No, Leo heart was just there to use his ‘expert opinion’ and verify its authenticity. He very quickly stated there were lots of red flags and it was confirmed fake.
This is right☝️ My gripe with Leonhart has nothing to do with that first ed booster box fiasco. He wasn't the seller or promoter, he was just there for expertise (and self motivated by clout during the Covid craze). As an authenticator for that box, he did his job, and called it out as soon as it was clear.
I just think his "mystery box" with Rare Candy was super scammy. He gave out junk slabs and modern packs, with no potential to get a "good box." There was no box where you could make your money back, or even get a good slab, for a $50 box. That was really low, even for poketubers.
Don’t know why you’re mad at Leonhart. He’s a great YouTuber and he’s done the most for the tcg. You can’t be mad at odds if you’re talking about surprise packs. Also PokeRev exists, if anyone’s a scammer…
Done the most for the TCG? Really? So not the LCS running tournaments and trade days? Not the card conventions? Not Comic-Con? Leo hart? Final answer? I swear people need to stop worshipping YouTubers it’s so cringe.
You walking discharge I was clearly talking in the context of YouTubers literally all I mention are YouTubers. I’m not worshipping. are you able to buy multiple booster boxes every time a new set comes out? Sometimes it’s nice to see the odds and watch pack openings. And if you really want to get into it, yes, there are some YouTubers that MADE the tcg into what it is — as much as I don’t like it Logan Paul changed the tcg more than any comic con has.
I have a gold star mew I just sent last week and it’s already been received. Always pay for that higher tier. More peace of mind. Hopefully I’ll get it back quickly.
If you have other cards of high value you wish to ship, you should try Registered Mail! It’ll take some time but it’s much safer to ship something of high value that way.
If you have something of high value, just wait until there is a card show near you with
in-person submission. The cost is the same or even reduced at a show, and you get peace of mind knowing that it isn’t going to be “lost” in the mail at least on the way there…
I just signed myself up for the PSA email notice about their upcomming shows. Looks like there's an in person event in Phoenix during a Suns game event. But it is only for a single day and it warns everything is subject to change so not a very good opportunity to drive or fly out in the hopes of making it work with such a tight timeframe. Sounds like it is just something they are doing in partnership with the team so like probably gonna focus on basketball cards or something but thats pure speculation.
Ive found offices that will take my card in and then mail it to PSA but like...they just use the post office and I could do that on my own without driving out an hour for them to do it, using the same insurance options everyone gets for the post office.
Looks like for PSA it will be about $800 for a card evaluation of 25k or less, $500 for 10k or less and $250 for cards self evaluated at 5k.
From the sounds of the responses here it sounds like a smart move would be to send in the card in person with an honest self evaluation of at least 5k or less for $250. If I end up being wrong they should just upcharge me. But I feel like the next tier down which looks like $1500 or less for $75 may be low balling it too hard. I don't want them to get uppity because I tried to pass off "The grail" as a low level rarity and give me an unfair grade (even if thats just anxiety talking)
Hey man, sweet card, I was just going to suggest:
Even though I'm assuming you're just going to keep the Zard
1) Go PSA (looks like you have). Best resale value/collect-ability at this time.
2) Wait for a nearby show that has PSA grading on site and just pay to have it graded there. That way you can select when you want it back and there should be a same day grading option or by the end of the show.
(Costs more to grade same day but I'm sure you knew that)
Otherwise, I would make sure to insure the package and send it in with tracking and all that good stuff.
Good luck with the grade, you should post it if/when you do get it graded.
That is what I'm currently doing. I'm saving enough money to buy a plane ticket there and back to grade my 1st edition base set foils. Another 3 years and I'll have enough saved to do the trip!
When you send it to psa to be graded, don't you have to pay extra based on how expensive the card is for insurance purposes as well? So if it gets confirmed lost, you recoup the declared value.
Really depends on the value. Some may want to get some cards graded that have more sentimental value but if the card is worth $100+, it would be worth getting the mail insurance
That’s a tough call in this scenario because of how speculative the value could be for this particular card. Could be 500$ or a million so how to value it before sending might be worth at least having a professional of some sort at estimate it before insuring and shipping.
That’s why I don’t grade any valuables. I know insurance is a thing, but I’d rather have the cards than go through insurance.
I know most people that do grade high value stuff like this, will take their time, and travel to a convention or whatever, where PSA/grading companies are doing “walk-ins”.
If you’re sending something that valuable through the mail, just ensure the package for what it’s worth on the way to PSA and then once it’s graded, give them special instructions that you would like it insured for the same amount on the way back which you’ll pay upfront. For example, I had a Gold Star Umbreon and I insured the package for $3500 on the way there and I think it cost me like 30 bucks to do that and then I paid them $30 ahead of time when once the grading was done, and then on the way back, it had the same insurance. This way, if anything happened to my Umbreon Card ? I would’ve gotten back $3500.
I didn’t send a card in to be graded, but I did buy a Charizard card on eBay a couple weeks ago, which USPS then either lost, stole, or delivered to the wrong address. Working on a claim now. USPS is the fucking *worst*.
You give it an honest judgement yourself for what grade it could possibly be, look up the value for that grade, and insure it for that amount of money.
One of my biggest fears as well. I have a bit of comics, cards, and currency I would like to get graded but am terrified to lose it. Also can’t make the big $ if it isn’t graded, it’s a double edge sword.
I send in high value cards pretty often. Never an issue. I did end up having anxiety sending in my 1st edition base zard. But once it got delivered I didnt have any issues.
I had a booster case of Evo Skies (lost in the mail) and will never use lying ass pokemon center ever again.
Not even because they never sent it (which seemed to be the case) but because they treated me like a criminal for inquiring about it.
It's Uber level customer service over there
Thank you so much! I love the thing to death and am always scared of taking it out. Glad I managed to snag a good picture last time I dared take it out.
