✍ The Collector’s Crossroads

by Brews & Breaks

Why are PSA 10s vanishing faster than red shimmer zebras unicorn parallels at a Target restock? The hobby is crying foul, and it might not just be your centering. Let’s talk gem rate gatekeeping.

There was a time when pulling a PSA 10 felt like a moment of glory. You’d check that tracking number every day, praying to the cardboard gods. And then? Boom, GEM MINT. Cue the victory lap.

But in 2025? You’re lucky if your perfectly centered, pack-fresh rookie doesn’t come back looking like it got trampled at a card show.

“PSA must be grading on a potato now.” – Literally Everyone

Welcome to Pop Control Theater: Hobby Edition 🎭

🍟 PSA 9: The New Raw?? (I like 9’s BTW!)

The gem rate used to be a point of pride. Now it’s like applying to Harvard, good luck, peasant. You’ll need:

• A 55/45 centering prayer

• Zero surface dimples (not even ones made at the factory)

• A $75 grading fee

• And apparently, a goat sacrifice
  

PSA 9s are so common now they should just rename them "PSA Raw-Plus."

Meanwhile, that 2019 Panini sticker auto with 3 print lines and a soft corner? Oh yeah, that’s a 10. 🔟

📉 Are They Protecting the Pop or the Profit?

Let’s break it down:

• Fewer 10s = More demand for 10s

• More demand = Higher prices on their own set registry

• Higher prices = Everyone chases the grade

• And PSA gets more submissions
  

We’re not saying it’s rigged.
We’re just saying if PSA were a casino, the house is definitely winning.

“Your odds of a PSA 10 are now slightly worse than hitting a zebra disco shimmer in retail Select.”

🔎 Collectors React (Spoiler: They’re Over It)

“Graded three identical cards. One got a 10, one a 9, and one a 6. Same pack.”
“I got docked for ‘factory surface residue’... from a factory-sealed pack.”
“PSA used to mean something. Now it just means ‘Please Send Again.’”

There’s an entire generation of collectors now submitting to other companies, or going back to raw—because they’re tired of gem-rate roulette.

💡 So… What Should You Actually Do?

If your submission feels more like a scratch-off ticket than a hobby decision, maybe try this instead:

• Grade only low-pop, clean serial-numbered cards

• Consider BGS or CGC (or SGC, if you like adventure)

• Collect what you like, not what PSA decides is worthy
  

Let’s stop playing grading bingo and get back to collecting stuff that slaps.

🎤 Final Thought:

If PSA 10s are going extinct, maybe we should just embrace the 9. Start a PSA 9 set registry. Wear it with pride. Or better yet... just buy the card, not the grade.

📦 Call-To-Actions:

• 💬 Got a gem-worthy card that came back a 7? Drop your heartbreak story below.
  

• 📉 Wondering if PSA is still worth it in 2025? Read this first.
  

• 🚨 Stop chasing plastic prestige. Start collecting smarter.
  
  Until next time,
  Keep Sippin’ and Rippin’
  — Will @ Brews & Breaks 🍻

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