PSA vs BGS Grading: Hisuian Typhlosion in Obsidian Flames

Hisuian Typhlosion holo card art from Astral Radiance

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

PSA vs BGS Grading for Hisuian Typhlosion in Astral Radiance

Pulling Hisuian Typhlosion from Astral Radiance (swsh10-052) is a moment many collectors chase: a high-HP Psychic big-boss with a dramatic two-stage evolution, a flashy holo treatment, and a headlining ability that can tilt the board. For players, the card brings strategic value with Supernatural Orb — a mechanic that tucks burn and confusion into the tempo of the match by discarding a Psychic Energy. For collectors, the holo shine on this card makes it a desirable centerpiece for a Psychic-themed binder. The question many face is not only how it conducts on the table, but how to best preserve and showcase it through graded slabs. Let’s unpack PSA vs BGS grading and what this particular card means for value and display.

Card snapshot: what you’re protecting

Card: Hisuian Typhlosion
Set: Astral Radiance (swsh10)
Rarity: Holo Rare
Stage: Stage 2 — evolves from Quilava
HP: 150
Type: Psychic
Ability: Supernatural Orb — discard a Psychic Energy from hand to use (once per turn), may Burned and Confused the Defending Pokémon
Attack: Shadow Bind — 90 damage; during your opponent’s next turn, the Defending Pokémon can’t retreat
Retreat Cost: 1
Regulation Mark: F
Format: Expanded playable; Standard eligibility depends on current rotation

How PSA grades this card

PSA uses a single-number grade on a 1–10 scale, with no separate subgrades. When evaluating Hisuian Typhlosion for PSA, the key touchpoints are pristine centering, crisp corners, clean edges, and a flawless surface. In a holo like this one, the surface finish and holo pattern must be free of scratches, scuffs, or print lines that disrupt the sheen. Because this card is modern and widely collected, PSA 9 and PSA 10 copies are common targets for investors and players who want a reliable, slabbed copy that won’t distract with surface flaws.

For PSA, any minor printing artifact or faint holo lines on the surface can push the grade down from a perfect 10. The absence of subgrades means you’ll see a single reflective snapshot of condition, which makes a PSA 10 particularly coveted. In practice, a high-clarity holo with excellent centering and corners can reach PSA 10, while minor whitening on the edges or a faint scratch on the holo can settle into PSA 9. Rarity and demand for Astral Radiance cards keep PSA grades in steady circulation, and a clean Hisuian Typhlosion often finds a receptive market among modern Pokémon enthusiasts.

How BGS approaches the same card

Be prepared for a different grading philosophy with BGS. BGS slabs come with four subgrades — Centering, Edges, Corners, and Surface — plus an overall grade, and the label can be Black (for particularly high subgrades), Gold, or standard depending on the combination. With Hisuian Typhlosion, the subgrades tell a fuller story: you can see whether the holo’s surface was flawless while the corners are near-perfect, or if the edges show a touch of whitening that affects the overall grade.

In practice, a BGS 9.5 Dean-cut copy with strong subgrades (e.g., 9.5/9.5/9.5/10) can fetch a premium relative to a straight BGS 9, because the subgrades give collectors confidence in the card’s condition across key areas. A BGS 9.5 10 on the surface with near-perfect centering and crisp edges is especially appealing for display lovers who want a gem-like slab. The presence of a good Surface subgrade on a holo can compensate for minor corner wear, but any dip on Centering or Edges will influence the overall grade more dramatically in a BGS framework than under PSA’s single-number approach.

Why the grading choice matters for this card’s value

Astral Radiance brought a wave of modern-era holo rares into the spotlight, and Hisuian Typhlosion sits at an attractive intersection of playability and aesthetics. In the market, graded copies typically command a premium over raw cards, with the exact uplift depending on grade, population, and demand. PSA 10s and BGS 9.5/10s are the most sought after, but the overall market for modern holos is highly nuanced: the same card in a pristine PSA 9 can be more liquid than a BGS 9.5 in some circles, simply due to broader recognition. The holographic finish, combined with a definitive 150 HP and a standout ability, makes this Typhlosion a good candidate for both playability and display — which can amplify the appeal of a high-grade slab whether you pursue PSA or BGS pathways.

Tip: If your goal is to maximize resale or display impact, weigh the cost of grading and the population in each system. PSA slabs are widely recognized for easy trading and broad market acceptance, while BGS’s subgrades offer transparency about the card’s condition and a distinct “collector’s premium” for those who value the nuance of Centering, Surface, and Edges.

Current market hints for this card in holo form

Market data from modern holo trends shows that the raw Hisuian Typhlosion generally sits in a modest band, with holo copies circulating around a few tenths of a euro or dollar on average in ungraded listings. CardMarket’s holo average hovers around 0.35 EUR, with a low of roughly 0.02 EUR, and a trailing trend modestly upward. On TCGPlayer, holo copies show a broader spread: low around 0.12 USD, mid around 0.37 USD, and high up to about 2.99 USD for notable listings. Graded copies flip this dynamic—graded premiums reflect both the grade and the slab’s reputation. A high PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 can pull a notable uplift, especially among players who want a trustworthy display piece that won’t require immediate grading review. In short, condition remains king, and the superfine holo sheen only adds to the collecting narrative.

Deck-building notes and lore context

In play, Hisuian Typhlosion wields a classic “big swing” presence: a heavy-hit attacker with a defensive toolkit that leans on status effects and tempo. The Shadow Bind attack, paired with the threat of Supernatural Orb’s discard-cost activation, invites a thoughtful approach to energy acceleration and timing. Builders who lean into the Psychic archetype can pair Typhlosion with teammates who capitalize on disruption, ensuring that the opponent’s options shrink while your own path to victory remains open. The artwork and theme of the card evoke the Hisui region’s mythic flare, where ancient flame meets a spectral orb of energy — a narrative that resonates with collectors who savor flavor and history in their slabs.

As you plan your next graded acquisition, consider not just the raw card but how the grade will complement your collection’s display and your personal gameplay memory of pulling this holo from the booster pack. The Astral Radiance era is a beloved chapter in the TCG’s ongoing story, and Hisuian Typhlosion embodies that fusion of lore, strategy, and visual appeal that keeps fans coming back for more.

Phone Case with Card Holder – Impact Resistant Polycarbonate MagSafe