How Grading Companies Impact Maractus Card Market Prices

In TCG ·

Maractus sv09-008 card art from Journey Together (high-res)

Image courtesy of TCGdex.net

Grading Companies and the Maractus Market: Understanding the Value Jump

In the world of Pokémon TCG collecting and play, the moment a card leaves the printer and heads into a binder, a new chapter of value begins—one defined not only by rarity and power but by certification. Grading companies like PSA, BGS, and CGC establish a trusted standard for condition that can dramatically reshape market prices. For a card such as Maractus from Journey Together (sv09-008), this dynamic is especially interesting: an Uncommon Grass-type Basic with 110 HP, a distinctive ability, and a simple Colorless attack that can alter the tempo of a match. When buyers know a card has been professionally graded, they’re often more confident investing, flipping a raw copy into a certified treasure with a premium attached.

Maractus is a clear example of how grading affects both gameplay collectability and the psychology of buyers. The card’s Exploding Needles ability—“If this Pokémon is in the Active Spot and is Knocked Out by damage from an attack from your opponent's Pokémon, put 6 damage counters on the Attacking Pokémon”—adds a tactical edge to the card, even when it isn’t top-tier in terms of raw power. Its Corner attack, a straightforward 20 damage for a Colorless cost, pairs with a retreat cost of 2 to create some bench-preserving, stall-friendly moments during a match. These traits, bundled with Maractus’ placement in Journey Together, encourage collectors to seek pristine copies for both display and deck-building purposes. The card’s status as an uncommon in a 159-card official set (190 in total across printings) makes a graded copy feel both accessible and aspirational to players and collectors alike.

Pricing data from CardMarket underscores the market’s appetite for graded versus raw copies. As of the latest snapshot, the standard (non-holo) Maractus sv09-008 averages around 0.05 EUR, with a low near 0.02 EUR and a modest uptrend (roughly 0.07). In contrast, holo variants command higher premiums, averaging around 0.15 EUR with a stronger upward trend (about 0.13). Grading can push those differences even further, because certified copies are often valued for guaranteed centering, edge wear, and surface integrity—factors that raw copies cannot prove in the same way. For a card with a simple silhouette like Maractus, the incremental uplift from a grade 9 or 10 can be a meaningful driver of value, particularly for collectors who prize presentation on display shelves as much as in-dexterity on the tabletop. ⚡🔥

What does this mean for someone building a Maractus collection or a deck around Journey Together favorites? First, grading is less about raw power in the card game and more about the confidence it lends buyers. A sealed or graded holo Maractus becomes a focal point that can anchor a binder or a showcase deck, while a well-preserved non-holo with a crisp border and clean corners is no less collectible, especially for casual players who enjoy a budget-friendly option with legitimate investment potential. The Journey Together set, with its signature Dsuke artwork and the playful energy of Maractus, rewards attention to detail—whether via a pristine card or a thoughtful display mat that complements the display-worthy finish of a graded copy. 🎨

From a market perspective, the grading ecosystem supports a tiered ladder of value. Raw copies fetch baseline prices, while graded copies—especially those authenticated by PSA, BGS, or CGC—carry a premium that reflects a stamp of quality. The presence of holo and reverse holo variants within the same set further diversifies the landscape, offering collectors multiple routes to sentiment-driven value. The current data suggests that even modest grade improvements can attract a different buyer segment, one that is willing to pay for assurance and aesthetic perfection. For Maractus, a commonly overlooked Uncommon, that dynamic is an opportunity to turn a humble card into a centerpiece of a coordinated collection. 💎

As you consider purchasing Maractus or expanding a Journey Together lineup, think about how grading layers into your strategy. If your goal is display and long-term value, a graded holo or reverse holo could outperform a raw copy over time. If you’re more focused on playing, a well-kept raw card remains a solid choice for budget-friendly testing and deck-building—especially since Maractus’ Corner and Exploding Needles can slot into a Grass-focused approach with creative bench management. The market is nuanced, and grading adds another axis to navigate, but with thoughtful selection, Maractus can thrive in both the showy display case and the competitive binder. 🎴

To explore the product that pairs nicely with your hobby setup, consider this practical accessory:

Custom Rectangular Mouse Pad 9.3x7.8in Non-Slip Desk Mat

More from our network