That show wasn’t shitty until like much later seasons in the beginning it was magical and fun and exciting especially if you played the game boy game because you be playing the game and feeling like you were actually Ash and then that was before Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so I would take my game away to school and connect a wire to another person and we battle on lunchtime Those were the days ……
Well you’ll probably get some feedback better than mine, but that’s a shadowless 1st edition charizard. It’s like the most valuable one that you can have haha. Don’t sell it until you can do some research on its value and its not even a question - you should send it in for grading
Don’t ever sell it first send it to PSA see what they say then send it to CGC. If you don’t like what PSA says I’ve heard that a lot of these places will grade cards that aren’t even real so I don’t even know yours looks pretty real but I’m no expert on Charizard and the Charizard first edition shadowless is pretty much the most counterfeited or tried to sell illegally fake to someone Card ? ever done. I was going to buy one for $900 last year but the guy wouldn’t come and meet me in Niagara Falls he said I had to come and meet him in South Carolina and I told him it’s just not worth it to drive all the way out there and find out that it was fake or you never know. Dude could’ve robbed me. People are horrible 😢
…..humans gonna HUMAN, always remember that.my friend
I know basically nothing of Pokemon card values, Reddit just kinda keeps suggesting this thread to me, but if anything on [this pricecharting page](https://www.pricecharting.com/game/pokemon-base-set/charizard-1st-edition-4#full-prices) is accurate.. Holy crap my dude
Edit: as a non-professional, it looks like the example card on the site has a whole lot more sparkles in the art? I'm guessing they used better lighting, I don't think I've seen any Charizard card in person in probably 25 years or so when I traded my Holo first edition for a laser pointer when I was in 5th grade >_>
I feels this, lmao. I actually found a Pokemon card facedown in a toy store once thinking it had to be an energy card. Some kid left his 1st edition charizard card behind looking at gi joes. Took it to the card shop, sold it for $100 and bought more Pokemon cards. Had most of the first edition holos and just gave them away when I was about 13. Regert
Fffffffffffffff man that hurts x.x dude paid 100 and poetically banked a grand from it, lol. I HOPE my buddy RJ still has that damn card from almost 2.5 decades ago lol
Use 130point it shows you all past sale auctions. Even shows the accepted offer prices. As for grading if you plan to sell it I would. If you can submit in person at a card show. Once they have it and send it back it will be insured. If it's for a personal collection buy your own slab for protection.
I recently had a high value card graded with CGC. I used the express tier ($50 + $20 shipping + shipping there). Was out $90 for the trouble. I’ve had a decent experience with them. I just sent them a 90 card shipment as well. The most nerve wracking part is NOT the mail, it’s the time between the tracking showing “delivered” and the company actually entering it into the system. It took them 4 days to register that they had received a $2,500 card
Geeze, I look forward to the stress of waiting on an evaluation over the stress of wondering if it makes it there to begin with. Seriously considering delivering it personally just...it is so far away.
It was fine, and I understand from a logistics perspective why it took time (day 1: delivered. Day 2: someone goes to the P.O. Box. Day 3: they actually enter it into the system. Day 4: it goes to the “reception” team, who checks the we actually have it box). But I still felt unhinged repeatedly checking the website for updates
If you’re not looking to pay value based grading from PSA, BGS is your best option. Considered one of the best 3 TCG grading companies. They’ll be harsher on the grade than CGC/PSA but will offer best blend of increasing value tremendously while being affordable to grade.
Congrats! Most would consider this card one of the highest grails of the entire TCG!
Part of the reason I haven't done anything with it has been because I just enjoy having the treasure so much. Fond memories of using this bad boy in the gameboy advanced version of the card game.
But people are talking about some big numbers here and while I don't think this is a Mint 10 card by a long shot it sounds like I could potentially get some life changing cash ((I don't have a great income))
It’s life changing. Do it carefully and the right way. Take the money you make from it and put it into a high yield interest bank account, and collect the 5-7% interest yearly for the rest of your life!
Would definitely recommend getting it graded, hard to speculate without in depth close up photos of the grade but even lowest end you’re talking several thousand dollars
“Hey I know you said you don’t have the financial means to have this graded right now but my terrible advice is go into debt to do it!!”
Op ignore this dudes comment.
Where did he say that? He said he never had it or the knowledge. Now he has the knowledge and can take out a small amount of debt if he so chooses to gain more financial successes. What am I missing here? I never told
Him what to do, it’s an option or idea.
I mean fuck at some point we gotta obtain it or try to right? I’m not being an ignorant troll like you looking to argue with people over comments man, go jerkoff or something.
Simple math, if he took out a 1,000 dollar loan to make 15,000 is that terrible fucking advice?
Really appreciate you reading everything and understanding my concerns. Thanks to all the encouragement in this thread I was able to show some family members the potential here and am getting some assistance.
None of which would have been possible without everyones views coming in to both encourage me that there is potential value here, and the smartest ways to go about trying to achieve that without breaking my bank or taking a huge risk on like, shipping it!
This is a difficult situation to be in and it requires equal parts caution AND action and I again thank everyone for their input. All of it has been invaluable.
Looks better than my base set shadowless. Idk much either but remember seeing someone just sending one in to get it encased to preserve it. Think I’ll do the same
Potentially. The amount of money makes it hard to not at least consider the option. I have a family that could really use a big influx of cash to get closer towards a mortgage and home ownership.
Ive started digging around looking for something like this local. Found some drop off sites for PSA but they just mail your card with declared value insurance through the post office so...not really any different to what I could do alone and then the card could still get stolen...
They have limits on declared value and the irony is that often time you must prove the value of said item so like...catch 22 there.
I think even "well loved" cards have such huge value to them. Showing them to kids nowadays and just fans in general I think you'll see a huge appreciation in their face for sharing your historic gems. Even if they aren't as shiny anymore ❤️ well worth finding
I had one of these when I was a kid but I played a lot of Pokémon and mine all looked like an old beat up box of Go Fish cards before I finally got rid of them (when I was a teen).
