Read the Treecko Gold Star population report by matching the exact card and grade; "Pop 52" means PSA recorded 52 examples in PSA 10. It does not mean only 52 copies exist. A population report is a grading company's count of cards it has graded. The relevant entry is 2004 Pokémon EX Team Rocket Returns Treecko-Holo Gold Star #109, as shown in the PSA CardFacts record.
Table of Contents
- What the grade rows mean
- How to check a listing against the report
- Why visible rows may not equal the total
- What population data cannot prove
What the grade rows mean
Each row covers one specific grade. psa lists 52 treecko Gold Stars at GEM-MT 10 and 286 at MINT 9.
On the PSA 9 row, "Pop Higher 52" refers to the 52 examples graded above it at PSA 10. The counts continue with 276 PSA 8s, 166 PSA 7s, 167 PSA 6s, and 113 PSA 5s in the PSA CardFacts table. A card's population number is therefore incomplete without its grade.
How to check a listing against the report
Start with the label, not the seller's shorthand. "Treecko Gold Star" alone does not identify the set, card number, grading company, or grade needed for a valid comparison.
Use this sequence: For example, a PSA 9 listing should be compared with the PSA 9 population of 286, not the PSA 10 population of 52. That difference describes PSA's grade distribution; it does not decide whether either card's asking price is reasonable.
- Match the year, set, character, card number, and Gold Star designation.
- Confirm that the holder is from the company whose report you are reading.
- Find the exact grade row.
- Read "Pop" as the count at that grade.
- Read "Pop Higher" as the count above that grade.
Why visible rows may not equal the total
Do not add only the whole-number rows and label the result the complete PSA population. The PSA Population Report separates whole-number grades, half-point grades, and qualifier entries into exclusive lines.
PSA also warns that some variety data may be incomplete when a variety was recognized after grading began. Earlier holders may lack the newer identification until resubmitted. Treecko #109 has a specific entry, but this limitation matters when comparing broader report totals or specialized varieties.
What population data cannot prove
A PSA population measures PSA-graded examples. It does not include ungraded cards, establish the original print run, or count every surviving copy worldwide. Do not casually combine PSA and CGC figures.
CGC maintains a separate census for cards graded by CGC and states that its report should not be treated as an indicator of rarity or value on the CGC population-report page. Population counts can also change as more cards are graded or discovered. Before bidding or listing, record the exact card, company, grade, population, "Pop Higher" figure, and access date.
