Whether you’re brand new to thePokemon TCGor you’re a seasoned veteran of the hobby, one of the most important things to familiarize yourself with is grading. To go back to basics, grading cards means sending them to designated grading companies to have their conditions evaluated, scored, and encapsulated.
You can grade your cards to keep them safe and verify their condition, which also makes it easier to receive the most in return when selling your cards. The best cards to grade in Japan’s White Flare set stand out as some of the most beautiful cards in the set and gain the most significant value when graded.
8Hydreigon ex – Special Art Rare
A Dragon Rising
Hydreigon is an interesting Pokemon as it’s a pseudo-legendary who lives up to its name more than most of its peers. While Hydreigon’s rarity in this set is high, just like it was in Surging Sparks, it’s also just as difficult to appreciate this card’s scene through a screen.
While most of the best cards from this set will continue to fall in value over time, especially following the release of the English version, grading them will increase their value to the maximum possible, assuming a perfect score.
While Hydreigon’s value is likely to remain in flux for the foreseeable future, getting it graded will ensure that you can sell this card for more down the line.
7Keldeo ex – Special Art Rare
Colors Galore
Keldeo ex is a beautiful card, and its status as a Special Art Rare makes it one of the most sought-after cards in the Japanese White Flare Set. Keldeo’s popularity might not be as high as some other Legendary Pokemon, but this card’s visual appeal makes it a standout from the set regardless.
When cards are as visually stimulating as this gorgeous Keldeo, verifying their condition with a perfect grade serves to both solidify their value and likely enhance it several times over. Visual appeal and pristine condition are huge factors in determining the value of most Pokemon outside the most popular choices.
6Hilda – Special Art Rare
Flying With Friends
Hilda is one of the most popular trainers in the Pokemon TCG, and you can expect to see this card’s English version cement a spot amongthe most valuable full-art trainer cards ever.Hilda’s pose alone is visually fierce, and the inclusion of her partner Pokemon behind her makes the scene even better.
It’s always a good idea to grade cards that feature multiple subjects, given that these cards have wider appeal and often command higher prices than comparable cards.
5Reshiram ex – Special Art Rare
A Perfect Color Blend
One look atReshiram’s collection of valuable cardswill tell you that this Pokemon is as popular as it is valuable. Given Reshiram’s impressive popularity and established high values, this card’s prospect as a potential card to grade is high. This card’s value and beauty justify spending money to grade it, and the increase in its value will be worth the effort.
A perfect card will command a hefty price, even though this card’s value continues to drop after release, as attention turns toward the English version of this set. Expect this Reshiram to be one of the most graded cards from the set, and it will likely command one of the three highest prices in the set.
4Reshiram ex – Black White Rare
A Double-Edged Color
This Reshiram ex is one of only two cards that boast the Black White Rare designation, withthe valuable Reshiram from Black Boltclaiming the other. Despite being the most valuable cards from their respective sets, grading these cards isn’t necessarily the smartest option, given the cost of grading and the significant value this card already has.
While it’s worth grading this card as soon as you may and holding it for the long term as you wait for prices to rebound toward their highs, it’s not a requirement. This card is already expensive, and it’s smart to cash in on the raw card price early if you don’t believe you can get a perfect grade on it.
3Oshawott – Art Rare
Starting To See Potential
From huge price tags to more modest valuations, Oshawott is one of the best cards to grade, as a perfect score will bring this card’s value way up from its sub-$15 standing. Cheaper cards like this typically gain a lot of value in perfect condition, as, just like with Keldeo, visual appeal combined with excellent condition is usually a recipe for success.
While Oshawott is the only starter Pokemon to appear among the most valuable cards in the set, it’s not the only starter Pokemon that greatly benefits from being graded.
2Tepig – Art Rare
A Necessary Boost
Tepig follows in Oshawott’s footsteps as another, even more affordable Art Rare that can jump in price if you’re able to get a perfect grade on your copy. When it comes to more common cards, like Illustration Rares, their large print run often means that it’s difficult to guarantee their quality.
Thus, graded cards that distinguish themselves as the cleanest possible copies will represent this card’s long-term future as a valuable card from White Flare. Tepig might need some time to catch up to Oshawott’s raw value, but their graded copies will both be worth having.
1Zoroark – Art Rare
A Rise And Fall
At release, Zoroark was one ofthe most expensive cards in Japan’s White Flare set,and while it still sits among the best in the set, its overall value has dropped. However, Zoroark’s popularity and this card’s style that emphasizes brushstrokes will make it a popular choice to grade, as its visual appeal is undeniable.
While this card might visually have been better suited to be in Black Bolt than White Flare, its connection to Zoroark’s recent resurgence, along with the N’s Zoroark from Battle Partners and Journey Together, makes it a great card to grade for resale.
