembanyama won Rookie of the Year in 2024, made the All-Star team in 2025, and is averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds and 3.8 blocks — yet his PSA 10 base Prizm was selling for just $155 in February 2026. With the playoff surge this is one of the best buy-and-grade opportunities in the hobby right now. Sports Card Radio
4. Pokémon Charizard ex SAR (Pokémon 151 Set)
The most popular modern Pokémon grading target and one of the best raw-to-graded multipliers in the current market.
- Raw: ~$300–$400
- PSA 9: ~$450–$475
- PSA 10: ~$1550–$1650
- Verdict: Strong 4-5x multiplier at PSA 10, high collector demand and a card that moves fast on the secondary market. Grade it if it's pristine.
5. Umbreon VMAX Alt Art (Evolving Skies)
The most coveted modern Pokémon alt art with one of the lowest PSA 10 populations of any chase card from recent sets. Condition sensitive — slight centering issues will cost you the 10.
- Raw: ~$350–$500
- PSA 9: ~$550–$750
- PSA 10: ~$1,200–$1,600
- Verdict: Low pop, massive demand, strong multiplier. One of the best modern Pokémon grading plays right now if you have a copy that looks gem.
6. 2020 Panini Prizm Patrick Mahomes Base #124
The base Prizm Mahomes has a massive population but still moves consistently. Recent eBay sold data shows PSA 10 copies selling in the $35–$55 range — not massive money but a reliable flip on a card that only costs a few dollars raw.
- Raw: ~$4–$8
- PSA 9: ~$15–$22
- PSA 10: ~$35–$55
- Verdict: Only worth grading in bulk at economy rates. Individual submissions don't make math sense unless it's a parallel or short print version.
7. Mega Charizard X ex SIR (Phantasmal Flames — 2025)
The hottest new Pokémon set release. Recent eBay sales show PSA 10 copies selling for over $2,000 with strong momentum.
- Raw: ~$600–$900
- PSA 9: ~$900–$1,200
- PSA 10: ~$2,000–$2,500
- Verdict: One of the biggest modern Pokémon grading opportunities right now. The SIR version from this set is in extremely high demand and PSA 10 pops are still relatively low.
8. 2023 Topps Chrome Corbyn Carroll RC Auto
One of the most undervalued grading candidates in baseball right now. NL Rookie of the Year with strong on-field performance and an autograph that drives real premium over raw.
- Raw auto: ~$40–$70
- PSA 9 auto: ~$120–$180
- PSA 10 auto: ~$300–$500
- Verdict: Still flying under the radar relative to his talent level. Grade it now before the market catches up.
9. Pikachu ex SAR (Super Electric Breaker — Japanese)
The highest PSA 10 gem rate of any modern Pokémon card at nearly 90%. The math is almost guaranteed to work in your favor.
- Raw: ~$50–$80
- PSA 9: ~$80–$110
- PSA 10: ~$180–$280
- Verdict: Near 90% gem rate means almost every copy you submit comes back a 10. One of the highest probability grading plays in the hobby right now for collectors who want reliable returns.
10. 2003 Topps Chrome LeBron James RC
The most iconic modern basketball rookie. Copies in gem condition still exist in the wild and a PSA 10 is a trophy piece with global demand.
- Raw (near mint): ~$400–$700
- PSA 9: ~$1,500–$2,500
- PSA 10: ~$8,000–$14,000
- Verdict: LeBron cards have appreciated consistently for 20+ years. Safe long-term hold with strong multiplier at every grade level.
The Bottom Line
The cards that justify grading in 2026 all share one trait — the PSA 9 outcome is still profitable, not just the PSA 10. If you need a gem mint to make money, you're betting on variance not managing risk. Always run the numbers first.
Ready to grade your hits? At Fearless Cards & Collectibles we offer PSA submission services at all three of our CT and MA locations across all service tiers from Regular to Walk Through. Visit us in store or check out our grading page at fearlesscardsandcollectibles.com/pages/psa-grading.