PSA vs BGS Grading for Wartortle: Which Is Best?

In TCG ·

Wartortle Base Set 2 card art by Ken Sugimori, high-res image

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Choosing Between PSA and BGS for Wartortle: A Grading Guide

For collectors and players alike, the decision to submit a Wartortle from Base Set 2 to PSA or BGS is more than a sticker price. It’s about how you value condition, how you want to display the card, and how much you’re willing to pay for grading, packaging, and potential resale. This Water-type Star of the classic Squirtle line embodies a playful era of the Pokémon trading card game—Ken Sugimori’s artwork shines on the card stock, and the Uncommon rarity hints at a balance between accessibility and collectibility. The card exists in multiple variants—normal, holo, and even a w-Promo stamp—adding a layer of nuance to any grading decision. ⚡🔥

Let’s ground the discussion in what Wartortle brings to the table. This Stage1 evolution from Squirtle clocks in at 70 HP, a sturdy baseline for a Base Set 2 card. Its moves—Withdraw, which can stall damage, and Bite, a straightforward 40-damage attack—are emblematic of early 90s Pokémon TCG design: simple, thematic, and surprisingly strategic in the right deck. The card’s weakness to Lightning ×2 matters more in gameplay than in grading, but it does factor into how a collector might value a near-perfect copy for display or play. Aesthetically, the art by Ken Sugimori is iconic, and the Base Set 2 print runs are beloved for their nostalgic border style and color palette. 🎨

Grading systems at a glance: PSA vs BGS

  • PSA uses a 1–10 scale for overall grade. It is widely recognized across all TCG markets, and the submission process is streamlined for many mainstream collectors. PSA does not routinely publish four subgrades, so the condition data is more concise in the holder, which some buyers prefer for quick comparisons. 🏆
  • BGS (Beckett Grading Services) offers a more granular view with four subgrades (typically Centering, Edges, Corners, Surface) and an overall numerical grade that sits atop those subgrades. This transparency can be appealing to players who want a detailed map of where a card shines or slips. It also often carries a reputational edge among higher-end collectors, especially when the subgrades align well. 💎
  • In practice, a BGS 9.5 with strong subgrades can command a premium because buyers prize the additional diagnostic detail. PSA 10s are rare for older print runs like Base Set 2, but a clean, well-centered PSA 9 can still fetch healthy interest in the market. ⚡

For Wartortle, the impact of the grade matters because Base Set 2’s value curve is sensitive to surface and edge condition. The holo variants add another layer: holo Wartortle prints, when graded, can fetch noticeably higher prices than their non-holo counterparts—especially in near-mint to gem mint grades. In contrast, a normal (non-holo) copy tends to sit in a broad price band where grade increments have a more modest impact. The market data available for this card shows a broad spectrum: average prices hover around the low-to-mid single digits in USD for most copies, with holo and promo variants pushing toward higher ranges as condition improves. For non-holo cards, you’ll typically see a wider, more affordable trajectory. 💸

What condition means for value on this Wartortle

Pricing data from online markets paints a helpful picture. The Cardmarket average for this Wartortle sits around €1.25, with typical low prices dipping toward the €0.20–€0.40 range for rough copies and upticks for nicer copies. In USD, TCGPlayer’s data shows a normal copy often drifting around the $1.00–$2.00 area, with direct market prices around $1.79 and a high watermark of roughly $5.25 for standout holo or promo prints in strong condition. This pattern mirrors the general market trend: condition and print variant drive price more than anything, and grading can tilt the odds toward a higher-value listing when the card is presented in top form. 🪙

So, if you’re chasing a minty Wartortle from Base Set 2, a PSA 9 or BGS 9.5 can still move the needle, especially if the card has balanced centering and clean surfaces. A PSA 10 or BGS 10 would be the rarer unicorn, often justified only by exceptional preservation, precise centering, and sharp corners. For collectors who love the “story” of a card, the extra related data from BGS subgrades can also be a compelling reason to choose that route. 🎴

Practical guidance for submitting

  • Inspect centering and edges under good light; Base Set 2 copies frequently show slight printers’ alignment quirks from the era. Subtle whitening on corners or minor edge wear can influence a grade more than you’d expect. 🔎
  • Consider the print variant. A holo or w-Promo stamp Wartortle often carries a steeper premium in the market, particularly when graded, compared to a standard non-holo copy. Decide if you want the aesthetic display value of holo or the more modest price tier of non-holo.
  • Prepare for the submission process by using protective packaging and ensuring the card is clean and free of surface contaminants. For BGS, be mindful that the surface subgrade will assess any streaks or scuffs more granularly than PSA might. 🧼
  • Budget time and fees accordingly. PSA and BGS have different turnaround times and pricing structures, so factor in your timeline and how quickly you want to realize a return on a graded card. ⏳
  • Document your card’s provenance and details (set, variant, condition notes) to help any buyer understand what they’re getting. A well-documented submission can smooth negotiations in the market. 📝

From a gameplay standpoint, grading doesn’t alter how Withdraw and Bite function on the table, but it does influence how your collection is perceived in the community. The visual impact of a high-grade holo Wartortle can evoke the same nostalgia as turning the page in a vintage Pokémon guide. It’s a celebration of an era where a single card could spark a lifelong hobby, and that emotional value often translates into market interest. 🎮

Collector storytelling: art, scarcity, and identity

The Base Set 2 printing of Wartortle carries a classic silhouette, with Ken Sugimori’s unmistakable line art lending a timeless charm to the card. The rarity designation—Uncommon—might sound modest, but the print run’s accessibility made it a favorite among early collectors building budgets and their first “serious” collection. The holo variant and w-Promo copies serve as storytelling anchors for many portfolios, marking different chapters of a collector’s journey. When you pair that narrative with a well-graded specimen, you’re not just owning a card—you’re owning a memory. 💎

As you weigh PSA versus BGS, think about your goals: display quality, resale trajectory, and your tolerance for the level of condition detail you want to convey to a buyer. If you want broad market recognition with straightforward pricing, PSA remains a dependable choice. If you crave granular insight into a card’s condition and a coveted title like “Gem Mint with perfect subgrades,” BGS might be the path that aligns with your collecting creed. 🎴

Neon Gaming Mouse Pad 9x7 Neoprene Stitched Edges 2

More from our network