Is it worth buying PSA 10 Pokémon cards?

As an investor and content creator immersed in gaming culture, I firmly believe PSA 10 Pokémon buys can provide immense value. However, selectivity is crucial with these high-end graded cards.

Not all PSA 10s hold equal appeal or upside in an uncertain marketplace. By carefully targeting submissions based on measurable trends and data, though, you can build a "10" portfolio with staying power.

Modern Graded Cards: Significantly More Achievable Gem Mint Copies

Across 2018-2022, PSA population data shows a PSA 10 "Gem Mint" achievement rate of:

• Moden (Sun & Moon Era +): ~4.2% on average
• Vintage (WOTC Era): ~0.8% on average

So modern era (2016 onwards) cards submitters generally have over a 5X better chance of securing the coveted blue label. This grading advantage makes PSA 10 copies far more abundant for new Pokémon TCG releases.

While vintage cards attract higher individual premiums in flawless condition due to extreme scarcity, securing perfection is exponentially more difficult and expensive. This gives modern an edge for investors valuing accessibility and easier profit potential through volume of 10s.

Grading Populations Further Support Modern Dominance

Examining all-time PSA 10 populations further cements the modern era‘s grading prowess:

Despite being decades younger, Shining Fates already has nearly 6X as many PSA 10 versions in circulation – underscoring the surge in perfect modern cards.

Example: VMAX Climax Boom

VMAX Climax, the December 2021 Japanese anniversary set, perfectly demonstrates the modern craze. Its PSA 10 populations already exceed many vintage sets due to hugely aggressive submission rates in the past year.

Investor hype and solid ROI potential continues driving more 10 order activity. Prices still feel relatively low at ~$150-$400 for PSA 10s, but should appreciate over time given scarcity metrics.

Mitigating Risks Across Vintage & Modern eras

Regardless of era, risks exist when pursuing PSA 10s. Prices can see major declines if speculative mania fades. How can you safeguard your holdings?

Target Iconic Collectibles With Play Value

The most future-proof PSA 10s boast inherent cultural weight and tournament viability. Cards like:

• 1st Edition Base Set Charizard
• Skyridge Charizard
• Gold Star Umbreon

These capture collector imagination while retaining real deck value – sustaining relevance even if investors departed.

Prioritizing similar cards insulates against market corrections.

Monitor Populations & Trended Data

You can quantify entry opportunities and risk outlooks by studying:

• PSA pop report data
• Recent eBay sales figures
• Population growth metrics

For instance, a sharp rise in 10 grades might indicate a spike soon. Planning exits based on underlying data makes navigating volatility easier.

Final Verdict – PSA 10s Worth the Risk?

Absolutely – especially for modern era cards based on grader submission volume trends. Vintage also warrants consideration if you can stomach the amplified downside risk.

Hopefully this detailed breakdown gives you the information needed to hunt down the very best PSA 10 Pokémon cards with conviction!

Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy to provide collector guidance to anyone, anytime!