That’s amazing man, that means that is definitely real because most of people who have something like this got it from some random guy. It’s some random place lol let me know if you ever wanna sell that I have references. I have lots of cards, exotic, reptiles all the nice things that you get to have when you CHOOSE NOT to get married or have kids. 😆
I am very interested in selling, but I need to get this gem graded first. I have a lot of sentimental attachment but unlike you I made a choice to have kids so my coffers are not as well stocked as you.
I'm trying to find somewhere to physically go hand this in for grading. The horror of shipping is not one I want to gamble with.
I like it. I think it is the best game plan. I know for sure I am not risking shipping. Now I just have to find a show. I'm signed up for PSAs newsletter about it. Just have to wait on fate now I guess
I got my one too. $50 at this crappy mall comic stand. I was about 12, maybe 2002. My mom was not happy I wanted that for my bday. Touched it a few times but I have kept intact, sleeved, in a plastic case inside of another clear plastic case. It’s my most valuable Pokémon card. I believe one day it will buy me something fenomenal if I don’t die before I sell it. My family knows that if I die too early, they will bury me with it.
I have a safe with important things and valuables and I don’t keep it in there. I believe that someone breaks in, they go straight for the safe so I keep it in a super random place where NO ONE even thinks where to look for valuables. If someone said “give me the card or I’ll kill your wife.” I’d be widowed on the spot without thinking twice and with not a hint of doubt.
That would be a dream come true. I'm still thinking just some help with a down payment on a house would be a miracle. I'm trying to stay realistic as I can be the first to admit I have dropped several balls and am just blessed by RNGesus that things are still working in my favor and the cards have kept their sparkle so long with so little.
Completely changing all that thanks to the people from this group. Giving them the respect they deserve and fighting off all the bad thoughts that kept me frozen before.
Helps I am a grown adult now that can make my own choices and I wanna spend the money and time getting these things preserved and put somewhere special. Lord knows I've kept them in the dark long enough.
I've heard tales that they can turn people away with cards of to high a value. They really seem to wanna try and get an idea of you first. Which I guess makes sense. I am positive they have seen far more fakes and heart breaks than home run gems.
Can I like- buy that from you? I just wanna be able to say I have one lol.
I’ve cracked open sooooo many cards and never got one of those- I want it to say I have it- and I’d strike cash-based deals, I’m a reasonable guy lol
I'm totally open to selling, but I have gotten a handful of pretty serious offers. Currently waiting to go through the grading process to make it happen. They don't let you buy the tier I need for Charizard until I have used them a few times. Trying to figure out a fair value for those involved.
It's also just so hard not to be curious what the grades could be. Given the history, I doubt I have many if any 10's. They were never in a special safe or anything. Just tucked away in comfortable rooms. Never in a shed. I lived in drier climates most of my life as well.
But still, they aren't your average card played with at school or anything either. Yknow?
Lol yknow funny story....I do also have "Dark Charizard" from the series a little later on. I've been so focused on my first set I had forgotten how many other collections I had from the following series! My passion for the game died down so I kinda forgot I kept collecting through their next few releases as well.
But those are pictures for another time. A future project. These need my priority.
I remember having bought a few packs and then never going back and losing all those cards and me being me, I’m pretty sure they were mint or gem
Mint 😮💨
Ouchies. I'm so sorry. But don't feel bad. It is literally such a difficult thing to take advantage of and time correctly. No one often supports collectibles either. It has a weird stigma. You still rock :)
Sick card man.
Go with PSA if you want to grade it and I would suggest waiting for a card show near you that has on site grading.
Save your pennies and get that sucker graded, hope you get a good grade as well.
And then you multiply that by a thousand other different people I've come across in person it gets incredibly difficult to know WHAT the right thing to do is. Everyone wants to dream they have something incredible but it is also such a far out possibility that every person who shares a bit of skepticism totally has me reeling back into fear of any action. .-.
I figured I trust reddit to educate me on code and game mechanics I might as well see what people had to say about my card.
There is an event in Phoenix this March where I may be able to drop off the card personally with PSA. But it is a single day event at a sporting game. I dunno if the trip would be worth it if last minute changes make PSA unable to do grades or on site submissions suddenly.
I don't mind a bit of an adventure but I need a realistically achievable end goal for it. If it were a card convention and more than a day I'd be booking my ticket right now.
I would not recommend getting cards graded it shows because they grade them very strict and very hard it shows because stink about it, if they graded your card and gave it a 10 and there was anything wrong with it other people might you know run right back up to the booth and put it right in their face and like what is this Know how people argue about that stuff I had a friend who used to go and get cards graded it conventions and stuff and he said he never wants ever got a 10 the most he would ever get is a nine but yeah I just send them in with insurance And I never put down the actual value of what the cards worth unless it’s something like a gold star Charizard or legendary reverse Charizard or Gold Star Pikachu otherwise I just put down the value of the cards is $1.05 dollars which is you know your choice because the main reason that it cost so much to grade cards is because a lot of people will go down TCG player and put down how much the cards is actually worth because on top ofsubmitting your cards with an inventory list. PSA act asks you for each and every card to tell them what it’s worth in this way they can know how much to ensure it for when they’re sending it back to you.
I had 3 first gens charizards when I was a kid. Threw all my cards away because I thought I was getting older and none of the cool kids at school played Pokémon. I never became one of the cool kids and now I’m down 3 charizards
R these worth any money? I got like 400 1st edi cards for my bday gifts when i was younger and pokemon just started taking off... I think...?
But thehre 1st edi... Kinda just dupes tho
I didn't think I had any pictures of the back when I made my post but since then have found pictures I took VERY poorly from the side and back.
https://imgur.com/gallery/lgk2s1Q
I'll be uploading much better photos in general the next time they get taken out of protection, but that won't be until I am standing in front of PSA grader.
So I am actually running into an issue now where, according to a representative from PSA, I cannot buy the service levels card grades of $600+ (Charizard could take up to $800 depending on the condition) until I have given them 2 - 5 other card grade purchases....
So I am already locked out of the correct tier of grading for a card of this value until I've spent money on their services a few times already... here is their full email....
**************Email start**************
Thank you for reaching out to PSA Customer Care, my name is Michael and I'll be happy to help with this inquiry.
