Grading Candidates

Realistic profit = gem_rate × (psa10 − raw) − grading_cost.
Optimistic profit = (psa10 − raw) − grading_cost — i.e. assuming the card gets a 10.

Honest assumption: when the card doesn't grade a 10, we assume it recoups raw value at resale. We don't store PSA 9 / PSA 8 comps separately, so this simplifies the expected-value math. The page always shows both the realistic (gem-rate weighted) number and the optimistic (if it hits 10) number so you can see the spread.

Grading cost is resolved for the service and tier you pick. If a card's PSA 10 price exceeds a tier's max_value ceiling, we escalate to the next tier up to keep the quoted cost realistic.

Cards with fewer than 20 PSA-graded copies are flagged as low confidence — the gem rate is too noisy to trust. Raise or lower the "Min Pop" filter to taste.