A highly sought-after 2004 Torchic Star card from the EX Team Rocket Returns set is approaching a potentially record-breaking sale, with its current auction bid reaching $1.3 million. The card's exceptional valuation is drawing scrutiny and debate among Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) collectors and enthusiasts regarding the subjective nature of card grading, particularly concerning its condition.
A Gem Mint 10 grade from the primary grading service, PSA, signifies a virtually perfect card, characterized by sharp corners, crisp printing, intact gloss, and precise centering. While PSA allows for minor printing imperfections, the overall expectation for a PSA 10 is near flawlessness. The Torchic Star card in question, however, exhibits noticeable white spots along its right edge and fraying on its left side, details that have led to considerable discussion about its suitability for such a high grade and price point.
This particular Torchic Star card is a rare find, originating from a set with a limited print run. Currently, only a small number of ungraded copies are available, and none hold a PSA 10 grade. Existing graded copies command substantial prices, with a CGC-rated 10 version previously selling for $117,800 in February 2026. The current auction, still with eight days remaining, could see the Torchic card become the second-highest Pokémon TCG sale ever, trailing only Logan Paul's $16.4 million Pikachu Illustrator card.
The controversy surrounding the card's grade and price highlights a perceived shift in grading standards. Many collectors believe that PSA's criteria have become more stringent over time, especially amidst the recent surge in the Pokémon TCG hobby's popularity and value. What might have been considered a PSA 10 in the past could now face a lower grade due to more rigorous examination.
Online reactions from the TCG community range from disbelief to resignation. Comments on social media platforms express astonishment at the card's valuation, with some suggesting it would receive a significantly lower grade if re-evaluated today. Despite the criticism, some fans argue that the card's rarity, with an estimated 19 PSA 10 copies in existence, justifies its premium price. The auction's outcome will undoubtedly be closely watched as a barometer for the current market's tolerance for perceived imperfections in high-value collectibles.