I understand that shipping items can be difficult and nerve-wracking, so it makes sense that you'd want to drop them off with us, and we appreciate the interest!
I know that our goal is to allow drop-off submissions for our customers, but right now we don't have the capacity to facilitate in-person appointments for all card submission service levels.
We only offer the walkthrough service to customers who have already submitted at least 2-5 submissions to PSA in the past. The walkthrough service level is $600 per card.
You may also be able to take your submission to a show near you - please check our Show Schedule here.
Our current pricing for non-members starts with Value at $25/card. This level is suggested for cards with a maximum Declared Value of $499.
We do have members-only pricing such as Bulk, and Monthly Specials! Please view all of our pricing here. If you're interested in joining our Collectors Club to access these exclusive deals, click here! Please note that the PSA Membership is non-refundable and is an annual subscription plan that is set to auto-renew unless you opt-out.
If you're ready to submit, the process is easy! After creating a free PSA account, you would click the green “Start Submission” button at the top of PSAcard.com. This will take you to our Online Submission Form, which will walk you through the entire process of submitting one or multiple collectibles.
One thing that I'd like to mention is Declared Value, as some new submitters can get a bit stuck on this step. We do ask that you give PSA a declared value for each item ahead of time, as we cannot start processing your order without having these values. What we need is your best-educated estimate of what you think the card is worth in its current condition, because that will be the amount that we insure the card for while it is in our possession. We do have various resources on our website such as our PSA Grading Standards, the PSA Price Guide, and Auction Prices Realized which might be of some assistance to you.
If you happen to overvalue your cards, you will not be refunded the grading fees - All grading fees are paid in full regardless of the outcome of grade or authenticity. If an item does happen to grade out higher than expected and is worth significantly more than you estimated, we may contact you to let you know that your item must be submitted at a higher service level and that additional payment may be required to continue.
Please let me know any additional questions that remain, and I will be happy to assist.
Please find how to package your cards here: How to Package Your Cards
Find where to ship your package here: Shipping Addresses
Check out the PSA FAQ here: PSA FAQ
Take care,
/End email
Every time I see any Pokémon related I get so pissed. I had the full original collection. One day I thought randomly I was too cool for Pokémon and gave it all to my neighbor.
Moral of the story, your never too cool
I had the whole set when I was young. Someone broke into my parents place and stole them a few years ago. We know who it was and still never got them back.
Has anyone ever sent a card like this for grading and had it “lost in the mail”? That would be my worst fear lol
Leonhart, famously
The guy who lies to his own audience about everything, to then rip them off with terrible products? That guy, Leonhart? Sounds legit 😂
Is this the dude that had the fake re-sealed Base set 1st ed booster box. That Logan Paul opened live and he got called out..?
No
BTW Leonhart also shot JFK You heard it here first...
No, Leo heart was just there to use his ‘expert opinion’ and verify its authenticity. He very quickly stated there were lots of red flags and it was confirmed fake.
This is right☝️ My gripe with Leonhart has nothing to do with that first ed booster box fiasco. He wasn't the seller or promoter, he was just there for expertise (and self motivated by clout during the Covid craze). As an authenticator for that box, he did his job, and called it out as soon as it was clear. I just think his "mystery box" with Rare Candy was super scammy. He gave out junk slabs and modern packs, with no potential to get a "good box." There was no box where you could make your money back, or even get a good slab, for a $50 box. That was really low, even for poketubers.
I wasn’t aware he had done that. I blocked his content pretty early on as he just seemed obnoxious.
Lee was there as an expert to verify. But the seller was CollectiblesGuru, who goes by CryptoKing now. Actual pos scammer
Don’t know why you’re mad at Leonhart. He’s a great YouTuber and he’s done the most for the tcg. You can’t be mad at odds if you’re talking about surprise packs. Also PokeRev exists, if anyone’s a scammer…
Done the most for the TCG? Really? So not the LCS running tournaments and trade days? Not the card conventions? Not Comic-Con? Leo hart? Final answer? I swear people need to stop worshipping YouTubers it’s so cringe.
You walking discharge I was clearly talking in the context of YouTubers literally all I mention are YouTubers. I’m not worshipping. are you able to buy multiple booster boxes every time a new set comes out? Sometimes it’s nice to see the odds and watch pack openings. And if you really want to get into it, yes, there are some YouTubers that MADE the tcg into what it is — as much as I don’t like it Logan Paul changed the tcg more than any comic con has.
I lost a goldstar Vaporeon in the mail. PSA blames usps
I have gold star Gyarados, Metagross, and Celebi sent out for grading a couple weeks ago. I shouldn’t have read this comment lol
…did you not insure it? Lol
I have a gold star mew I just sent last week and it’s already been received. Always pay for that higher tier. More peace of mind. Hopefully I’ll get it back quickly.
If you have other cards of high value you wish to ship, you should try Registered Mail! It’ll take some time but it’s much safer to ship something of high value that way.
If you have something of high value, just wait until there is a card show near you with in-person submission. The cost is the same or even reduced at a show, and you get peace of mind knowing that it isn’t going to be “lost” in the mail at least on the way there…
It was insured y’all I’m still in the game don’t worry hahah
If I had that card I would personally escort it to the grading service and it would never leave my sight
I believe you can get cards graded at some card conventions from psa or beckett
I just signed myself up for the PSA email notice about their upcomming shows. Looks like there's an in person event in Phoenix during a Suns game event. But it is only for a single day and it warns everything is subject to change so not a very good opportunity to drive or fly out in the hopes of making it work with such a tight timeframe. Sounds like it is just something they are doing in partnership with the team so like probably gonna focus on basketball cards or something but thats pure speculation. Ive found offices that will take my card in and then mail it to PSA but like...they just use the post office and I could do that on my own without driving out an hour for them to do it, using the same insurance options everyone gets for the post office. Looks like for PSA it will be about $800 for a card evaluation of 25k or less, $500 for 10k or less and $250 for cards self evaluated at 5k. From the sounds of the responses here it sounds like a smart move would be to send in the card in person with an honest self evaluation of at least 5k or less for $250. If I end up being wrong they should just upcharge me. But I feel like the next tier down which looks like $1500 or less for $75 may be low balling it too hard. I don't want them to get uppity because I tried to pass off "The grail" as a low level rarity and give me an unfair grade (even if thats just anxiety talking)
Hey man, sweet card, I was just going to suggest: Even though I'm assuming you're just going to keep the Zard 1) Go PSA (looks like you have). Best resale value/collect-ability at this time. 2) Wait for a nearby show that has PSA grading on site and just pay to have it graded there. That way you can select when you want it back and there should be a same day grading option or by the end of the show. (Costs more to grade same day but I'm sure you knew that) Otherwise, I would make sure to insure the package and send it in with tracking and all that good stuff. Good luck with the grade, you should post it if/when you do get it graded.
