what is better value-wise when we compare a trophy/sub-trophy card.
some rare cards originally come in one of those plastic or acryllic cases with some kind of art on it. but i would think it won’t always be a 10 even if it’s sealed and it would be easier to fake the card if somebody want to. a psa 10, speak for itself. i know it comes down to the individual collector, but can somebody come with a more general anwser. maybe a sales experience or so.
Comes down to the individual collector like you said.
Most like/want the PSA for a number of reasons. Mainly authenticity and, of course the Gem Mintness.
Then their’s the collectors who find the card in the original case to have more Aesthetics, and better overall look than a PSA slab.
As far as a price goes, at this point where the Pokemon collecting community is, and the scarcity of these cards, it all comes down to who will pay the most, and who has the deepest pockets.
1 Like
Depending on which ones, in general I’d rather have and put much more value on a PSA 10. Otherwise, I’d put a higher value on a sealed over a 9. There are exceptions I’m sure.
It’s not a fair comparison. I think sealed adds a lot of value and it should bring a premium unless the card is faded, but it’s just not in the same category as a PSA 10 which these cards rarely get anyway…
Think of any other sealed card like promos or Base Machamp and you’ll have your answer. 
I think 5-10 years ago it was more of a preference. Today there are too many fakes to not grade a trophy. While I do like the cases for some trophies, from an authentication & protection perspective, there is only one answer.
1 Like
It’s a personal preference, but I much prefer the original display case for the aesthetic value. However, a graded copy will likely have more monetary value to most for authentication purposes. The fakes aren’t close to the real thing, but it does give most collectors an additional sense of security. Plus it’s like a guarantee, PSA will stump up the cash in future if proven to be fake.
Several in their original case have started to show fading so that’s something to consider to.
That’s a good point, but it’s more down to how many of the original Japanese winners proudly displayed them in areas hit by sunlight. PSA cases aren’t fully UV proof or specifically treated to be extra resistant, as confirmed by PSA. I’m not sure whether a PSA slab offers more protection against UV than the original display cases would. Authentication is the big selling point for having them graded/authenticated.
Honestly, I originally said this as a joke, but the more I think about it, the more I feel it is actually a good idea.
If I had a trophy card, I’d take the original card out and have it graded and put in a safe, dark place. Then buy a ‘custom’ copy and put it in the original case and put it out on display. This method optimizes protection, security and aesthetics.
I realize that most people here wouldn’t approve of dabbling in counterfeit cards but personally I think this is one of the few appropriate uses for them.
1 Like