Friends in Alolan Promo PSA9 vs PSA10: Which Grade to Collect

By Dopely Official USA | Published: 2026-10-24

Category: Comparisons

Compare PSA9 and PSA10 grades of the Friends in Alolan promo (SM-P 401). Learn which Japanese promo card fits your collection goals and budget.

Quick answer

Choose the PSA10 if you want the finest condition and long-term value; pick the PSA9 if you want an authentic copy at a significantly lower price without sacrificing slab security.

Why grade matters for this Japanese promo

The Friends in Alolan promo (SM-P 401) is a Japanese exclusive card featuring multiple Alolan Pokémon in a single illustration. Because it was distributed through promotional channels rather than regular booster packs, finding high-grade copies is harder. The difference between a PSA9 and a PSA10 can mean a visible centering or corner flaw that matters more to registry set builders than to casual collectors.

Price gap and investment angle

The PSA10 commands a premium — roughly three times the PSA9 price based on current catalog comparisons. That gap reflects the scarcity of gem-mint copies for this promo. If you plan to hold long-term, the PSA10 historically appreciates faster in the Japanese promo market. If you want to display the card without the higher entry cost, the PSA9 delivers the same artwork and authentication at a more accessible price.

Decision rules for Friends in Alolan Promo

Choose PSA9 if: You want an authentic, slabbed copy of the SM-P 401 promo and prefer to save roughly 65% compared to the PSA10 price.
Choose PSA10 if: You are building a PSA 10 master set of Japanese promos or treating the card as a long-term investment piece. Check the PSA certification number on the slab to verify the grade before purchase.
Avoid both if: You only care about the artwork and don't need a graded slab — a raw ungraded copy costs less and still displays the illustration.

Product facts

Friends in Alolan: PROMO[SM-P 401](SM-P Promotional cards) - PSA9: PSA9 grade — professionally graded and sealed in a tamper-evident holder with a unique certification number. You get full authentication and protection at a lower price point, ideal for budget-conscious collectors.
Friends in Alolan: PROMO[SM-P 401](SM-P Promotional cards) - PSA9
Friends in Alolan: PROMO[SM-P 401](SM-P Promotional cards) - PSA10: PSA10 grade — professionally graded and sealed in a tamper-evident holder with a unique certification number. The gem-mint grade maximizes long-term value and registry set eligibility for serious Japanese promo collectors.
Friends in Alolan: PROMO[SM-P 401](SM-P Promotional cards) - PSA10

Which grade fits you?

Best for

Collectors who want the highest condition and future appreciation
Registry set builders aiming for PSA10 completion

Not ideal for

Budget-focused collectors who just want the artwork slabbed — consider PSA9 instead