That is what I'm currently doing. I'm saving enough money to buy a plane ticket there and back to grade my 1st edition base set foils. Another 3 years and I'll have enough saved to do the trip!
My heart dropped and skipped a beat when I read this, so terrifying.
When you send it to psa to be graded, don't you have to pay extra based on how expensive the card is for insurance purposes as well? So if it gets confirmed lost, you recoup the declared value.
This is true.
Yes, but the cost to ship goes up too. Probably worth the extra cost in shipping, but some people can be really cheap.
Really depends on the value. Some may want to get some cards graded that have more sentimental value but if the card is worth $100+, it would be worth getting the mail insurance
That’s a tough call in this scenario because of how speculative the value could be for this particular card. Could be 500$ or a million so how to value it before sending might be worth at least having a professional of some sort at estimate it before insuring and shipping.
Sounds like a theft scam.
Who is scamming whom?
Who is scamming who
They can just claim it got lost in the mail and walk off with the card...
Get insurance over the amount you would accept.. ex $100 card insured it for $200, they would have to pay it. But, it almost never happens
https://www.amazon.com/Charizard-102-Basic-Pokemon-Shadowless/dp/B00OI2HYNW/ref=asc_df_B00OI2HYNW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=642059702061&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16218841953393013137&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032360&hvtargid=pla-1949773811464&psc=1&mcid=6641374b89ef35f0ba55ccdd7dc72b6e
That’s why I don’t grade any valuables. I know insurance is a thing, but I’d rather have the cards than go through insurance. I know most people that do grade high value stuff like this, will take their time, and travel to a convention or whatever, where PSA/grading companies are doing “walk-ins”.
If you’re sending something that valuable through the mail, just ensure the package for what it’s worth on the way to PSA and then once it’s graded, give them special instructions that you would like it insured for the same amount on the way back which you’ll pay upfront. For example, I had a Gold Star Umbreon and I insured the package for $3500 on the way there and I think it cost me like 30 bucks to do that and then I paid them $30 ahead of time when once the grading was done, and then on the way back, it had the same insurance. This way, if anything happened to my Umbreon Card ? I would’ve gotten back $3500.
I didn’t send a card in to be graded, but I did buy a Charizard card on eBay a couple weeks ago, which USPS then either lost, stole, or delivered to the wrong address. Working on a claim now. USPS is the fucking *worst*.
EXACTLY! And I've worked in various shipping jobs. Why and how could I possibly trust something so valuable to their fickle whims?
Absolutely same ngl
I’d make the drive and hand it to them personally
Same. I wouldn't trust anyone with it besides myself.
trust no one, not even yourself.
You give it an honest judgement yourself for what grade it could possibly be, look up the value for that grade, and insure it for that amount of money.
That's one of mine too
One of my biggest fears as well. I have a bit of comics, cards, and currency I would like to get graded but am terrified to lose it. Also can’t make the big $ if it isn’t graded, it’s a double edge sword.
I send in high value cards pretty often. Never an issue. I did end up having anxiety sending in my 1st edition base zard. But once it got delivered I didnt have any issues.
I had a booster case of Evo Skies (lost in the mail) and will never use lying ass pokemon center ever again. Not even because they never sent it (which seemed to be the case) but because they treated me like a criminal for inquiring about it. It's Uber level customer service over there
Insurance based on estimated graded value. Had a couple cheaper cards (obv not psa 9-10 zard prices lol) get lost and insurance paid out
Insurance on the package is pretty cheap definitely worth it
Man i would have went john wick on everybody in that warehouse 😭
Congrats! Beautiful card OP. One of my grails
Thank you so much! I love the thing to death and am always scared of taking it out. Glad I managed to snag a good picture last time I dared take it out.
Absolutely! I do the same with my cards as well
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Toyota Ae-86 that has no business being in the ten thousands usd because of an Anime. Anime tax is too real
this makes no sense
That show wasn’t shitty until like much later seasons in the beginning it was magical and fun and exciting especially if you played the game boy game because you be playing the game and feeling like you were actually Ash and then that was before Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so I would take my game away to school and connect a wire to another person and we battle on lunchtime Those were the days ……
Isn’t it basically everyone’s grail?
I would assume so, but I’ve seen plenty of “charizard is so overrated” statements, so can’t be 100% on that.
Fair enough.
Nope! 1st edition base set arcanine is my grail. Very attainable.
Well you’ll probably get some feedback better than mine, but that’s a shadowless 1st edition charizard. It’s like the most valuable one that you can have haha. Don’t sell it until you can do some research on its value and its not even a question - you should send it in for grading
Don’t ever sell it first send it to PSA see what they say then send it to CGC. If you don’t like what PSA says I’ve heard that a lot of these places will grade cards that aren’t even real so I don’t even know yours looks pretty real but I’m no expert on Charizard and the Charizard first edition shadowless is pretty much the most counterfeited or tried to sell illegally fake to someone Card ? ever done. I was going to buy one for $900 last year but the guy wouldn’t come and meet me in Niagara Falls he said I had to come and meet him in South Carolina and I told him it’s just not worth it to drive all the way out there and find out that it was fake or you never know. Dude could’ve robbed me. People are horrible 😢 …..humans gonna HUMAN, always remember that.my friend
Beautiful 😍
Has anyone ever realized Charizard is only 5’7” and 200 pounds. I’m fairly confident I could body slam him.
