I bet you’ve wondered at some point: what are the top 5 rookie cards most likely to get a PSA 10 grade? Whether you’re new to collecting, helping your kids get into the hobby, or you’ve been chasing cardboard gold for years, landing a PSA 10, also known as Gem Mint, is a huge win. Not all cards are created equal when it comes to condition, though. Some are just made better or are less prone to issues like centring and edge wear. In this blog, we’ll walk through five rookie cards that are not only valuable but also give you a better shot at that perfect PSA 10.
1. 2011 Topps Update Mike Trout Rookie Card
This one’s no surprise. Mike Trout’s 2011 Topps Update rookie card is already a modern classic, and it has a Gem Mint rate of around 48%, making it one of the best rookie cards to grade. Whether you’re collecting for fun or as an investment, this card delivers.
The card’s design helps a lot: white borders reduce visible wear, and the quality control from Topps that year was relatively strong. It’s a favourite for collectors looking for rookie cards most likely to get a PSA 10, and even in high volumes, it holds long-term value thanks to Trout’s legacy.
2. 2018 Topps Chrome Shohei Ohtani (Pitching) Rookie Card
Ohtani’s cards exploded in popularity, and the 2018 Topps Chrome Pitching rookie is one of the best if you’re hunting for PSA 10s. The Gem Mint rate is over 50%, which is impressive given how many have been graded.
Topps Chrome cards are generally well-made, with sharp edges and solid surfaces. As long as there aren’t obvious print lines or scratches, you’ve got a strong chance at a 10. If you’re looking for rookie cards most likely to get a PSA 10, Ohtani’s Chrome Pitching RC is a standout.
3. 2018 Panini Prizm Luka Dončić Rookie Card
Basketball fans love Luka, and his 2018 Panini Prizm rookie card is one of the most graded basketball cards of the last decade. Despite that, it holds a Gem Mint rate between 45-50%, depending on the specific batch or print wave.
That’s excellent for a Prizm card, as these are notorious for surface and centring issues. If you pull one fresh or buy a clean raw version, it’s a smart card to submit. It’s widely recognised as one of the rookie cards most likely to get a PSA 10 in modern basketball.
4. 2020 Topps Chrome Luis Robert Rookie Card
Luis Robert’s hype was massive when he hit the scene, and his 2020 Topps Chrome rookie has one of the highest PSA 10 rates of any modern base rookie, sitting at around 65%.
Even though his market has cooled slightly, the card remains a strong grading candidate, especially if you’re looking to practice submissions or teach younger collectors the process. For those chasing rookie cards most likely to get a PSA 10, this one is almost always worth a look.
5. 2019 Panini Prizm Ja Morant Rookie Card
Another big name in modern basketball, Ja Morant’s 2019 Panini Prizm rookie card has a PSA 10 rate around 40-45%, which is solid given how tough Prizm cards can be.
While prices fluctuate with Ja’s on-court performance, his rookie card remains hugely popular. And for grading purposes, the high Gem Mint rate makes it a safer bet than many other cards from the same year. It easily makes our list of rookie cards most likely to get a PSA 10.
What Helps a Card Grade a 10?
Cards printed on glossy stock like Topps Chrome and Prizm tend to do well if they’re handled right. You want sharp corners, no surface scratches, and perfect centring. The cards on this list all benefit from strong manufacturing and smart design choices.
If you’re helping a younger collector, or just want to improve your own odds, use soft sleeves, top-loaders, and keep hands off the surface. Even modern cards can drop a grade with just a tiny print line or soft corner.
Want expert eyes on your cards before they go to PSA, CGC or Beckett? Let Black Label Grading handle your submission from start to finish. Contact us to get started grading your cards today.
