How does PSA tell different variations apart?


Hey all, I have this pikachu (CD best song promo) wanted to grade for my PC but noticed it looks exactly like the English version. If I sub this card will they just label it as English base set instead of the CD promo? Any help would be appreciated, thanks everyone!

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This Pikachu is printed with Japanese stock and it is quite noticeable in person.
PSA should be able to differentiate.

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Ah thank you, I honestly haven’t even taken it out of its original plastic to feel the stock yet but makes sense. I’ll keep my fingers crossed when it gets sent out :crossed_fingers:

PSA will label this as a regular Shadowless variant. If you want the designation you’ll have to use BGS or CGC.

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Yep! I just tried a test order to see if it was in PSAs system and couldn’t find it unless I’m missing something. CGC will definitely label it properly since I’ve seen those in the wild. Here’s a video from Rusty about his attempts, as well.

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Damn that sucks, it’s pretty sad psa trying so hard to corner the market but arent even equipped to recognize different variants