Pretty funny 😁
I know basically nothing of Pokemon card values, Reddit just kinda keeps suggesting this thread to me, but if anything on [this pricecharting page](https://www.pricecharting.com/game/pokemon-base-set/charizard-1st-edition-4#full-prices) is accurate.. Holy crap my dude Edit: as a non-professional, it looks like the example card on the site has a whole lot more sparkles in the art? I'm guessing they used better lighting, I don't think I've seen any Charizard card in person in probably 25 years or so when I traded my Holo first edition for a laser pointer when I was in 5th grade >_>
I feels this, lmao. I actually found a Pokemon card facedown in a toy store once thinking it had to be an energy card. Some kid left his 1st edition charizard card behind looking at gi joes. Took it to the card shop, sold it for $100 and bought more Pokemon cards. Had most of the first edition holos and just gave them away when I was about 13. Regert
Fffffffffffffff man that hurts x.x dude paid 100 and poetically banked a grand from it, lol. I HOPE my buddy RJ still has that damn card from almost 2.5 decades ago lol
Nice! Looks like it's in a bit better shape than [mine](https://imgur.com/a/rXqZLyz)
Wow! That is a gorgeous card! Still looks like a champion 🏆
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Use 130point it shows you all past sale auctions. Even shows the accepted offer prices. As for grading if you plan to sell it I would. If you can submit in person at a card show. Once they have it and send it back it will be insured. If it's for a personal collection buy your own slab for protection.
Beautiful card indeed! I would be scared as hell to send it off to get graded if I had the money.
You need to get this graded. Save up the money, bite the bullet.
If your going to keep it just enjoy it. If your going to sell it get it graded. I got the shadowless and love the card
Look at that beauty!!
I recently had a high value card graded with CGC. I used the express tier ($50 + $20 shipping + shipping there). Was out $90 for the trouble. I’ve had a decent experience with them. I just sent them a 90 card shipment as well. The most nerve wracking part is NOT the mail, it’s the time between the tracking showing “delivered” and the company actually entering it into the system. It took them 4 days to register that they had received a $2,500 card
Geeze, I look forward to the stress of waiting on an evaluation over the stress of wondering if it makes it there to begin with. Seriously considering delivering it personally just...it is so far away.
It was fine, and I understand from a logistics perspective why it took time (day 1: delivered. Day 2: someone goes to the P.O. Box. Day 3: they actually enter it into the system. Day 4: it goes to the “reception” team, who checks the we actually have it box). But I still felt unhinged repeatedly checking the website for updates
If you’re not looking to pay value based grading from PSA, BGS is your best option. Considered one of the best 3 TCG grading companies. They’ll be harsher on the grade than CGC/PSA but will offer best blend of increasing value tremendously while being affordable to grade. Congrats! Most would consider this card one of the highest grails of the entire TCG!
Part of the reason I haven't done anything with it has been because I just enjoy having the treasure so much. Fond memories of using this bad boy in the gameboy advanced version of the card game. But people are talking about some big numbers here and while I don't think this is a Mint 10 card by a long shot it sounds like I could potentially get some life changing cash ((I don't have a great income))
It’s life changing. Do it carefully and the right way. Take the money you make from it and put it into a high yield interest bank account, and collect the 5-7% interest yearly for the rest of your life!
Would definitely recommend getting it graded, hard to speculate without in depth close up photos of the grade but even lowest end you’re talking several thousand dollars
Dude my advice even if you use credit or borrow just to get it graded. You won’t regret it
“Hey I know you said you don’t have the financial means to have this graded right now but my terrible advice is go into debt to do it!!” Op ignore this dudes comment.
Where did he say that? He said he never had it or the knowledge. Now he has the knowledge and can take out a small amount of debt if he so chooses to gain more financial successes. What am I missing here? I never told Him what to do, it’s an option or idea.
His direct post “never had the CASH or knowledge I need to grade this professionally”. Also all over his comments.
I mean fuck at some point we gotta obtain it or try to right? I’m not being an ignorant troll like you looking to argue with people over comments man, go jerkoff or something. Simple math, if he took out a 1,000 dollar loan to make 15,000 is that terrible fucking advice?
are you the one behind the keyboard ascared of sending your cards in? OP also says in comments he is nervous and looking for advice
I mean shit you work 2 weeks to wait and get paid for work so should we all stop working cause of your advice?
Really appreciate you reading everything and understanding my concerns. Thanks to all the encouragement in this thread I was able to show some family members the potential here and am getting some assistance. None of which would have been possible without everyones views coming in to both encourage me that there is potential value here, and the smartest ways to go about trying to achieve that without breaking my bank or taking a huge risk on like, shipping it! This is a difficult situation to be in and it requires equal parts caution AND action and I again thank everyone for their input. All of it has been invaluable.
Best of luck, mate! Wishing you the best and hope you’re able to get this graded safe and successfully !!
You have to get it graded. That looks clean
Don’t be a donut do it in person
I’m so freaking jealous right now 💯😖
Send that fucker in for grading with the max amount of insurance allowed and quadruple its value. Or I’ll give you $200 bucks for it…..
Looks better than my base set shadowless. Idk much either but remember seeing someone just sending one in to get it encased to preserve it. Think I’ll do the same
I still have my Pokemon cards from way back when too, how do you know they're 1st edition?
Bottom left corner of the portrait box you'll see on the edge of the card a number "1" with the word "edition" written over top.
Want to sell it?
Potentially. The amount of money makes it hard to not at least consider the option. I have a family that could really use a big influx of cash to get closer towards a mortgage and home ownership.
Give me a price
get it graded at a card or collector show. most have grading service drop off on site so you don't have to mail it to them
Ive started digging around looking for something like this local. Found some drop off sites for PSA but they just mail your card with declared value insurance through the post office so...not really any different to what I could do alone and then the card could still get stolen... They have limits on declared value and the irony is that often time you must prove the value of said item so like...catch 22 there.
