Team Rocket Grading Guide: Best Cards to Submit to PSA in 2026
Real PSA 10 values, grade multipliers, and a YES/MAYBE/NO verdict for the top 15 cards. Updated with current market prices so you know exactly whether the math works before paying a grading fee.
Top 15 Team Rocket Cards by PSA 10 Value
Sorted by PSA 10 value, highest first. Grade multiplier = PSA 10 price divided by raw price. Verdict: YES = multiplier above 2x and PSA 10 above $50; MAYBE = multiplier above 1.5x and PSA 10 above $30; NO = below those thresholds.
| # | Card | Raw | PSA 9 | PSA 10 | Multiplier | Grade It? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dark Charizard (4) 04/82 | $275.00 | $985.00 | $8,822.02 | 32.1x | YES |
| 2 | Dark Dragonite (5) 05/82 | $145.00 | $533.04 | $7,600.00 | 52.4x | YES |
| 3 | Dark Blastoise (3) 03/82 | $175.00 | $440.00 | $3,965.00 | 22.7x | YES |
| 4 | Dark Raichu 83/82 | $110.00 | $352.04 | $3,618.00 | 32.9x | YES |
| 5 | Dark Machamp (10) 10/82 | $46.00 | $142.12 | $2,351.50 | 51.1x | YES |
| 6 | Dark Alakazam (1) 01/82 | $69.99 | $252.50 | $2,125.00 | 30.4x | YES |
| 7 | Dark Gyarados (8) 08/82 | $49.00 | $125.00 | $1,999.99 | 40.8x | YES |
| 8 | Dark Slowbro (12) 12/82 | $46.00 | $250.00 | $1,745.00 | 37.9x | YES |
| 9 | Dark Vileplume (13) 13/82 | $36.99 | $101.99 | $1,650.25 | 44.6x | YES |
| 10 | Dark Charizard (21) 21/82 | $88.34 | $222.51 | $1,605.00 | 18.2x | YES |
| 11 | Rainbow Energy (17) 17/82 | $24.99 | $94.61 | $960.00 | 38.4x | YES |
| 12 | Dark Dugtrio (6) 06/82 | $40.00 | $130.00 | $850.00 | 21.3x | YES |
| 13 | Dark Hypno (9) 09/82 | $47.36 | $150.00 | $800.00 | 16.9x | YES |
| 14 | Dark Magneton (11) 11/82 | $38.99 | $132.04 | $799.99 | 20.5x | YES |
| 15 | Meowth 62/82 | $0.85 | $66.72 | $739.04 | 869.5x | YES |
Prices based on recent eBay and TCGPlayer sales via PokeTrace. Grading fee assumed at $25 (PSA Value tier) for verdict calculation.
Overview of Team Rocket for Grading
Team Rocket is a popular Pokemon TCG set with strong collector demand. The top cards from this set command meaningful PSA 10 premiums over raw prices.
Print Quality
Print quality varies by card type. Holo and special art cards should be inspected carefully under direct light before submitting. Check centering, corners, edges, and surface for any issues.
Grading Strategy
Several cards in this set have grade multipliers above 2x, making professional grading worthwhile for cards in excellent condition. See the table below for specific grading recommendations.
The 4 Things That Kill Team Rocket PSA 10 Grades
Centering
PSA 10 requires 55/45 to 60/40 on the front. Pokemon borders are narrow, so a 1mm shift makes a big difference in the ratio. Measure both axes before submitting.
Corner and edge wear
The dark blue Pokemon card back shows whitening at high contrast. Inspect all 4 corners and all 4 edges under bright light. Even a barely-visible nick drops the grade.
Holo surface scratches
Scratches on the holo layer are handling-caused and generally drop the grade by 1 to 3 levels. Print lines are factory-caused and graded more leniently, but still visible.
Surface print defects
A single print spot, focus shift, or scratch visible to the naked eye will usually cap the grade at PSA 9. Inspect under magnification before paying a grading fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Team Rocket cards worth grading?
Yes, selected Team Rocket cards are worth grading. The top card by PSA 10 value is Dark Charizard (4) at $8,822.02. Cards with grade multipliers above 2x are viable when the card is in excellent condition. See the full table above for specific verdicts.
What is the best card from Team Rocket to grade?
The best card from Team Rocket to grade based on current prices is Dark Charizard (4), with a PSA 10 value of $8,822.02 and a 32.1x grade multiplier. The math clearly favors grading if your copy is in good condition.
How do I know if my Team Rocket card is worth grading?
Compare the PSA 10 value in the table above to the raw price. A card is generally worth grading when the PSA 10 value is more than 2x raw AND the PSA 10 is above $50 after factoring in the grading fee ($25 to $50 for PSA). Pre-screen your card with our free AI grader to check centering and surface condition before committing to any fees.
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