I’ve kept my Tropical Mega Battle No. 1 Trainer in its original acrylic case since acquiring the card nearly 20 years ago. I’m now wondering, though, whether I should have it graded by PSA for potential future sale.
Is this card more desirable if it stays in its original case, or would I be leaving money on the table by not grading it?
grading 100%
Grade it, you’ll lose a few buyers as they aren’t willing to risk 5 digits on an ungraded card.
Grade it, you can always include the case in the sale
Keep it as it is. As more and more of these cards get sent to PSA for grading/authentication the original case will make the item more unique. If one day the moment comes you have/want to sell it you can still show case how pristine the card is with high quality photographs. You don’t need a PSA slab for it.
Both options are fine but I would send it for grading.
Always go for the option that is reversible. If you keep it in its original case, you can always grade it in the future. If you grade it now, you can always crack it and put it back in its case (not that I would recommend).
Since its not a sealed product (which if you unseal it, there’s no reversing that), it doesn’t matter which option you go with.
A PSA card is easier to store than the old trophy case though 
What grade do you think it will get Glenn?
Thanks, everyone, for your advice.
To answer your question, Gary, I’m not really sure. I have almost no experience with PSA, and the handful of cards that I did send to them came back with grades that, frankly, didn’t make sense to me.
That’s what I was hoping to hear 
I’ve never been a fan of PSA’s plastic prisons. But I still wondered whether I should slab this particular card, and I do respect the opinions of the pro-PSA contingent here on the forums, particularly when it comes to high-end cards.
Because I’m still on the fence, though, I’ll just keep it as-is for now. If I were to sell it, it most likely would be to a collector here in Japan, where PSA grading is not nearly as important.
If you are going to sell it to anyone, get it graded. You stand to leave a TON of money on the table by not grading it. A borderline 10 copy just sold for a little over $12k.
No copy has sold, you are probably thinking about the Tmb lucky stadium which sold
Derp you’re right, I was looking at the wrong card. His card is worth even more if it’s in good condition.
If you don’t like psa cases, and you’re not looking to sell does this conversation matter? When you do want to sell grade it, till then enjoy your card Glenn.
Dont ship it to PSA! Ship it to my mail box!
But really! PSA is the way! But seeing cards in their original display, really looks nice aesthetically!
I mean you can always grade it down the line. If you personally don´t feel any intention to grade it I would never even consider it. If you ever sell it and the buyer is interested in a graded card you might consider it, otherwise I wouldn´t even bother with it since the original display is aesthetically a lot more pleasing than a boring psa case.
Keep in original case. Chances are they’re in good condition as is. You do t want to risk PSA damaging them or encapsulating a hair in there. Unless you plan on selling them then do whatevs.
Phew… Thank goodness. Would be such a shame getting it slabbed. I feel a card loses part of its history once its seperated from its case. Thats why I’ve never graded any of mine.