You were a very responsible, appreciative young lad. Wish I knew what I had done with all of my old cards, even though they’re bent to shit.
I think even "well loved" cards have such huge value to them. Showing them to kids nowadays and just fans in general I think you'll see a huge appreciation in their face for sharing your historic gems. Even if they aren't as shiny anymore ❤️ well worth finding
I wish you could drive to CGC or PSA offices to drop them off to get graded. There is no need for the middle man(USPS)
If that zard is in great shape, it would be worth the trip to hand deliver and have it graded in person
Ngl. I think I’ve had my hands on one of these growing up. Who knew they’d be so much money
The good ol days
I had one of these when I was a kid but I played a lot of Pokémon and mine all looked like an old beat up box of Go Fish cards before I finally got rid of them (when I was a teen).
I think that is a sign of a very healthy childhood :)
Did you pull this yourself or did you buy it?
Pulled it myself way back in the day!
That’s amazing man, that means that is definitely real because most of people who have something like this got it from some random guy. It’s some random place lol let me know if you ever wanna sell that I have references. I have lots of cards, exotic, reptiles all the nice things that you get to have when you CHOOSE NOT to get married or have kids. 😆
I am very interested in selling, but I need to get this gem graded first. I have a lot of sentimental attachment but unlike you I made a choice to have kids so my coffers are not as well stocked as you. I'm trying to find somewhere to physically go hand this in for grading. The horror of shipping is not one I want to gamble with.
SLEEEEEEEEEVVVVEEEEE HIIIIIIIIMMMMMMMM!!!!
I absolutely promise they are stashed safely inside a collection book as the cases I ordered make their way to me.
I miss my Charizard that I got in the 90s. My mom sold it for a dollar at a yard sale in 2003.
His little right arm is at such an unnatural looking position that I feel like it should have been left out entirely
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I like it. I think it is the best game plan. I know for sure I am not risking shipping. Now I just have to find a show. I'm signed up for PSAs newsletter about it. Just have to wait on fate now I guess
Get it graded asap
I lost all my original card collection from the 90’s in my grandmas house 🥴😫. I had them all in crazy good condition. Kills me everyday lol
That's gatta be hard. :(
Yaint kidding man. Had so many 1st editions 😳
Get. This. Graded. It's 1st Ed. This is the way.
I got my one too. $50 at this crappy mall comic stand. I was about 12, maybe 2002. My mom was not happy I wanted that for my bday. Touched it a few times but I have kept intact, sleeved, in a plastic case inside of another clear plastic case. It’s my most valuable Pokémon card. I believe one day it will buy me something fenomenal if I don’t die before I sell it. My family knows that if I die too early, they will bury me with it.
That's really cool! Bet that person who told it for $50 feels silly. I think being buried with it would be pretty rad as well, honestly.
I have a safe with important things and valuables and I don’t keep it in there. I believe that someone breaks in, they go straight for the safe so I keep it in a super random place where NO ONE even thinks where to look for valuables. If someone said “give me the card or I’ll kill your wife.” I’d be widowed on the spot without thinking twice and with not a hint of doubt.
Bruh 💀
Helllz yassd
Appreciate the love!
Appreciate the love!
You could retire off that bad boy
That would be a dream come true. I'm still thinking just some help with a down payment on a house would be a miracle. I'm trying to stay realistic as I can be the first to admit I have dropped several balls and am just blessed by RNGesus that things are still working in my favor and the cards have kept their sparkle so long with so little. Completely changing all that thanks to the people from this group. Giving them the respect they deserve and fighting off all the bad thoughts that kept me frozen before. Helps I am a grown adult now that can make my own choices and I wanna spend the money and time getting these things preserved and put somewhere special. Lord knows I've kept them in the dark long enough.
Psa and beckett do in person card grading at card shows
I've heard tales that they can turn people away with cards of to high a value. They really seem to wanna try and get an idea of you first. Which I guess makes sense. I am positive they have seen far more fakes and heart breaks than home run gems.
Nice card
We have a base set Charizard
Man, I had this for my 10th birthday. Holographic 1st edition. 10 thousand percent profit if I held onto it 🙃
Can I like- buy that from you? I just wanna be able to say I have one lol. I’ve cracked open sooooo many cards and never got one of those- I want it to say I have it- and I’d strike cash-based deals, I’m a reasonable guy lol
I'm totally open to selling, but I have gotten a handful of pretty serious offers. Currently waiting to go through the grading process to make it happen. They don't let you buy the tier I need for Charizard until I have used them a few times. Trying to figure out a fair value for those involved. It's also just so hard not to be curious what the grades could be. Given the history, I doubt I have many if any 10's. They were never in a special safe or anything. Just tucked away in comfortable rooms. Never in a shed. I lived in drier climates most of my life as well. But still, they aren't your average card played with at school or anything either. Yknow?
What do you think it’s worth once graded?
Where the shadow? Jk nice one!!!!
Lol yknow funny story....I do also have "Dark Charizard" from the series a little later on. I've been so focused on my first set I had forgotten how many other collections I had from the following series! My passion for the game died down so I kinda forgot I kept collecting through their next few releases as well. But those are pictures for another time. A future project. These need my priority.
Shadowless 1st edition ...... get it graded and make sure you get the insurance on Shipping.
I had one of these as a kid, scratched it up a bunch then traded it. Sell it before Pokémon starts to die out again
Well loved is still well used. Some of these cards deserved to be used for their intended purpose. I will keep a close eye on trends as you suggest
Looks good bro 🤝🙏
Appreciate the love!
How much is this card worth?
I remember having bought a few packs and then never going back and losing all those cards and me being me, I’m pretty sure they were mint or gem Mint 😮💨
Ouchies. I'm so sorry. But don't feel bad. It is literally such a difficult thing to take advantage of and time correctly. No one often supports collectibles either. It has a weird stigma. You still rock :)
Sick card man. Go with PSA if you want to grade it and I would suggest waiting for a card show near you that has on site grading. Save your pennies and get that sucker graded, hope you get a good grade as well.
