![Max Verstappen [Gold Refractor] #HC-1 (Racing Cards 2024 Topps Chrome Formula 1 Helmet Collection) — is it worth grading?](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/CrgAAeSwQ6lpwTub/s-l1600.jpg)
Is Max Verstappen [Gold Refractor] #HC-1 worth grading?
Racing · Racing Cards 2024 Topps Chrome Formula 1 Helmet Collection · full price guide →
Worth grading only if it gems
A Grade 9.5 Max Verstappen [Gold Refractor] #HC-1 brings $494 versus $449 raw — a $44.94 spread that covers an economy-tier ~$25 grading fee. A PSA 9 ($449) only about breaks even after fees, so the case rests on gemming.
- Raw (NM)
- $449
- Grade 9.5
- $494
- PSA 9
- $449
- Gem premium
- 1.1×
- As of
- Aug 16, 2026
Break-even by outcome and fee
| If it comes back… | Sells for | Economy / bulk (~$25.00) | Standard (~$50.00) | Express (~$150) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gem — Grade 9.5 | $494 | +$19.94 | −$5.06 | −$105 |
| PSA 9 | $449 | −$24.62 | −$49.62 | −$150 |
Net = sale price − $449 raw value − fee. Fee tiers are illustrative; plug your grader's current price into the calculator below.
Expected value — how often does it need to gem?
| Chance it gems | Expected sale | Expected net (standard fee) |
|---|---|---|
| 25% | $461 | −$38.48 |
| 50% | $472 | −$27.34 |
| 75% | $483 | −$16.20 |
At the standard fee this submission does not break even at any realistic gem rate unless the miss lands above the 9 price.
Full grade ladder
Raw conditions & history →| Grade | Graded |
|---|---|
| 9.5 | $494 |
| 9 | $449 |
Run your own numbers
Should I pay this?
Enter the seller’s asking price to see your net outcome per grade.
Other 2024 Topps Chrome Formula 1 Helmet Collection cards worth checking
Full set checklist →![Lando Norris [Sapphire] #HC-7 2024 Topps Chrome Formula 1 Helmet Collection card](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/XtgAAeSwE2Fp6tdw/s-l500.jpg)
![Oscar Piastri [Gold Refractor] #HC-8 2024 Topps Chrome Formula 1 Helmet Collection card](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zIoAAeSwYippdWM~/s-l500.jpg)
![Carlos Sainz [Sapphire] #HC-4 2024 Topps Chrome Formula 1 Helmet Collection card](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/duwAAeSw9Etn0OHL/s-l500.jpg)
Grading Max Verstappen [Gold Refractor] #HC-1 — FAQ
Is Max Verstappen [Gold Refractor] #HC-1 worth grading?
A Grade 9.5 Max Verstappen [Gold Refractor] #HC-1 brings $494 versus $449 raw — a $44.94 spread that covers an economy-tier ~$25 grading fee. A PSA 9 ($449) only about breaks even after fees, so the case rests on gemming.
Is your racing card centered well enough to grade?
Centering makes or breaks a PSA 10. Scan any card with Midpoint to measure its exact centering, get a grade estimate, and see what your copy is actually worth.
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