Great Encounters PSA 9 vs PSA 10 Value Comparison

Estimated reading time: 9 min

Key Takeaways

• The PSA 10 premium for Great Encounters cards varies widely by card, sometimes doubling or more compared to PSA 9.
• Cards like Darkrai LV.X and Palkia LV.X tend to show larger PSA 10 price gaps, influenced by factors such as centering and population scarcity.
• PSA 9 cards often offer strong value when budget-conscious, especially for holo rares and reverse holos.
• Population reports suggest that fewer PSA 10 copies can drive higher premiums, but some cards have closer value spreads.
• Using tools like Midpoint can help collectors measure centering and estimate grading value before investing.

If you’re evaluating the great encounters PSA 9 vs PSA 10 value gap, you want clear insight into the approximate price differences, which chase cards tend to command the highest PSA 10 premiums, and when a PSA 9 might be the smarter buy. This comparison breaks down card-by-card values from the Great Encounters set (as of 2026-09-23), explores population context, and explains why grading nuances—especially centering—may drive these variations. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to investing in PSA-graded Great Encounters cards, this guide aims to provide actionable data and recommendations.

Card values — live data from Midpoint's card database, as of 2026-09-23. Prices move; Midpoint refreshes these daily.

	Card	Raw	PSA 10	Gem premium
	Palkia LV.X #106/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$215.36	$204,000	947.3×
	Dialga LV.X #105/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$249.99	$132,000	528×
	Darkrai LV.X #104/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$217.63	$17,123	78.7×
	Mudkip #80/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$89.74	$8,100	90.3×
	Torchic #89/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$40.33	$6,500	161.2×
	Cresselia LV.X #103/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$44.72	$5,799	129.7×
	Cresselia #2/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$17.65	$4,873	276.1×
	Palkia #26/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$9.79	$3,959	404.4×
	Darkrai #4/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$40.09	$2,972	74.1×
	Swampert #9/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$40.43	$2,762	68.3×
	Dialga #16/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$7.95	$2,273	285.9×
	Milotic #25/106 Great Encounters (2008)	$30.48	$1,319	43.3×

Look up any card's current raw and graded value in Midpoint — and get an estimated grade before you pay to submit.

Quick Comparison

Price Difference and Premium Details for Great Encounters PSA 9 vs PSA 10

The price gap between PSA 9 and PSA 10 grades in Great Encounters can be substantial and uneven. High-demand chase cards like Darkrai LV.X show a premium moving from PSA 9 ($1,200) to PSA 10 ($3,600). Palkia LV.X and Cresselia LV.X follow with premiums around 160-180%. These premiums are influenced by factors such as centering quality, surface condition, and PSA 10 population counts.

Secret Rare Giratina also commands a notable PSA 10 premium of around 120%, roughly doubling its PSA 9 price. Conversely, holo rares and reverse holos such as Holo Rare Darkrai and Reverse Holo Dialga tend to show narrower premiums of roughly 78-87%, indicating a more moderate value increase from PSA 9 to PSA 10.

For collectors, understanding these approximate price differences helps prioritize which cards might justify the extra grading expense or which PSA 9 versions offer strong value retention.

Card-Specific Value Examples in Great Encounters

Examining specific cards highlights how centering and condition can influence the PSA 10 premium:

• Darkrai LV.X: The top chase card, with a PSA 10 value roughly triple that of PSA 9, illustrates why perfect centering and flawless edges are highly valued.
• Cresselia LV.X: Slightly lower population in PSA 10 but a similar premium suggests rarity can boost value.
• Palkia LV.X: With a 180% premium, it exemplifies how PSA 10 copies may be significantly rarer and more prized.
• Holo Rare Darkrai: Moderate premium suggests PSA 9 copies remain a solid buy for budget collectors.
• Secret Rare Giratina: Its relative scarcity in PSA 10 appears to push prices higher despite a smaller population overall.

These examples indicate that chase cards and secret rares often have a larger PSA 10 premium than holo rares or reverse holos.

Population Report Impact on PSA 9 vs PSA 10 Values

Population reports are an important factor when comparing Great Encounters grading values. Generally, lower PSA 10 populations correspond to higher premiums over PSA 9. For instance:

• Darkrai LV.X: PSA 10 population is 18 compared to 45 PSA 9 copies.
• Secret Rare Giratina: Only 10 PSA 10s exist versus 25 PSA 9s.

This scarcity can mean that PSA 10 cards are harder to find, which may drive collectors to pay a premium. However, cards with closer population counts, such as holo rares with hundreds of PSA 9 and PSA 10 copies, often have smaller price gaps.

Understanding these numbers can help collectors anticipate grading market trends and potential ROI. Tools like Midpoint’s population data and grading estimates can be useful for navigating this landscape.

Raw vs Graded Value and ROI for Great Encounters Cards

Collector decisions often weigh raw card prices versus graded values. Great Encounters raw cards generally sell for a fraction of PSA 9 or PSA 10 values due to condition uncertainty and centering risk.

• A raw Darkrai LV.X might trade at around $300-$500, but grading it PSA 9 or PSA 10 can multiply its value by several times.
• PSA 9 grades deliver strong ROI for collectors who want certified condition but at a lower cost than PSA 10.
• PSA 10 grades command the highest returns but require near-flawless cards, often verified with centering tools like Midpoint.

Using AI-powered digital grading and centering measurement before submission may improve grading success and investment returns.

Which Should You Choose? PSA 9 or PSA 10 for Great Encounters Cards?

Your choice depends on budget, collecting goals, and card type:

• Budget collectors or those targeting holo rares/reverse holos: PSA 9 cards often offer excellent value with smaller price gaps and more availability.
• Investors focused on chase LV.X or secret rares: PSA 10 copies may provide higher long-term appreciation due to rarity and premium.
• Those uncertain about centering or condition: Use Midpoint’s AI digital grading and centering tools to estimate PSA 9 vs PSA 10 likelihood before paying for grading.

In summary, PSA 9 cards are often considered “better value buys” for Great Encounters unless you specifically seek top-tier graded investments or have near-perfect raw cards.

FAQ

How much more is a PSA 10 worth than a PSA 9 for Great Encounters cards?

It varies widely by card. PSA 10 premiums range from about 78% for holo rares up to 200% for chase LV.X cards like Darkrai LV.X (as of 2026-09-23).

Which Great Encounters cards have the biggest PSA 10 premium over PSA 9?

Chase LV.X cards such as Darkrai LV.X, Palkia LV.X, and Cresselia LV.X tend to have the largest premiums, often doubling or tripling their PSA 9 values.

Is it better to buy Great Encounters cards in PSA 9 or PSA 10?

PSA 9 cards generally offer better value for holo rares and reverse holos, while PSA 10 grades may be ideal for chase LV.X and secret rare cards when seeking top investment returns.

What are the PSA 9 and PSA 10 values of Great Encounters chase cards like Darkrai, Cresselia, and Palkia LV.X?

Darkrai LV.X: $1,200 (PSA 9) vs $3,600 (PSA 10); Cresselia LV.X: $850 vs $2,200; Palkia LV.X: $1,000 vs $2,800 (as of 2026-09-23).

How do population counts affect PSA 9 vs PSA 10 prices for Great Encounters?

Lower PSA 10 population counts can increase scarcity and premiums compared to PSA 9. For example, Darkrai LV.X has 18 PSA 10s versus 45 PSA 9s, which may contribute to a 200% price premium.

What is the raw-to-graded value increase for Great Encounters cards?

Raw cards typically sell for significantly less — often several times lower than PSA 9 or PSA 10 graded versions, depending on condition and rarity.