Yeah, I’m normally content with just getting an ungraded card and leaving it in a toploader but for a card like this it seems a lot more trivial. I didn’t want to spend the money for a PSA high grade premium but it is what it is lol. Just getting into graded/older cards after filling out most of what I want for the XY sets so I guess I have to get used to it.
Yeah, I feel that. The good news is that spending more, in this instance, also retains better value. It’s the lowest risk you can get in this hobby. 
Keep in mind PSA 9 copies were selling for more a year ago. There is currently a larger supply so the price has dipped. The current price for already graded zards is a buyers market atm.
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Just bought a “New, adult owned” base set Zard for $43 shipped. It would have been a PSA 8 or 9 if not for a dent on the side of the card. If you’re looking for one mainly for your collection, I’d agree it’s best to buy one that’s already graded. Not worth the waste of time/hastle you’ll go through trying to get refunds or returns when you inevitably keep getting cards that you thought were supposed to be Mint.
I agree that most mint listings are closer to NM/EX, but I’ve found mints on multiple occasions for <$40 by being on ebay at the right time. And by mint I mean no scratches showing when tilted at every angle under overhead lighting, no edge sparkle, no warping, and not a trace of white on the back. I’m sure reputable sellers who advertise a copy as pack fresh could command $100+, but I also say that due to how often the card pops up, it’s a very feasible snag in mint for <$60.
Edit: Sorry to hear about some of your guys’ experiences. Guess I just had really good luck. 
I don’t think anyone will disagree that you can find some good deals on eBay for that card (or many others). Problem is that here, where the OP is requesting the card, sellers aren’t going to match the lowest eBay price and sell their card. Lots of good advice has been shared here, yours included.
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Mint with no foil showing at all on the front edges is normally a 6-700.00 PSA 10.
I have 1000s of base holos and all have at least some sparkle on the edges. The blades jst werent sharp enough. All my PSA 10s probably have some too.
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Bump.
Sent you a PM
Bump with update, looking for Best of XY.