The best EX Sandstorm cards to grade are Umbreon reverse foil #24, the seven Pokémon-ex cards, and Pikachu reverse foil #72. Gardevoir ex #96 and Typhlosion ex #99 lead the Pokémon-ex group, while Aerodactyl, Kabutops, and Raichu ex deserve close inspection. Condition is the deciding factor. Most of these cards become substantially more valuable at PSA 10 than PSA 9, so a clean-looking card is not automatically a profitable submission.
Table of Contents
- Which Pokémon-ex cards should you prioritize?
- The non-ex cards that deserve attention
- Are Flareon and Jolteon worth grading?
- Why the expected grade matters so much
- A practical pre-grading inspection
Which Pokémon-ex cards should you prioritize?
Gardevoir ex #96 and Typhlosion ex #99 are the strongest Pokémon-ex candidates. The PSA price guide lists each at $800 in PSA 10, compared with $350 for Gardevoir and $330 for Typhlosion in PSA 9. Aerodactyl ex #94 follows at $750 in PSA 10 and $400 in PSA 9.
Kabutops ex #97 and Raichu ex #98 each carry a $700 PSA 10 guide value, versus $350 and $275 in PSA 9. Aggron ex #95 and Wailord ex #100 are second-tier choices. Both reach $600 in PSA 10, but their PSA 9 guide values fall to $250 and $350, respectively. Submit them selectively rather than treating every intact copy as grading-worthy.
The non-ex cards that deserve attention
Umbreon reverse foil #24 is the set's standout grading candidate, even though it is not a Pokémon-ex. PSA lists it at $800 in PSA 10 and $350 in PSA 9, giving it a gem-mint guide value equal to the leading ex cards.
Pikachu reverse foil #72 is another high-grade target. It carries PSA guide values of $450 in PSA 10 and $200 in PSA 9, while PokeValues reports only 14 PSA 10 examples and a 3.2% PSA-10 rate among submitted copies. Those figures support careful inspection, not an assumption that an apparently clean card will earn a 10.
Are Flareon and Jolteon worth grading?
Flareon holo #5, Jolteon holo #6, and their reverse foils can be worthwhile when exceptionally clean. Their PSA 10 guide values range from $275 to $350, placing them below the main ex cards, Umbreon, and Pikachu.
The regular holo versions have more protection at PSA 9. PSA values both holos at $200 in that grade, compared with $130 for Flareon reverse foil and $150 for Jolteon reverse foil. If two copies appear equally strong, the regular holo offers the better PSA 9 guide value.
Why the expected grade matters so much
The gap between PSA 9 and PSA 10 drives the decision. Raichu ex rises from $275 to $700, Pikachu reverse foil from $200 to $450, and Umbreon reverse foil from $350 to $800.
A card with a realistic PSA 9 ceiling requires a more cautious decision than one with a genuine chance at PSA 10. Treat these figures as guide values, not guaranteed proceeds. Before submitting, compare the card's likely grade with the appropriate grade-specific value rather than focusing only on the highest number in the guide.
A practical pre-grading inspection
PSA defines Gem Mint 10 as virtually perfect. Its standard calls for sharp corners, original gloss, no staining, and front centering generally within 55/45, according to PSA's grading standards.
Inspect each candidate under bright, angled light and remove it from any sleeve that hides flaws. Check for: Prioritize Umbreon reverse foil and the seven Pokémon-ex cards when they pass those checks. Be stricter with Pikachu, Flareon, Jolteon, Aggron, and Wailord because their lower-grade guide values leave less room for condition mistakes.
- Whitening or wear on every back corner and edge
- Scratches, scuffs, or print defects across the foil
- Dents, creases, staining, or surface impressions
- Noticeably uneven front centering
- Lost gloss or other visible handling wear
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