PSA vs BGS: Grading Lapras ex in Pokémon TCG for Collectors

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Lapras ex holo card art from Stellar Crown SV07-032 illustrated by 5ban Graphics

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Grading Lapras ex: PSA vs BGS for Pokémon TCG Collectors

For dedicated collectors, the journey from open booster packs to a pristine slab is a story told in edges, centering, and the shimmer of holo-foil. Lapras ex from the Stellar Crown set (sv07) is a standout piece in many Water-focused decks and collectors’ binders, not just for its impressive 220 HP but for the artistry that carries the card’s vibe. Illustrated by the acclaimed 5ban Graphics, this Basic Water-type Lapras ex wears its double-rare pedigree with a glow that invites both gameplay reverence and market curiosity. As you consider sending this holo to a grading service, the contrast between PSA and BGS becomes more than a numbers game—it becomes a storytelling choice about how you want to showcase the card in your collection.

Card snapshot: what makes Lapras ex tick

  • Name: Lapras ex
  • Set: Stellar Crown (sv07)
  • Rarity: Double rare
  • Type: Water
  • Stage: Basic
  • HP: 220
  • Attacks:
    • Power Splash — Cost: Water. This attack does 40 damage for each Energy attached to this Pokémon.
    • Larimar Rain — Cost: Water, Psychic, Metal. Look at the top 20 cards of your deck and attach any number of Energy cards you find there to your Pokémon in any way you like. Shuffle the other cards back into your deck.
  • Illustrator: 5ban Graphics
  • Retreat: 2
  • Regulation: H
  • Legal: Standard and Expanded
  • Pricing snapshot: CardMarket avg around 1.24 EUR with a trend hovering around +1.45 in recent data (as of late 2025); holo variants can carry a premium depending on grade and condition.

Two attacks give Lapras ex in Stellar Crown genuine versatility. Power Splash scales with how many Energy are attached, turning a simple Water deck into a potential powerhouse late game. Larimar Rain, while providing a deck-thinning, energy-fetching engine, is a strategic tool for players who want to turbocharge their Energy placement while thinning the top of the deck. The combination of these moves, plus the gorgeous holo finish, makes the card a favorite among players and collectors alike—an ideal candidate for a serious grade, provided the surface and edges stay pristine through handling.

PSA vs BGS: the fundamental differences when grading Lapras ex

When you’re weighing a submission for Lapras ex, the big distinction comes down to how each organization interprets “quality” and what you want to showcase on the label.

  • PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator) uses a single-grade scale from 1 to 10. It’s the most widely recognized grading standard in the hobby, and for many collectors, a PSA 10 is the ultimate signal of mint condition. PSA grading is generally straightforward: centering, corners, surface, and edges are all considered, but subgrades aren’t shown on the label. For holo EX-era cards, PSA tends to favor a clean surface with minimal scuffing and a near-perfect centering; any holo scratches or edge whitening can be a deciding factor for a drop from 10 to 9 or a 9.
  • BGS (Beckett Grading Services) adds a layer of granularity with four subgrades—Centering, Edges, Corners, and Surface—tied to a dominant overall grade (10–1, with 9.5 and 9 common on rare, well-preserved holo cards). A Lapras ex holo that earns a 9.5 overall, for example, might carry subgrades like Centering 9.5, Edges 9, Corners 9.5, Surface 9.5. The subgrades make it easier for buyers to understand precisely where a card shines and where it’s most vulnerable, which is especially useful for a holo card with intricate foiling.
  • Market implications: PSA 10s often pull premium simply because of broad recognition, while BGS 9.5/9 with strong subgrades can draw a different kind of investor who values the transparency of the four-dimension scoring. For a card like Lapras ex (sv07-032), this distinction matters: the holo surface is delicate, and subgrades let you spotlight a pristine surface while acknowledging centering or edge wear that might be acceptable to certain buyers.

From a gameplay perspective, the grade isn’t just about rarity—it’s about preservation of the card’s mechanics and appearance. The holo foil pattern and any gloss loss around the edges can affect a grade more decisively than the card’s mechanical cleanliness. Collectors who intend to play paraphernalia or display in a binder will want to minimize surface scratches and manage edge whitening, while investors may target the pristine conditions that maximize resale value in either PSA or BGS slabs. ⚡🔥

Practical tips for grading Lapras ex, holo edition

If you’re considering sending Lapras ex to a grading service, here are practical steps to optimize your outcome:

  • Handle with clean hands and store in a protective top-loader + semi-rigid sleeve to limit scratches, especially on the holo surface.
  • Check centering carefully; for PSA, near-perfect centering across all four sides helps maintain a high-score, though a tiny tilt is common in older sets.
  • Assess the surface for micro-scratches or print defects that could affect surface subgrades in BGS. A great surface is the differentiator for a high BGS subgrade, especially on holo cards.
  • Inspect corners and edges for whitening or chipping; holo foils can exaggerate misalignment at the card’s border, which can influence the final grade.
  • Decide which grading path best fits your goals: if you want a broad market appeal and ease of sale, PSA is often the safer bet; if you value granular feedback on subgrades and the prestige of subgrades, BGS offers a compelling option.

Ultimately, Lapras ex from Stellar Crown is a compelling case study in how gameplay power and collectible charm intersect. Its Power Splash and Larimar Rain not only define a dynamic deck archetype but also underscore why this card remains a treasured piece in many collections. The artistry of 5ban Graphics, the gleam of the holo, and the hp-swollen presence of a 220 HP Pokémon all contribute to why grading decisions matter. Whether you chase a PSA 10 or a pristine BGS 9.5, the journey makes your collection richer—one sealed slab at a time. 🎴🎨

Product spotlight: for fans who appreciate functional gear in the real world, a stylish companion item can elevate your trading card hobby. Check out the Phone Click On Grip Portable Phone Holder Kickstand to keep your scouting notes, grading receipts, and field photos handy during shows and online mail days:

Phone Click On Grip Portable Phone Holder Kickstand

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