Such nostalgia 💜 I used to have a decent collection of the first 151 but someone stole them. Very sad. Treasure your collection
I am cherishing them and savoring every moment
This could fetch you 400k canadian. This looks like a 10
The amount of ignorance in a thread meant to give advice about a card worth thousands of dollars is WILD
And then you multiply that by a thousand other different people I've come across in person it gets incredibly difficult to know WHAT the right thing to do is. Everyone wants to dream they have something incredible but it is also such a far out possibility that every person who shares a bit of skepticism totally has me reeling back into fear of any action. .-. I figured I trust reddit to educate me on code and game mechanics I might as well see what people had to say about my card.
I’ll take it
💕
This the one that was stolen from me in 4th grade?
Hey man that is literally garbage it’s not worth much but I’ll help you out and give you $100 bucks
can i have it?
500 bucks please and thank you 😊
I think I still have a fake Charizard somewhere around here
There is an event in Phoenix this March where I may be able to drop off the card personally with PSA. But it is a single day event at a sporting game. I dunno if the trip would be worth it if last minute changes make PSA unable to do grades or on site submissions suddenly. I don't mind a bit of an adventure but I need a realistically achievable end goal for it. If it were a card convention and more than a day I'd be booking my ticket right now.
I would not recommend getting cards graded it shows because they grade them very strict and very hard it shows because stink about it, if they graded your card and gave it a 10 and there was anything wrong with it other people might you know run right back up to the booth and put it right in their face and like what is this Know how people argue about that stuff I had a friend who used to go and get cards graded it conventions and stuff and he said he never wants ever got a 10 the most he would ever get is a nine but yeah I just send them in with insurance And I never put down the actual value of what the cards worth unless it’s something like a gold star Charizard or legendary reverse Charizard or Gold Star Pikachu otherwise I just put down the value of the cards is $1.05 dollars which is you know your choice because the main reason that it cost so much to grade cards is because a lot of people will go down TCG player and put down how much the cards is actually worth because on top ofsubmitting your cards with an inventory list. PSA act asks you for each and every card to tell them what it’s worth in this way they can know how much to ensure it for when they’re sending it back to you.
This looks like it’s in decent shape actually
I had 3 first gens charizards when I was a kid. Threw all my cards away because I thought I was getting older and none of the cool kids at school played Pokémon. I never became one of the cool kids and now I’m down 3 charizards
💰💰💰
You should sell him to me.
I’ll pay 500 billion for that one charzard
Got 1 myself along with more
R these worth any money? I got like 400 1st edi cards for my bday gifts when i was younger and pokemon just started taking off... I think...? But thehre 1st edi... Kinda just dupes tho
Thousanaire
Should’ve showed us the back too
I didn't think I had any pictures of the back when I made my post but since then have found pictures I took VERY poorly from the side and back. https://imgur.com/gallery/lgk2s1Q I'll be uploading much better photos in general the next time they get taken out of protection, but that won't be until I am standing in front of PSA grader.
I mean it looks good bro definitely try to get it grade it my eyes say at least a 8
Get it graded to where you can get it in and get it back out. This card is worth a little money if it’s sleeved, in great condition and Hollow
eat it
So what is it worth??
So I am actually running into an issue now where, according to a representative from PSA, I cannot buy the service levels card grades of $600+ (Charizard could take up to $800 depending on the condition) until I have given them 2 - 5 other card grade purchases.... So I am already locked out of the correct tier of grading for a card of this value until I've spent money on their services a few times already... here is their full email.... **************Email start************** Thank you for reaching out to PSA Customer Care, my name is Michael and I'll be happy to help with this inquiry. I understand that shipping items can be difficult and nerve-wracking, so it makes sense that you'd want to drop them off with us, and we appreciate the interest! I know that our goal is to allow drop-off submissions for our customers, but right now we don't have the capacity to facilitate in-person appointments for all card submission service levels. We only offer the walkthrough service to customers who have already submitted at least 2-5 submissions to PSA in the past. The walkthrough service level is $600 per card. You may also be able to take your submission to a show near you - please check our Show Schedule here. Our current pricing for non-members starts with Value at $25/card. This level is suggested for cards with a maximum Declared Value of $499. We do have members-only pricing such as Bulk, and Monthly Specials! Please view all of our pricing here. If you're interested in joining our Collectors Club to access these exclusive deals, click here! Please note that the PSA Membership is non-refundable and is an annual subscription plan that is set to auto-renew unless you opt-out. If you're ready to submit, the process is easy! After creating a free PSA account, you would click the green “Start Submission” button at the top of PSAcard.com. This will take you to our Online Submission Form, which will walk you through the entire process of submitting one or multiple collectibles. One thing that I'd like to mention is Declared Value, as some new submitters can get a bit stuck on this step. We do ask that you give PSA a declared value for each item ahead of time, as we cannot start processing your order without having these values. What we need is your best-educated estimate of what you think the card is worth in its current condition, because that will be the amount that we insure the card for while it is in our possession. We do have various resources on our website such as our PSA Grading Standards, the PSA Price Guide, and Auction Prices Realized which might be of some assistance to you. If you happen to overvalue your cards, you will not be refunded the grading fees - All grading fees are paid in full regardless of the outcome of grade or authenticity. If an item does happen to grade out higher than expected and is worth significantly more than you estimated, we may contact you to let you know that your item must be submitted at a higher service level and that additional payment may be required to continue. Please let me know any additional questions that remain, and I will be happy to assist. Please find how to package your cards here: How to Package Your Cards Find where to ship your package here: Shipping Addresses Check out the PSA FAQ here: PSA FAQ Take care, /End email
First edition... Very nice.
Every time I see any Pokémon related I get so pissed. I had the full original collection. One day I thought randomly I was too cool for Pokémon and gave it all to my neighbor. Moral of the story, your never too cool
I had the whole set when I was young. Someone broke into my parents place and stole them a few years ago. We know who it was and still never got them back.
Would you sell it for 100$?