Does a PSA 9 Still Increase Card Value? You Might Be Surprised.

Every collector dreams of that perfect PSA 10 Gem Mint — the highest possible grade from Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA). But here’s a reality check: not every card can hit that perfect 10.

So, does a PSA 9 Near Mint-Mint still add value? Absolutely — and often, far more than most collectors realize. 

Now, by leveraging our promo code you can feel more comfortable taking your first shot at grading. Visit PSAcard.com, start a new submission, and use promo code BOXEDVINYL25 at checkout and receive $25 off your order. 

What Makes PSA 9 Valuable

Even though PSA 10 gets all the attention, the PSA 9 grade remains one of the most important categories in the hobby.

Here’s why:

1. Demand Outpaces Supply:
   For many vintage or early-print cards, there just aren’t enough PSA 10s to go around. Collectors and investors turn to PSA 9 as the next best thing.

2. Smaller Price Gap in Key Sets:
   While some modern cards show steep drops from 10 to 9, others — especially iconic or rare issues — hold strong value. For example, a PSA 9 1st Edition Pokémon card or a Jordan rookie can sell for thousands.

3. Market Perception:
   PSA 9s are still mint condition in the eyes of most buyers. They look flawless to anyone without a magnifier and display beautifully in slabs.

4. Investment Entry Point:
   PSA 9s let collectors own near-top-tier graded cards at a fraction of the cost of a 10. That’s a huge plus for budget-conscious investors.

Real-World Value Examples

• Pokémon TCG: A PSA 10 Charizard might sell for $15,000, but a PSA 9 can still command $3,000 – $4,000 — a strong multiple over the raw version.

• Sports Cards: Modern rookie cards like Shohei Ohtani or Luka Dončić often see PSA 9s trading 3× – 5× over ungraded copies.

• Vintage Baseball: Many pre-1980 cards have fewer than 100 PSA 10s in existence. That scarcity gives PSA 9s major collector appeal.

The Psychology of PSA 9

Collectors often over-value perfection, but smart investors recognize that the difference between a 9 and 10 is sometimes microscopic — often a centering issue or a single print dot.

When markets cool, PSA 9s tend to hold value better, because they appeal to both display collectors and long-term investors.

Should You Still Grade if You Expect a 9?

Yes — in most cases, grading to a PSA 9 is still worth it.
A PSA 9 slab:

• Authenticates your card

• Protects it permanently

• Boosts buyer confidence

• Often doubles or triples resale value

Even if you think your card won’t gem, the ROI on a PSA 9 can be solid — especially for low-population or iconic cards.

Pro Tip: Evaluate Before You Submit

Before sending your cards in, inspect these four PSA criteria carefully:

• Centering: Misaligned borders are the most common downgrade reason.

• Corners: Even tiny dings can turn a 10 into a 9.

• Edges: Watch for whitening on dark-bordered cards.

• Surface: Look for print lines, dimples, and scratches.

If your card is clean but slightly off-center, PSA 9 is realistic — and still a win.

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Final Thoughts

A PSA 9 might not be “perfect,” but it’s often the smartest balance of value and condition in the grading world.

If you’re looking to authenticate, protect, and raise the resale value of your collectibles — PSA 9 is still a powerful grade.